The latter third of the nineteenth century was one of great power and responsibility for the British Empire, and with that power came wars that necessitated the design of a new breechloading rifle. This book traces the story of the rifles and carbines that were the mainstay of the British soldier through a series of Victorian wars. The book provides a general history of the series, with chaptes on all the various marks of rifles and carbines, as well as information on commercial models, ammunition and bayonets. Specifications for the rifles and carbines are provided.