Snider MKI* Short Rifles are common around southern Ontario.
I own two;
SNIDER MK I* SR 1862 Enfield 70/186 Champlain Battalion
SNIDER MK I* SR 1861 Enfield 82/168 Queens County Provisional Battalion
I have had nine (9) go through my hands in the last two years or so.
Southern Ontario seems to be a hotbed for Snider's for sale, as there where a lot of militia battalions in this centralized area.
For years in the Snider collecting community, MK I* where called BS.
Skennerton's book, "A treatise on the Snider" had no mention of MK I*'s.
Not until 2003, a 2nd publication came out by Skennerton, ".577 Snider-Enfield Rifles & Carbines" which did in fact mention the existence of these rifles.
As read, British Artificers (they are now called "Weapon Techs") in Canada conducted the conversions on these short rifles from MK I to MK I* in late 1866.
There are many papers written on rules and regulations regarding Snider's and Martini Henry.
I have seen many variations of these firearms here in Canada.
Not all meet the standard of regulations for markings, cleaning rod modifications and so on.
I would say that being here in Canada at a militia level of ownership, not every battalion followed these rules and regulations to a T.
For instance, once in the hands of militia rifle clubs, there where odd modifications done to sights.
Moral of my story, we here in Canada liked to do our own thing, even back then.
People will call my statement BS, they had to follow the strict regulations, but I have seen more than my fair share to disagree.
I started the Facebook Snider page to try and bring like minded Snider lovers together.
I have often thought of having people post in a section of your Snider's, as found in Canada.
It would be interesting.
Not to say the least that things where not switched out over the years.
You would think that Snider's would have a huge following in Canada, but they don't.
They where definitely in service for the longest period of time.
Yes, there has been a resurgence of Snider shooters, thanks to the internet.
We can all meet in a common place, just like now.
Tbolt, tell your buddy to hang onto that Snider, it's a true piece of Canandian Military History from days gone by!
