Martini Enfield 303

[Oysters]

G'day Gents,

I've very recently had the opportunity to get a hold of this nice looking Martini Enfield 303, and immediately got a hold of it (would have been rude not to in my opinion). It's been purchased in Australia.

Now I admit I hadn't done much in the way of research on these as there doesn't seem to be a great deal of information relating specifically to the Enfields, this one appears to be dated both sides so I had assumed its been converted at some point.

Just looking for any further information the wonderful resource that is this community can provide on the markings, the wood markings proved impossible to photograph and are quite faded anyway though the metal marks are the best on one of these I've personally seen.

With it came this old bayonet form another corner, which I'm sure had zero relation to this particular rifle, however does seem to go onto this make/model, though I'm unsure if that is the case, or if it is, how exactly it fits or the purpose/orientation of the screwed piece.

It's a very clean rifle for it's age and I'm very much looking forward to making some loads to feed it and try it out, but would feel incomplete without learning more about it.

Thanks for all your time

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[NORTHOF60]

A very nice, clean looking firearm. I sure that someone will be able to help you. I've attached a link to Martini Henry Org. that may help.

Martini Enfield Rifle MkI

[Daan Kemp]

Block looks 577/450. Converted to 303 like many were. Good shooters.

Don't be fooled by the thumb hollow, you thumb will certainly hit your cheek when firing; the stock will be too short.

[browningautorifle]

Nice catch. Nice looking rifle too. I had a chance to buy one of two that had been converted decades ago and didn't take either. They were so tight that fired brass from one would fit the other. That would be a good shooter I think and reloading should be easy. Load standard according to the books and don't worry. Once you see how it shoots you can adjust bullet weight and loadings.

[user1]

Nice looking rifle, I don't know how much you know on the markings so will just put it all out there, D^D is Australian military ownership, over 2 means it was issued to NSW. The date on the but is when it was issued.
The >< is a sold out of service mark. The rest on the metal are proof and inspection marks.
Cheers

[Oysters]

Ah I didn't know about the 2 meaning a NSW issued rifle, thanks for that, I remember I got quite the lesson when I took my first Milsurp to the range on just how much you can learn about these old rifles and I was pretty quickly hooked, I'll never get tired of hearing about them. Nobody warned me about how many I'd accumulate over the next few years either!

[Daan Kemp]

Originally made in 577/450 in 1872 [Martini Henry], changed to 303 in 1900 [Martini Enfield].

[Aragorn243]

One that I'd like to pick up someday. Would like to get the Gras conversion to 8mm Lebel also. Interesting transitional rifles when they were too cheap to just make the new ones.

[Eaglelord17]

One that I'd like to pick up someday. Would like to get the Gras conversion to 8mm Lebel also. Interesting transitional rifles when they were too cheap to just make the new ones.

I have one of those Gras conversions. It shoots a bit to the right, however it might just be the most accurate milsurp I own surprisingly, the bore is about brand new on it.

[Terrylee]

The 2 indicates that while in its Martini Henry configuration the rifle was downgraded to a second class weapon. This was cancelled when it was converted to Martini Enfield. Commonly observed.