DP Martini Enfield - what to do???

[Bruce_in_Oz]

barrel threads are the same as the No4 Enfield

NOT quite.

Same nominal diameter and pitch, but different FORM.

Martini breech threads are the same as a SMLE; i.e. a SPECIAL "Enfield form".

At a pinch, and if you can find a Lithgow "H" barrel lying around somewhere, go for it.

Some "creativity" may be involved to get everything lined up and headspaced.

If money is no object, I hear there are companies in your neck of the woods making NEW .303 barrels of one sort or another.

Another option may be to contact some of the folk who specialise in "butchering" fine old guns for the "deactivated" market and see if you and your local dealer / gunsmith can do a swap for an undeactictivated barrel of the correct or approximately correct pattern.

Biggest caveat: All the other usual "warnings" regarding reviving "downgraded" arms apply.

[dudefromthenorth]

NOT quite.

Same nominal diameter and pitch, but different FORM.

Martini breech threads are the same as a SMLE; i.e. a SPECIAL "Enfield form".

At a pinch, and if you can find a Lithgow "H" barrel lying around somewhere, go for it.

Some "creativity" may be involved to get everything lined up and headspaced.

If money is no object, I hear there are companies in your neck of the woods making NEW .303 barrels of one sort or another.

Another option may be to contact some of the folk who specialise in "butchering" fine old guns for the "deactivated" market and see if you and your local dealer / gunsmith can do a swap for an undeactictivated barrel of the correct or approximately correct pattern.

Biggest caveat: All the other usual "warnings" regarding reviving "downgraded" arms apply.

Mind if I interrupt with a question? Who's making barrels up here in Canada? I keep finding myself looking at Martini carbines and assorted projects...

[enfieldshooter]

I have a Martini Enfield that I rebarreled with a SMLE No1 Mk3 barrel. The sights even line up. If you use a No 4 barrel the sights are 180 degrees out. You will have to recut the chamber as the Martini rim is recessed in the end of the barrel but the SMLE is not.
It tidied up my chamber and it is a very nice shooter.
A lot of the Martinis were DP marked when retired and handed over to the Cadet Forces here in NZ. These were still good rifles but were not fired. Some were even brought back into service as Home Guard rifles in WW2. I have one with the HG markings.
I am also sure I have read that the R is for a rusted barrel or chamber. I would give it a good clean, have a good look at the barrel and chamber and if OK remote fire a few rounds.
enfieldshooter

[Gary D]

Or you can just sent it my way. I have become as fond of my Martinis as I am my Lees, and have a dangerously reckless attitude about old firearms probably developed from all the whiners going on about "dangerous headspacing" fables.

[bombdoc]

Just for the record, I have witnessed a Martini action failure.. It was a small frame Martini - possibly a .310 Cadet - It was about twenty years ago and I forget the fine details..

The frame failed down the left hand side at the corner. The block stayed in place however the case failed and vented gas to the rear. There was a loud bang, the shooter was not hurt, but badly shaken...

On questioning what he had done, he said that he had "just filled the case to capacity because it was a strong gun" He was a pistol shooter and had just taken up rifle shooting after the ban..

Every system has it's limit!

I would not use a DP rifle.. you have no idea why the weapon was downgraded!

[CINDERS]

Last year my gunsmith fitted a new H barrel to my mates Martini Henry 303 as the other barrel was toast it shoots very well indeed.

[RCS]

I have seen photos of the Martini large action as used by Turkey, modified around 1909 with a metal stirrup at the rear of the receiver to re-enforce the receiver. This was done when these were re-barreled to use the 7,65x53mm cartridge. The Turks saved everything !