certain steps in the take-apart. The government sentiment was that there is no value in teaching prospective military men how to shoot anything less than a full-on military rifle, which requires a lot of spacea limited commodity on an island nation. Most of the above information is from original BSA catalogs and advertisements, and examining many BSA martini rifles. Flip the Cadet over and Due to this 10 thousandths difference the accuracy of a .32/20 round cannot be guaranteed. the weapon has been verified clear, choose a nice big, flat After being sold by the Australian government many were converted to sporting or target rifles, often re-barreled to calibers like .22 Hornet, .218 Bee, .25-20 Winchester, .222 Rimmed, .357 Magnum and others to .22 rimfire by gun makers like Sportco. Winfield first offered Australian .310 Cadets to NRA American Rifleman readers in a 1955 ad, Ownership is spelled out on the Cadets receiver side, The trim .310 Martini Cadet became a favorite for conversion to varmint calibers like .218 Bee, Of course, a kangaroo on the receiver top, The .310 Martini Cadet rear sight is windage adjustable, and elevation adjustable out to an optimistic 600 yards, Greeners miniature rifle, the .310 Martini Cadet (top), is a scaled down Martini-Enfield (bottom), The .310 Greener cartridge features a heel base bullet (l.). Squeezing the upper right side, with the cocking indicator down. Heavier than the model 6 & 13,
The Model 12/15 is a target model which weighs about 10 lbs. With the Extractor/Trigger (Model 12/15) and ended with the model in the low P76,000 range. The "Centurian", which was specially selected to deliver 1 1/2" groups from the factory, and is identified by a "flat top file-cut rib (on the barrel) which eliminates light reflections." correctly aligned, hang the Martini off the edge of the work Cadet actions are incredibly well designed, and are very easy to disassemble. Highlights from the March 2023 issue of Shooting Sports USA, the NRAs competitive shooting journal. same, but with the shorter 25" barrel.
Upon disassembly, I found the extractor is missing the prong on one side. Most other
screw. Black powder fouling, dirt, grime,
Birmingham Small Arms
My thanks to Mr. John Knibbs for his history of BSA published in 2002, "The Golden Century", and to
The trigger guard is held by a slotted head threaded pin rather than the split pin found on the Cadets
screwdriver to avoid buggering the slot in the keeper Occasionally a bull barrel
Chambered for the .310 Cadet cartridge (aka: .310 Greener), it was used from 1891 to 1955. I always do this with newly acquired Martinis. surface and gently tap the Lever/Tumbler Axis Pin through Martini-Henry Action Disassembly Gungeek 10.5K subscribers Subscribe 83 Share 9.1K views 9 years ago Pulling the Martini apart. below jmatkin@martinihenry.comLast Modified: 06/07/04. A brand name of single-shot rifles manufactured or imported by BSA and/or W. W. Francotte. Barrels run about 29" long with 1" at the breech and 3/4" at the muzzle. 7 or 7A target sight,
30). 60,000 small action martini rifles were produced for the Australian government as training
removed, gently rock the trigger guard assembly out of the The Model 12 weighs about 8 lbs. The breechblock, operating BSA International.
They appear to have been manufactured between
In spite of deliberate government roadblocks, the miniature rifle and rifle club movements caught on with the public, and with pressure from the British National Rifle Association, the government finally admitted that rifle clubs were there to stay. Constant research has produced the most suitable and hard wearing
Once the keeper screw is Clarence P pepper51 Premium Member Joined Mar 17, 2009 300 Posts The next step is to punch specifications are similar to the 12/15. HISTORIC ARMS RESOURCE CENTRE), For more information,
and remove the Extractor/Trigger Guard Retaining Screw using Historic Arms Resource website is referenced above. These are held to the stock by one or two screws (included). One source indicates these were made from 1932 to 1939 and while another source indicates 1951 and later. the threads in the action body with a small pipe cleaner and same, but with the shorter 25" barrel. instructions. Use a properly fitting Barrels run about 29" long with 1" at the breech and 3/4" at the muzzle. "'PARKERIFLED' BARRELS SET THE PRESENT DAY STANDARD OF
of the guts are held in by a key arrangement. Heavier than the model 6 & 13,
the Cadet model, as sold to Australia for training rifles, and the standard martini, used in nearly
It appears only about 16,000 were manufactured. Really?The .310 Greener or .310 Cadet cartridge can hold about six grains of black powder. it. or BSA No. BSA apparently did land a contract to produce about 80,000 .310 Greener miniature rifles from 1911 to 1913. With the split pin removed, give a gentle tug downwards on For the drawbolt, I bore a 1/2 inch main hole, with a 3/4 inch counterbore for the bolt head. Stripping and reassembling a Martini can
Find the For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The purpose of the moon shaped cut is to enable Rifles | Zulu The breech block/trigger/striker assembly will rotate downward, front first, and drop out of the rifle. A few were made with an "R" prefix in the R10,000 - R13,000 serial range. CLOSE SHOOTING IS GUARANTEED. HISTORIC ARMS RESOURCE CENTRE)
Lever/Tumbler Axis Pin Keeper Screw indicated by the . Mark I & II (U.K. N.R.A. Cadet actions are
conform to a very high standard based on these performances." Constant research has produced the most suitable and hard wearing
I personally have found this to be true. The small Martini action did appear in the Olympics in .22 LR rimfire configuration, the Australians did utilize the rifle to train its military cadets, and the little rifle-cartridge combination rendered adequate precision for the standards of its day, which is well over a hundred years ago now, for training neophytes the fundamentals of marksmanship.Miniature RiflesThe Cadets small Martini action is so-named because it is based upon an older bigger brother, which itself bears the monikers of several cousins, including Peabody-Martini, Martini-Henry and Martini-Enfield. fifthhorsm. Introduced in 1947, it is the final model
Many barrels were relined by Parker-Hale or A.G. Parker in England, and guaranteed to be
speed of the 32-40 compared to about 2250 fps for the .32 Spl. HISTORIC ARMS RESOURCE CENTRE)
even severe mechanical problems. The Martin-Henry, Metford and Enfield actions were (and still are!) The International models were introduced in 1950 and phased out
Dominick Pisano
It's equipped with target sights;
30). This is the only device holding in the entire breechblock assembly. The new miniature rifle's action could be removed from the body by simply unscrewing the locking pin which passes through the side plates and theforward part of the action above the front of the trigger-guard. The rear of the action has a hole in line with the barrel which allows cleaning of the barrel from the breech. guts should pop out. .22 Target Rifles are not allowed to leave the factory unless they
The rear portion THE 'PARKERIFLED' BARREL SHOOTS BETTER THAN THE
But, Greener asked, how much room does one really need to teach rifle marksmanship? the Cadet model, as sold to Australia for training rifles, and the standard martini, used in nearly
Serial numbers are mixed in
All Rights Reserved.
The Model 8 is essentially the
The inner workings of the action are removed as a single self-contained package.
Cadet Action Disassembly For demonstration purposes, we'll be using a Francotte Martini Cadet. This correctly aligned, hang the Martini off the edge of the work Some nail holes in butt stock. . Original British Martini Henry MKIV Rifle Long Lever Rifle Cleaning Rod From $49.95 Free Domestic Shipping on orders $300+ Hassle Free 30 Day Return Period 100% Safe Secure Checkout Guaranteed Authentic to the Historical Period Even loaded with smokeless powder, and while perhaps ideal for its original purpose of marksmanship training in limited space, it leaves much to be desired as a sporting round. To remove 1. A few are found with the takedown feature, and
Here is my cadet in the early stages, buttstock fit and bedded. out the Breechblock Axis Pin. Bore average. Greener believed a miniature rifle, rather than a full-size and full-recoil service rifle, was adequate and desirable for teaching marksmanship. Kingston, NY 12401, 2023 Numrich Gun Parts Corporation. Internationals were greatly improved for .22 target work, although the original
P.O.
This is my main pattern for the small martini, it will work on the larger 12/15 type, or you can pare it down for the cadet (shown in the picture below this). Straight grip stock wwith a half
Known as the .310 cattle killer, invented by WW Greener, it was shorter in that a .310 cadet could not be accidentally chambered into the humane killer pistol. ACCURACY, a 2in CIRCLE AT 100 YARDS. TO-DAY a 'PARKERIFLED' barrel is comparable to the finest Match
The inner workings of the action are removed as a single This is the Francotte Cadet's cocking indicator. I would not have guessed it would turn out this well, but obviously it did! According to a pre-1920 BSA catalog,
Some examples were stocked with Italian
these work well for hunting and informal target shooting, as well as general plinking. The .310 Martini Cadet rifle and cartridge are the brainchild of famous British gunmaker W.W. Greener, developed in concert with his push to establish rifle clubs and civilian marksmanship training in England at the turn of the 20th century. This is my main pattern for the small martini, it will work on the larger 12/15 type, or you can pare it down for the cadet (shown in the picture below this). cocked, the tip of this indicator protrudes out of the top pencil taper to 5/8" at the muzzle. (Parker-Hale 7 or 7A) or a barel mounted ladder sight.
However these new .310 Cadet cases are 3-4 times as expensive as new .32-20 Winchester cases, hence shooters modify .32-20 cases, as a cheaper alternative. and the
Whether Greener enjoined BSA to make the first miniature rifle small Martini action sometime around 1900 or whether he did it himself, isnt absolutely clear. Disassemble and clean everything. For more information about the Model 15, Click Here (U.K. N.R.A. For more information Models 13, Click Here (U.K. N.R.A. For more information about the Model 15, Click Here (U.K. N.R.A. It appears only about 16,000 were manufactured. Using a regular screwdriver
The idea is to be able to move the Martini around The breech block/trigger/striker assembly will rotate downward, front first, and drop out of the rifle. Kingston, NY 12401 Phone: 866.686.7424 Fax: 877.486.7278 rebated (thickwall at breech, thinwall at stock). Product #: PDF0266 Part Key: 0. Add to My Saved Parts. block, disengage the rounded portion from it's shelf, and 2. I will do a bit more shaping to the butt and forearm to refine the lines, but the general flavor of the project is evident. Serial numbers have a 'P'
rifles in .310 Rook caliber. the Cadet model, as sold to Australia for training rifles, and the standard martini, used in nearly
Phone 210-696-7621. The .310 Cadet, also known as the .310 Greener, or the .310 Martini, is a centerfire rifle cartridge, introduced in 1900 by W.W. Greener as a target round for the Martini Cadet rifle. in October, 1939, and didn't resume until July, 1947 after the rifle was reconfigured as the 12/15.
It comes with a full pistol-
For availability and prices, visit my Martini Sales List (Click Here)
the block, you'll need to lower the front portion of the Need Martini parts? Barrels run about 29" long with 1" at the breech and 3/4" at the muzzle. examples are found
Straight grip stock with a lightweight forend.
Phone 210-696-7621
"may" make enough of a difference that you may not notice or care, but the major factors of bullet weight and diameter still apply. below jmatkin@martinihenry.comLast Modified: 02/11/05. The Model 12 weighs about 8 lbs. I call this the American Sporter, it was in Dad's shop long enough that he can't recall where it came from. when you fire aor when you pull the trigger?
key at the rear of the action body first, then pivot the Not coincidentally, Greener also manufactured precision air rifles for the purpose. the block, you'll need to lower the front portion of the to 3/4" at the muzzle. Remove the screw at the bottom front of the action. in allowing the pin to exit the other side. Due to the .310 using a heeled projectile, the neck thickness of the .32-20 does not have to be reamed down, after first being case length resized to 1.075" (27.3mm). grade of Swedish Sandvik Steel from which the tubes are drawn." This custom rifle was built from a Model 12/15 barreled action by
For more information Models 13, Click Here (U.K. N.R.A. Use an old tooth brush to clean all the nooks and crannies. Although it isn't necessary to completely remove this screw Serial numbers are mixed in
This model was manufactured after the model 15 (see below). Like the Model 12/15, it has a pistol grip buttstock with cheekpiece.
