WTB martini henry

I would like to get my hands on one of these. Any suggestions? Gunbroker? IMA?

If you just want a wallhanger - no problem, there are truckloads about.

BUT - if you want an original M-H that is a safe shooter - big problem - those truckloads contain mostly worn-out wrecks, obvious Khyber-Pass specials, and quite a few not-so obvious mixmasters with original bits that have been recycled. Markings are no guarantee! - I once handled one with too-good-to-be true markings which, under the watchmaker's eyeglass, could be seen to have been photo-etched. It would have fooled anyone in photographs.

So my comment to "I would like to get my hands on one of these.." is: don't buy one without getting your hands on it first.And being able to dismantle and re-assemble it to discover the nasties inside the receiver before you shell out good money.

Knowhow first.
Hands-on second.
Money last.

Buying from IMA will get you a known quantity M-H if you get one that's cleaned and complete. you can get an untouched one from them for a lot less money if you have the know-how (especially woodworking) and patience.

If you are stuck with having to buy without physically getting your hands on it, IMA is really your only good choice. If you buy one of the cleaned ones....whether MK II or MK IV, you'll get a solid rifle and if anything is wrong, I've never known them not to make it right. If you must go with an untouched one, go for a MK IV, which generally run in much better condition for a number of reasons. You might have to do a tad of work....but most get by with a thorough cleaning. With IMA you side-step most of the bigger problems encountered. First you know these are 100 percent real unfooled with rifles. Two you are almost certain to get a VG to better bore, since they haven't been in neglectful civilian hands. While we constantly see comments on the boards about surplus rifles that the troops really abused them....just look at the rusted bore.....almost all the damage I've encountered is from post military service. Disciplined military don't let bores rust to hell, but many a subsequent owner will.

Thanks