Newbie question

[brooksy]

when people are refering to snider enfields as 2 band, 3 band rifles, what does this mean? thanks

 

[Steppenwolf]

Most, but not all, Sniders were made by converting muzzle loading Enfield rifled muskets to the Snider type breech loader. Enfield rifled muskets were made in three barrel lengths: 39" with three barrel bands, 33" with two barrel bands and 24" with two barrel bands.

 

[brooksy]

thanks so much!