This .577 Snider Rifle was made by London gunsmith James Beattie between 1865-1878. During this time his company was known as J. Beattie & Son. This rifle is based on the patent of the .577 Snider breech block. It is similar to the .577 Snider-Enfield but this is not an Enfield conversion. This rifle appears to be patterned off the Snider-Enfield Artillery Carbine and has a 21 ½ inch barrel with five groove rifling, a full stock, and two barrel bands. Of note is the rear sight which is a three leaf flip up and not the typical ladder sight found on Enfields.
J. Beattie & Son rifles, shotguns, and dueling pistols are often seen with beautiful checkered wood, elaborate engraving and scroll work, and high quality materials. This rifle does not feature any of those attributes. The wood is of lower quality and somewhat rough-hewn. The engraving is extremely minimal on the side plate and trigger guard. Given these features this would be considered a “Trade Pattern” rifle made to be sold to volunteer militia/military units or to private citizens.
This rifle is in overall fair condition. The stock is good but the wood is a bit rough, there is blackening at the front and at the butt as well as the normal dings, scratches, and wear to be expected of a rifle of this age. There is one minor crack near the screw above trigger but there is no other apparent splitting or cracking.
The finish on the metal of this rifle is almost completely lost and there is rust staining throughout the entire rifle. The worst staining is on the trigger guard with some rust as well on the inside of the guard. Rust is present on rear sling loop which is also slightly bent. The butt plate shows rust and pitting.
The barrel is rust stained with little visible finish. The bore is fair, 2.5/5, five groove, and shows pitting. The rifling shows wear but for a rifle of this vintage and caliber is better than expected.
The breech is rust stained with minor grime but functions smoothly. Hammer, trigger, and firing pin rust stained but function normally. All parts, screws, sling swivels, and hardware appears present. This rifle includes the cleaning rod.