Boer War rifles

[Lord Eoin MacKenzie]

Would a rolling block carbine in .303Brit be OK for use?

[Jake C]

I'm far from an expert, but I'd bet money that it would be. Other, more knowledgeable folk will let you know for sure.

[River City John]

http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol052fm.html

Good resource.




RCJ

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Here are a couple of sites;

http://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/boer-units/179-foreign-vols/1955-scandinavian-vols

http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol145sb.html

Navigate around. I have acquired an 1888 Commission rifle for my ante as the Scandinavian Korps  were issued with them, at least in the early phases where troops fought an open conventional war. Mausers (7 x 57) and Krags (6.5 x 55) would be the common arm for most boer Kommandos. For GAF, I think a smokeless roller would fit in as they exist in 7 x 57, 30-40 and 8 x 58. The story might have to be that your persona must have served in a Spanish or Mexican setting as a miner before taking employment in S.A.. The fly in the ointment would have been that few blue collar settlers travelled with a military arm. Most of the boer volunteers were armed from State government sources. Possibly an explanation that you were a hunter MIGHT serve, but most hunters would have been Brits and would serve on the other side and carry a Long Lee rifle or (rarely) a carbine.

During the guerrilla phase, I suspect that almost any arm would have been pressed into service. Check the approved list above, in this topic and have an explanation for your particular persona. BTW, boer volunteers included some Americans, they, and European volunteers could be found in any Kommando.

[Drydock]

Rolling Blocks have been called the AK-47 of the 19th Century.  They'll fit most anywhere!

[Lord Eoin MacKenzie]

Hunterslodge .com has a few different Mauser in 7mm and 8mm.  They also advertise .303 Martini Henry,s for about $440
The Single Shot exchange has Complete rolling blocks  and there is a Snyder carbine in the Guns for sale.

[pony express]

A Martini Enfield would be great-get to shoot a Martini, without the expense and recoil of the 577-450 cartridge. But you have to be careful, one of the major importers was selling "original" Martini Enfields a few years ago, that many believed were actually "Khyber Pass" guns. I read a report (Gunboards? or on Surplusrifleforum?) where someone test fired it remotely, something like 125-150 rounds before total failure.

[Lord Eoin MacKenzie]

I sm;ooking for info on Boer war, Both regarding the common Komando clothing.  Pictures would be helpful.  sources better.000

[Drydock]

A great watch, and some excellent images.

[pony express]

I can't remember the exact search I used, but there is a website dedicated to the Boer war that has a lot of images, as well as pictures of re-enacting of the period. I really should start saving these searches when I find them!

[cpt dan blodgett]

93 mauser a decent boer weapon or must it be a 95??

[Drydock]

Many 93s were used.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Go "on the line" as my personal manager calls it;  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/475721989180141/

http://www.henrileriche.com/the-reenactors-of-the-anglo-boer-war-in-south-africa-2/

[pony express]

Thanks Sir Charles! The second one looks like the one I was referring to.



PS: If anybody makes a (reasonably priced) reproduction of those early Mauser bandoleers, with the holes in the bottom of the pouch for the bullets, I want one!

[Niederlander]

I'm sure you could use the British bandolier.  I would guess a lot of Boers picked them up from British soldiers who didn't need them anymore.  What Price Glory has them.

[pony express]

Sure, you coulduse the British one-but the other one is the one I would want


The Mauser bandoleer with the bullets showing would also be good for Mexican Revolution, where there weren't many Lee-Enfields present.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Thanks Sir Charles! The second one looks like the one I was referring to.



PS: If anybody makes a (reasonably priced) reproduction of those early Mauser bandoleers, with the holes in the bottom of the pouch for the bullets, I want one!

They were a patented. The Brits used a variation to fit chargers for the SMLE. I would like to know if they are available as The Scandinavian Korps were issued the Mauser '88 and this bandolier for their ammo. The photo in my first link shows this , while the members wore the standard 3 piece civilian outfit in sturdy cloth.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bandolier+for+mauser+ammo+boer+war&client=firefox-b-ab&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=g1oMVAl9qe4unM%253A%252CpbYc4wrSZtHUVM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTTGTdsz-0xLfK5zkulV8N98EF4CQ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwih1rms3pfeAhWHulMKHWEdDbAQ9QEwDHoECAQQBg#imgrc=_

http://www.karkeeweb.com/patterns/1903/components/1903_bandoliers.html

http://www.africanxmag.com/mausers_7mm.htm

[pony express]

If you scroll down far enough in the Facebook page above, there's someone in England custom making the Mauser Bandoleer like in the Boer pictures, but....for 120 British Pounds, plus shipping, they're not cheap!

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

If you scroll down far enough in the Facebook page above, there's someone in England custom making the Mauser Bandoleer like in the Boer pictures, but....for 120 British Pounds, plus shipping, they're not cheap!

I don't think the bandoliers were posted when I attached that link. They look easy enough to replicate with a bit of pattern making.

[pony express]

I don't think the bandoliers were posted when I attached that link. They look easy enough to replicate with a bit of pattern making.

I found the bandoleer WAAAAAYYY down in the facebook thread. Probably not to difficult, assuming one has some talent, or skill, and both hands that don't fall asleep when doing that kind of work.....