Muzzle and foresight protector MkII
The Mk2 Brass muzzle protector was introduced § 2928 on On 26th Feb 1876, as the Protector, foresight and muzzle (MkII) to be used as a guide for the cleaning rod LOC 2928 . Unlike the earlier Mk1 version this has a hole in the end with an internal tubular guide, which the rod would pass, but of a smaller diameter than the jag. The soldier would push the screwed end of the rod into the hole of his brass protector, this now served as a ferrule, centering the rod in the muzzle to prevent metal to metal contact and the obvious protection of the crown. He then would screw on his Jag, wrap a flannel and insert the jag into the bore.
His instruction:
“The protector will then be properly placed on the muzzle of the rifle, and held there firmly with the left hand, while the rod is worked with the right hand”.
MkII protectors internal projecting guide tube caught the crown of the rifle, it was ordered to be removed § 5071 8th October 1886, and a special burring tool was issued to facilitate this by demand of armourers for inclusion in the Dodds forge.
