So I joined........

[82Trooper]

Merry Christmas!
My last post I was "considering" a new purchase, and a few weeks ago I got a 10% off discount code in an e-mail from IMA, so I "pulled the trigger" and ordered a P-1871 short lever Martini-Henry. I specifically asked for a hand selected, BSA or Enfield, with a production date earlier than 1878 (in my mind..it had to be possible that it could have been at Rorke's Drift!).
The package deal included a original socket bayonet and a Nepalese scabbard.
Christmas came a little early for me yesterday, and the box was here when I got home from work.
And yes, the last photos are the hole in my ceiling from the bayonet...darn, those things are long!!
I am also fortunate to have a spouse that allows me to display my stuff in the living room!
I am very pleased with my 1875 model....what do you guys think?

Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Looks too good to be a wallhanger - get it banging again!

---------- Post added at 04:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:56 PM ----------

The offset of the Roman II below the viewer's mark shows that it was originally built as a Mk I, then upgraded to MK II. I.e. another I added, hence the offset.

[browningautorifle]

Looks good, pretty good shape considering it's probably past.

[82Trooper]

Yes, I thought that is what the offset "I" meant...I am having a good time doing my research, reading everything I can find on all things Martini!
I plan in decoding as many of the markings as I can, but for know I am pretty content to hold it and just look at it an allow my mind to wander over the past 143 years....
I do plan on shooting it...after giving it a thorough once-over and running a patch or two thru the barrel.
In the time since I originally ordered it...I also procured some accessories...muzzle cover, oil bottle, cleaning jag and the action implement tool.
I also have 10 rounds of Kynoch ammo (which I will likely hold on to), but acting on information here, I bought a .45 Colt adapter, which I would like to try out.
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[mmppres]

Great looking rifle have fun with the old girl.

[browningautorifle]

I bought a .45 Colt adapter, which I would like to try out.

Let us know all the poop when you do. Lots have been talking about those here...

[Ovidio]

Looks great!

[82Trooper]

Should I consider shooting the 1950’s Kynoch ammunition?
Or should I skip it and just go with the adapter and current
Production .45 Colt ammo?
Any thoughts?

[browningautorifle]

the adapter and current
Production .45 Colt ammo?

I want to know if you get accuracy with the adaptor...of course I'd shoot the full bore ammo though.

[82Trooper]

To follow up to my earlier post…..this weekend I had the opportunity to shoot my “new to me” 143 year old Mk II, using 60 year old cartridges, with my 24 year old niece.
Just to get acquainted, and to make sure everything functioned after a careful (if amateur) visual inspection, we set up a 25 yard range on a trail on my parent’s property. The intent was the aforementioned function check, and just to see if the old girl would hit paper. Nothing too technical or scientific, but just for some new year’s fun.

We took turns and shot 8 rounds of 1950’s (?) vintage Kynoch .577/.450 and had one misfire. Dented the primer, but no “bang”. We then shot 15 rounds of .45 Colt thru the steel adapter. I wanted to keep this fun, so we did not concern ourselves with a bench rest, or marking the rounds on paper. As you can see from the target, most hit the paper. No way to tell which are Kynoch and which are modern rounds with the adapter (I will save that exercise for my next outing) to get a better idea of what was shooting where. But overall, there appears to be no major disparity in accuracy using the adapter vs. regular rounds.

But mostly, I was satisfied spend some time with my niece and to watch her smile as she pulled the trigger on my new/old rifle and hear a bang. Hope the rest of the new year goes as smoothly!

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