Best Martini Henry

[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.

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[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..