I can confirm the story about the British Royal Navy using these rifles, and also Winchesters, in 44-40. The technique was to approach the sea mines, floating just above the surface, about eight feet in diameter with contact fuse 'spikes' sticking out like a porcupine, and aim to hit one of the spikes, which would then detonated the mine. Of course it helped to be close to the mine to hit a spike, whilst bobbing about in a little boat, but not ideal when the mine went off....

This is not a mission I would have been keen to volunteer for!

Of course with our current legislation here in Britain it is forbidden to own slide action rifles (other than rimfire) so I have never handled one, but it looks like a useful rifle.

HB