"Gahendra" Martini

[Mikesm44]

Hello. This is my first Martini. It is a Gahendra Martini. I do not know much about these. I was told it was made in the 1880s, and I understand that these rifles were made in a sort of "cottage industry" in Nepal. As such the metallurgy seems to be unpredictable. This particular one has already fired a round packed with 110 grain. The previous owner apparently was curious. I think maybe one day I'll reload a few rounds, I got a bit of brass with it. Probably won't load it so hot though. Well anyway, I would appreciate any info you guys could give me. I have no idea how to find out or if I can find out how old it is.

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[Patrick Chadwick]

This particular one has already fired a round packed with 110 grain. The previous owner apparently was curious. I think maybe one day I'll reload a few rounds, I got a bit of brass with it. Probably won't load it so hot though.

That is unnecessarily hot, IMOH practically a proof load. About 85gn of Swiss No. 3 or 4 (1-1/2 Fg* or Ffg) is more than enough for the rifle and your shoulder. The trouble with loading less is the huge case volume.

*I'm not sure about the F-g ratings. The powder sold here is marked No. 1...4.

---------- Post added at 06:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:04 AM ----------

The best (the only?) source of info on the Gahendra Martinis can is here:

http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.c...m#.Unh8wKxwaAI

[Mikesm44]

That is unnecessarily hot, IMOH practically a proof load. About 85gn of Swiss No. 3 or 4 (1-1/2 Fg* or Ffg) is more than enough for the rifle and your shoulder. The trouble with loading less is the huge case volume.

*I'm not sure about the F-g ratings. The powder sold here is marked No. 1...4.

---------- Post added at 06:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:04 AM ----------

The best (the only?) source of info on the Gahendra Martinis can is here:

http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.c...m#.Unh8wKxwaAI

Thanks Patrick. I had found that that site as well, and actually have joined and posted already. I don't reload so I don't know, but in either case I do not fully trust someone else's "proofing" of this rifle. One day in the future I will give her a try. Probably just one or two rounds to say that I have shot it.

[Anzac15]

I have one of the so called 'improved' Gahendras, and it is practically like new, although you wouldn't have guessed that when I got it from Atlanta Cutlery. It seems incredibly well built considering what the Nepalese had to work with. I'll get around to slugging this one and loading for it one day, as I would also like to say I put a few rounds through it.
The AC warehouse is about 45 minutes from me, and it's like a candy store every time I go there!

[Mikesm44]

I have one of the so called 'improved' Gahendras, and it is practically like new, although you wouldn't have guessed that when I got it from Atlanta Cutlery. It seems incredibly well built considering what the Nepalese had to work with. I'll get around to slugging this one and loading for it one day, as I would also like to say I put a few rounds through it.
The AC warehouse is about 45 minutes from me, and it's like a candy store every time I go there!

That would be bad for me if they were that close. Haha. Got some pics of it?

[Anzac15]

Actually had a thread on here a while back about them. Had two 'improved' Gahendras, sold one. Definitely keeping this one! Look under the tags for 'Improved Gahendras from Nepalese cache, both are pictured there.

[Mikesm44]

@Anzac15 your rifles look nice. I got that book too. Where were you able to find slings?

[Anzac15]

Atlanta Cutlery and IMA have them. I picked up quite a few last time I was there.