you tube

Did you guys see the carbine right after the M98 action show and tell ? That is a very rare variant and only a dozen of so examples are known in the world today. I just about went nuts when I saw it!

It is the direct precursor of the "lengthened" Kar 98 adopted in 1908 by Germany and many were sent to German colonies never to return. If I have a dream carbine, one of those early trial carbines are them.
 
Soper rifle was manufactured in Reading, Berkshire, England. It was sort of a lever-operated self-extracting, ejecting Snider (given that you follow what I mean) and it was REALLY fast, even faster to reload than a Martini. Breechblock arrangement was similar in principle to a Snider but it was operated by this neat thumb-lever on the right side of the rifle: flip you thumb up and over the wrist of the stock and you wre shoving the lever down, opening the breech, extracting and ejecting the fired round. Toss in a fresh round and slap her shut and you're away. It made quite a name for itself, but turned up a day late for the official trials, so the Martini-Henry ended up as the official rifle. A few hundred Sopers were made, a few of those actually saw action in the hands of officers, then the whole idea quietly died away.

Now, that's a design that somebody really ought to produce: a block-action rifle which is faster than most bolts.

No, I don't have one.

Yes, I really DO want one!

If I had a bowl of soup right now, I could cry in it!
.
 
smellie; Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom. Yes, I too really want one! very interesting design and as my sir name is Soper....it is a must acquire for me....I'm off to warm up some soup:D

I am also aware of a Canadian Soper who was a well known gun maker {muzzle black powder}. Philo Soper from the London Ontario area. apparently he was awarded a contract to make the King of Britain a "hunting gun". Aside from the sir name, is there a connection between Philo and the Soper's factory in England that later produced this interesting design?
 
Last edited:
I just read an interesting article from trials Soper rifle {breech} vs. Muzzle loader. It was noted that a Sergent Soper scored 5 bulls @ 200yrds before a single shot was fired from the guys competing with the muzzle loaders. The Soper rifle was more accurate and much faster than the muzzle loading rifles of the time. Although technically superior, It was felt that the Soper was not well suited for military service and by 1888 the factory in Reading England was idled.
I find it interesting that there was a Philo Soper smithing guns in London Ontario 1840-1860 that also have a good rep. {learned his trade in an Uncles shop back in England?}
If one could be found in good order any idea what it would be worth? {the english breech loader}

Ok, Billybob.....you've found a fish in me and I'll bite.....how much?......PM me if you wish. The gun must function as intended and any alterations disclosed ok?
 
What a wonderful show, thanks very much for the link.
That Soper rifle looks very interesting.
Incredible rate of fire for the time, but it looks like
it might have been a bit of a mechanical nightmare.

They sure looked to be having fun filming that show.
I must look to see if there are more episodes around.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom