Custom Martini Rifle of My Dreams Gun is coming-shots fired

[Engineer1911]

Just an observation from looking / shooting the Martini I have now. If the barrel is 22 rimfire / CB cap, short, long, long rifle; I would believe that the sheer steel mass of the barrel & breech would safely fire any 22 LR cartridge except for the hypervelocity rounds.

Yes, I recognize that heat treating is questionable, non-existent, and unknown. One Half inch of steel will withstand any standard or high (not hyper-) velocity 22 LR rimfire cartridge. Modern cheap, low carbon, low quality steel has a mechanical yield strength = 20, 000 psi. Our Martini rifles can easily handle today's 22 rimfire cartridges less than hypervelocity.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Happy Easter to those following this thread, enjoy the peace of the day.

Played with the Martini last nite and got a loaded .22 lr to fit in. Used an SK Standard round, didn't try any US .22's. Figured it has a tighter match chamber.

Need help here. Since a full length 22 fi in the chamber, it has to be chambered for 22 lr not 22 short correct? Being made pre WW1 will it be safe to shoot with standard velocity target ammo?? The date of manufacture would be hard to guess with no markings on it. Larry

Happy Easter Larry!

Brad

 

[Jebus35745]

Took it to the club to shoot with SK standard, standard velocity. First shot fired and wouldn't eject so I put a piece of a 22 cleaning rod in to get it out by tilting the gun up and down. It got stuck, someone had another piece of 22 rod and we tried to push it all out. I think the first piece of rod entered the empty case 22 case expanded it, and sorta jammed it. Brought it all home to work on.

Next time I'll use CB longs. I think the standard velocity case expanded too much when it fired. It's a very tight chamber. Disappointed so far, Larry

PS Need a form or somewhere to find information on the Maker of this gun. Want to learn about what I bought

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

You might check to see if it is a Long chamber verses a Long Rifle.

Ivan

 

[walnutred]

I would also consider polishing the chamber.

 

[Exaviator]

That is one good looking firearm, the art of a professional gunsmith certainly shows in those photo's.
My own Martini, an 1895 .303 model only received a new barrel and a lick of varnish.

 

[Cotis]

Beautiful rifle. So what is involved with the conversion? I know some of the obvious - rebore the barrel (JES?), refit the extractor. The receiver bolt looks tricky, would seem easiest to find a centerfire one from a .310 cadet.

 

[Jebus35745]

The gun in the opening post isn't being converted, it's will still be 22lr. Andy could convert a 310 cadet to 32 mag by sleeving the barrel with a 32 sleeve. Then make the extractor fit. It's magical. He quoted 400.00. The LGS has a 310 in 38/44 B&D for 600.00.

I went the .310 cadet route with dies and original brass and for some reason it didn't work for me. Larry

 

[Jebus35745]

Here is an answer by the seller of the rifle from GB. Is is a custom rifle maker with a fantastic reputation. I asked him if he restored the rifle, his response.

"To specifically answer your question: no, I did not restore this rifle. In fact, I did not even shoot it. I sold this rifle in the condition in which I received it. Looking back at the description I wrote: "A dovetail insert that perfectly compliments the front sight fills the space vacated by the original rear sight, which was replaced by a Lyman 1A aperture sight installed on the rear tang." indicating that- at the very least- there were changes made to the sighting from its original configuration. Hence, I did not describe the rifle "in original condition". I described the rifle as accurately as possible with no intent to mislead. If, in fact, it was refinished I would say the work done was of world-class quality and not done here in the States. But that is my professional opinion. I agree that if the gun was restored, someone with a great amount of skill performed the work.

You have a remarkable, beautiful, rare and desirable rifle, one that most anyone would be delighted to own. I hope any detractors on the internet forums do not diminish the joy you have in owning such an amazing and unique rifle. I have not heard back from its previous owner regarding what he knows of its history. He is an international business consultant and currently traveling abroad. He did indicate he would contact me upon his return and I will gladly pass on what information he shares. I will be in touch."

 

[Jebus35745]

Shot 22 CB Long out of it today, actually got 5 rounds to fire. Every shot the empty case got harder to pry out with my fingernail. The 5th shot was tough to extract, didn't want to use anything metal to avoid a scratch.

Gonna re-polish the chamber with a drill, turning slowly. Getting there, just need to figure it out.

The shots were 2" high and centered. The last 3 shots I used the set trigger and it worked great. Wanted to try the CCI Quiet but quit, had nothing to get the empty case out. Larry