Best Martini Henry

[MIL rifle1]

What would be the best Martini Henry to buy to shoot? I collect some other military surplus firearms, but don't know anything about the different models of the Martini Henry rifle. I see mk I, II, III, and IV's being discussed , but don't know which one would be the best rifle to purchase for shooting. I live fairly close to Atlanta cutlery, and was thinking of going over and picking one up. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Information

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[TheDoubleD]

Before you go buying a Martini for shooting research what it will cost you to load. Check the cost of brass, dies and .468 diameter molds. And maybe a new press if yours won't take 1 1/4" dies.

If you are going to Atlanta Cutlery, then find out what a C Pattern MK IV looks like and go for that.

[John Sukey (Deceased)]

It's a matter of price. A Mk1,2, or 3 is gonna cost more than a Mk4
However if you want to play "ZULU" you want a Mk3 which looks like a Mk1 or a Mk2
Also keep in mind , it you want a bayonet to go with it, the Mk4 B and C models will ONLY accept the more expensive blade bayonet instead of the socket bayonet. However all versions can take a blade bayonet.

Dies are not cheap, the price of brass will shock you, and yes, you will need a .468 bullet mould cause 45-70 bullets are on.y .457
Still, it's fun to stink out the guy next to you on the range with the lovely smell of hydrogen sulfide (black powder)

[MIL rifle1]

About a year ago I was looking into getting one and I found loaded ammo for about $5 a round and empty brass for about $3 each if I recall correctly. You are right it is very expensive. I would like to find one that was converted to .303, but they seem to be very hard to find.

[JB White]

The problem you will find with the 303's is there are now so many counterfeits on the market. Rifles cobbled up from questionable grades of materials and of very questionable workmanship. Thirld world tourist trinkets with fake markings have fooled at least one of the bulk importers who then sold them at cut rate prices. Some of their distributors are still stuck with that inventory and release them on to the market every-so-often.

Be very careful when shopping for a 303 and never take anyones word in regard to authenticity without KNOWING what you are looking at.

[TheDoubleD]

Well stated JB!!! Both Martini Forum Gunboards and British Militaria have extensive postings about identifing fakes.

[bigduke6]

The problem you will find with the 303's is there are now so many counterfeits on the market. Rifles cobbled up from questionable grades of materials and of very questionable workmanship. Thirld world tourist trinkets with fake markings have fooled at least one of the bulk importers who then sold them at cut rate prices. Some of their distributors are still stuck with that inventory and release them on to the market every-so-often.

Be very careful when shopping for a 303 and never take anyones word in regard to authenticity without KNOWING what you are looking at.

Pics of a real .303 carbine

[TheDoubleD]

Big Duke, what is the markings under the crown crown?

[bigduke6]

Big Duke, what is the markings under the crown crown?

TheDoubleD,
Markings under crown are E.R Underneath this R. E. Co then date 1901.
The butt has "c/s furst " impressed using dots to form the letters, also has the original sight protector.

Planning on deactivating it so can go on display, am just trying to find any info on Colour sergeant Furton before deactivation.
Dont know how true it is but have read that these were still issued during WW1 to the Royal Artillary and Royal Engineers.

[TheDoubleD]

This is a very unusual rifle. It might even be rare, if the marking can be verified. Can you post good clear pictures of the markings. If you have a scanner, scan the sides. Not many E.R marked Martini's are around and 1901 wouled be exceptioally rare.

To deactivate it as is done in UK is to destroy it. UK deact cannot be reversed. After UK deact it is just so much scrap metal and wood.

Please do not do it.