Afghan Rifles

[crowback]

I know these are not WW2 but I still want to share 'em.
They just arrived via mail yesterday. I picked them up
while in Afghanistan. The price was right !

First is a Snider - Enfield conversion -

[crowback]

Snider

Snider markings -

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Zulu !

And from the ZULU wars ! Martini - Henry -

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Martini

Martini markings -

[Rich Pouncey]

Back at Christmas '79 when the Soviets went into Afghanistan I had a temporary recall to active status to work on Soviet Mid East assessments and estimates. It was very common to see ground photography of Afghan Resistance Fighters armed with these and others in a full muzzleloading status. Honest to God...these were used against "Ivan" in the early stages of the occupation!

[dect]

Enjoy Afghani marketplace http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=751_1177818439

[Josh Beckett]

Nice weapons.

BTW, thank you for your service and for defending my freedom.

[james m]

The first rifle you picture appears to be a Snider conversion to a British musket made by BSA(Birmingham Small Arms).
Jim

[crowback]

Rifles

Thanks Jim. I had "British Small Arms" on my mind.
As you can see, both weapons are marked BSA. Were they under contract to Enfield ?

The first rifle you picture appears to be a Snider conversion to a British musket made by BSA(Birmingham Small Arms).
Jim

[james m]

Josh:
Enfield contract? Not that I don't know. You'd probably have to get in-depth book on British military arms for that type of information. Those are two really nice examples you have there.
Jim