Martini-Henry Mk II .450 in breech-loading rifle, 1875

Although the Snider Rifle was introduced in 1866 as the first British breech-loading infantry weapon, it was merely a converted muzzle-loader. During the same period tests were being conducted to produce a new, purpose-built breech-loader firing a much smaller bullet of higher velocity. The result of the trials was the Martini-Henry, a rifle capable of firing accurately to over 1000 yards. Introduced in 1871, it remained the primary weapon of the British Army for almost twenty years.