Best Martini Henry

[MIL rifle1]

What would be the best Martini Henry to buy to shoot? I collect some other military surplus firearms, but don't know anything about the different models of the Martini Henry rifle. I see mk I, II, III, and IV's being discussed , but don't know which one would be the best rifle to purchase for shooting. I live fairly close to Atlanta cutlery, and was thinking of going over and picking one up. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[TheDoubleD]

Before you go buying a Martini for shooting research what it will cost you to load. Check the cost of brass, dies and .468 diameter molds. And maybe a new press if yours won't take 1 1/4" dies.

If you are going to Atlanta Cutlery, then find out what a C Pattern MK IV looks like and go for that.

[John Sukey]

It's a matter of price. A Mk1,2, or 3 is gonna cost more than a Mk4
However if you want to play "ZULU" you want a Mk3 which looks like a Mk1 or a Mk2
Also keep in mind , it you want a bayonet to go with it, the Mk4 B and C models will ONLY accept the more expensive blade bayonet instead of the socket bayonet. However all versions can take a blade bayonet.

Dies are not cheap, the price of brass will shock you, and yes, you will need a .468 bullet mould cause 45-70 bullets are on.y .457
Still, it's fun to stink out the guy next to you on the range with the lovely smell of hydrogen sulfide (black powder)

[MIL rifle1]

About a year ago I was looking into getting one and I found loaded ammo for about $5 a round and empty brass for about $3 each if I recall correctly. You are right it is very expensive. I would like to find one that was converted to .303, but they seem to be very hard to find.

[JB White]

The problem you will find with the 303's is there are now so many counterfeits on the market. Rifles cobbled up from questionable grades of materials and of very questionable workmanship. Thirld world tourist trinkets with fake markings have fooled at least one of the bulk importers who then sold them at cut rate prices. Some of their distributors are still stuck with that inventory and release them on to the market every-so-often.

Be very careful when shopping for a 303 and never take anyones word in regard to authenticity without KNOWING what you are looking at.

[TheDoubleD]

Well stated JB!!! Both Martini Forum Gunboards and British Militaria have extensive postings about identifing fakes.

[Richardwv]

I can only second DoubleD's recommendation regarding a shooter....all things being equal. Like any rifle, condition (particularly the bore) matters. The MK I rifles are very expensive when you can find them. The MK I converted to MK II or MK II rifles can shoot as well as any MH, but aren't as robust in the extractor or forearm wood attachment. AC doesn't have MK III rifles and they are relatively scarce in this neck of the woods. The MK IV is the final version of the MH in 577/450 and the Pattern C rifles were the ones made from all new parts (unlike the Pattern A and B rifles which were conversions from the unissued EM rifles). Personally my MK IV Pattern B is my best shooter even if it does look a little rough around the edges. My two Pattern C rifles aren't as accurate for whatever reason. So like any guideline on "best", variations between individual rifles may trump a generally held truth. After all the newest of these are well over a century old.

The MK IV is considered less desireable by many collectors for a number of reasons, starting with the ungainly looks of its long (but very practical) lever and the fact that it was essentially obsolete at the time of being issued and therefore mainly a rifle of colonial forces. While the MK I and MK II rifles dated prior to the Zulu War are the most sought after for historical reasons, they also are priced accordingly and we all know history and a higher price doesn't make a rifle shoot better. The later dated MK II rifles are virtually the same rifle, just manufactured/dated later.

[maxcreigs]

According to Guns and Ammo the Martini-Henry is valued at around $750US-$900US (371GBP-446GBP). That is depending upon the model, along with the condition, where it was produced, etc. Rarer (earlier, short levered) models have more value. They were more valuable a few years ago until the Nepalese stocks flooded the market. Best advice is to clean it, the barest of restoration (too much devalues it), maintain it (light oiling*on the metal parts) and wax the furniture**, and hold on to it. Eventually the Nepalese stocks will be depleted and you will see fewer and fewer on the open market..

[bigduke6]

The problem you will find with the 303's is there are now so many counterfeits on the market. Rifles cobbled up from questionable grades of materials and of very questionable workmanship. Thirld world tourist trinkets with fake markings have fooled at least one of the bulk importers who then sold them at cut rate prices. Some of their distributors are still stuck with that inventory and release them on to the market every-so-often.

Be very careful when shopping for a 303 and never take anyones word in regard to authenticity without KNOWING what you are looking at.

Pics of a real .303 carbine

[TheDoubleD]

Big Duke, what is the markings under the crown crown?