Printable View
Can you tell if this is the correct cleaning rod for my MK IV. I'm not sure but I think it is an early type based on the drawings here http://www.martinihenry.com/images4/martinirods.jpg
If it is correct, is there a way to make it stay in place as it creeps out upon firing. If not I'll start looking for a correct one. IMA seems to be out of them at the moment.
Apologize for the blurry pic.
Thanks
Stuart
Attachment 87606
On my MK IV the swivel screw on the upper band tightens up the cleaning rod retention but if taken too far will cause the rod to bow slightly and become impossible to remove. This help? Endless apologies if not. Best wishes. Dave
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../10/orig-1.jpg
Thanks Dave
I think I have the wrong rod as I don't have that slot like yours at the forestock band.
Looks like I was wrong about IMA though. The website I looked at this morning had them listed as out of stock, but that must have been someone else as IMA has them for about $30.
When I get the new one I'll check the swivel screw.
Stuart
Martin Henry Society have some MK4 rods but obviously the shipping will be quite high to the States. Cleaning Rod Mk1V Rifle Original
If you click on the link the picture will show you what the correct rod should look like. It looks like it's probably the same rod as in Post 2. There is much interesting information on this site.
Now that I've got that squared away (will order one as soon as cash is available) can someone tell me what the threaded end of the cleaning rod is for.
Stuart
You ask the chap who runs the Martini Henry Society; he is very knowledgeable and very helpful. He does or did when I last tried take phone calls but it may turn into a long but interesting phone conversation!
Don't the cleaning jags screw on to the end of the rod? I'll have to find mine and try screwing it on. I think IMA still has them
'flygrimm' - MasterChief's photo shows the correct type of Rod for your Mark IV - MH.
The Rod you now have is a 'modified' Mark I - MH Rod.
Originally the Mark I Rod Head was larger. In fact, it was larger than bore diameter and required an implement on the threaded end in order to knock out a stuck case or clean the barrel. IIRC - The 'cross-hole' in the head was for an implement or punch to be inserted to serve as a handle.
I believe a lot of the 'modified' Mark I - MH Rods have come from the Nepal Cache (of badly stored British Arms). I don't know if the Heads were ground to smaller diameter in Britain or in Nepal. (Reducing the head diameter allowed the head to enter the bore so the rod could be used to clear a stuck case - Good Move!).
I was happy to get one of these 'modified' early rods a number of years ago for an Enfield made (1873) Mark I Martini-Henry, that was missing its Rod.
A loose unaltered Mark I Rod is an extreme rarity.
(Photo 1. Mark I rod & jag. 2. Mark I 'modified' Rod.
Attachment 87699Attachment 87700