Martini-Henry

[GWLindsay]

I just spent a very enjoyable day cleaning up the Mark IV Martini-Henry and Pattern 1887 Mark III bayonet I ordered from IMA. It's in good condition, with only a few spots of moderate pitting under the wood line and on the cleaning rod. After taking it apart, which was an adventure, and cleaning off a century or so of dried on grease and gunk, and putting it back together, which was a greater adventure, I discovered the bore and the action are in great shape, no pitting and locking up tight. This is going to be a shooter!

This is one long rifle! With the bayonet attached, it comes in at about 5'10", but it balances beautifully.

Oh, you want pictures? Here you go:

1709

1710

1711

Now to get some ammo and I'll be ready for the next time the Zulus invade Seattle!

[Stan in SC]

They are wonderful rifles.I had one that was an artillery carbine and was chambered in .303British.Do you plan to reload with black or smokeless powder?

Stan

[HerrMesser]

Looking good.

Rad

[duncaninfrance]

I took some pics of one owned by a member of our club in Blaye although you will see from the pictures that the owner is an a#####e!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/Duncaninfrance/IMG_8726AWEB.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/Duncaninfrance/IMG_8727AWEB.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/Duncaninfrance/IMG_8734AWEB.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/Duncaninfrance/IMG_8733AWEB.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/Duncaninfrance/IMG_8736AWEB.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/Duncaninfrance/IMG_8745AWEB.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/Duncaninfrance/IMG_8748AWEB.jpg


He thinks it is a great piece - I think he should learn to clean his guns :cussing: :cussing: :cussing:

[A square 10]

i agree on the cleaning ...........

great rifle and bayo , on my list of wants but not yet at the top , congrats

[GWLindsay]

Do you plan to reload with black or smokeless powder?

Stan

Probably smokeless with a few black powder to get the authentic experience. This is finally going to get me into reloading, something I've been putting off for a while now. With custom loaders charging anywhere from $3.50 to $8.00 a round, reloading is the only way I can afford to shoot this thing!

[Stan in SC]

Reloading is great.You will learn a lot.

Stan

[DoubleD]

Be very carefull with smokeless, it can be done. The problem is the Martini case is so big you can run into problems with ignition.

It's not undoable, it just takes a bit of study.

In fact the accuracy potential of the 577/450 with smokeless is pretty high. You just have to understand the correct diameter bullet to use is a .468, not a .458.

[Rock Island]

Nice rifle, I picked up one out of a private collection 20 years ago, Mark IV 1886, original owner got it from Bannerman just after the Great War, still has it's original sling with a mint bore. I picked up a cartridge converter for .45 Colt that works well for plinking in these, I don't know if they are still available. Use BP, smokeless powder is just not the same experiance.

[colslayton]

looks great bud!

are the zulus invading Seattle.

I think I will be ready.

[GWLindsay]

looks great bud!

are the zulus invading Seattle.

I think I will be ready.

Why, thank you John! I might even let you fire it once or twice once I get some ammo...;)

And let me make this official, since this your first post: Welcome to the forum. we're glad you're here!

[A square 10]

i just traded for one - its a custom shotgun , for trap , hoping to combine my passion with my hobby and shoot better trap - we shall see

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r188/Asquare10/IMGP0011.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r188/Asquare10/IMGP0001-4.jpg

[GWLindsay]

VERY NICE, A Square!!! Lovely wood and an interesting blend of the classic Martini action and the modern stock and vent rib barrel design.

Let us know how it shoots!