Martini-Henry .450 inch rifle Mk I, 2nd pattern 1873

Although the Snider rifle was introduced in 1866 as the first 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 1,000 yards. Introduced in 1871, it remained the primary weapon of the British Army for almost 20 years and went through a variety of versions.