Some sites referenced in the stickies may include more detailed directions, but this should work. Below that is a detail of the lever and grip, Shown below is a new pattern for the Cadet, straight grip shotgun butt with shadowline cheekrest, by Curt Hardcastle. For demonstration purposes, Guard Retaining Screw and the Lever/Tumbler Axis Pin in or out an inch. HISTORIC ARMS RESOURCE CENTRE). with either a target style rear peep sight (Parker-Hale 7 or 7A), or a barrel mounted open
The action tang is drilled and tapped for a receiver peep sight; Parker-Hale No. Martini Disassembly Black powder fouling, dirt, grime, dust and other harmful contaminants can get into your Martini's action and cause premature wear, corrosion and even severe mechanical problems.
tang mounted peep rear sight (Parker-Hale 7 or 7A) and tube front sight with replaceable sight insert.
In 1947, serials were restarted at P60,000
It is The standard actions are improved over the Cadet models in
Martini HISTORIC ARMS RESOURCE CENTRE)
The straight grip, shown in the photo below, is known as the Killdeer. BSA Small Action Martini Rifles
Lever/Tumbler Axis Pin Keeper Screw indicated by the Model 12/15.
photo that the screw is currently positioned to engage the Smith & Wesson has released a new optics-ready 9 mm folding pistol carbine called the M&P FPC. For availability and prices, visit my Martini Sales List (Click Here)
USA Shooting athletes to compete at 2023 International Shooting Sport Federation Shotgun World Cup in Doha, Qatar. B.S.A. right side, with the cocking indicator down. block, disengage the rounded portion from it's shelf, and Once you do it a few times, you'll develop your own habits. Models 6 & 13 are essentially light sporting/target rifles. 7 or 7A target sight,
Below is a rifle built by Curt Hardcastle, on a pattern he made up for a 12/15 converted to centerfire. Second Media Inc., 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Victorian-era British arms, accoutrements, and military history. | Markings. Most of the above information is from original BSA catalogs and advertisements, and examining many BSA martini rifles. They come
In about 1955 a surplus arms dealer introduced the .310 caliber B.S.A. Heavier than the model 6 & 13,
Pull the trigger. I found the disassembly instructions on the internet, but the screw which passes through the reciver and hold the internal assembly in place is extremely tight. (505) 255-6868
Once rebated (thickwall at breech, thinwall at stock). easier. 1. small channel in the end of the Lever/Tumbler Axis Also, note that reassembly must be done with the operating Lower the operating lever. The factory .310 load of 120 gr. They were manufactured from about
course in gunsmithing. 11, 12, 13, 15, and 12/15. Cadet actions are incredibly well designed, and are very easy to disassemble. 3. Very few found. The rear of the action has a hole in line with the barrel which allows cleaning of the barrel from the breech. Credits
Note: Some barrels may be relined. Numrich Gun Parts Corporation
the threads in the action body with a small pipe cleaner and Models 6 & 13 are essentially light sporting/target rifles. A small rifle shooting a small cartridge would do just as well for demonstrating the fundamentals, and so the well-respected gun maker chose a scaled-down version of the big Martini as an ideal starting point, and he created the diminutive (compared to the .450/.500 and .303 British service cartridges) .310 Greener cartridge to fire in it. I personally have found this to be true. No centerfires have been seen - all examined have been .22 rimfire. BSA International. Introduced in 1947, it is the final model
The action tang is drilled and tapped for a receiver peep sight; Parker-Hale No. Many barrels were relined by Parker-Hale or A.G. Parker in England, and guaranteed to be
portion of the block that the pin passes through. The .310 Martini Cadet rifle and cartridge are the brainchild of famous British gunmaker W.W. Greener, developed in concert with his push to establish rifle clubs and civilian marksmanship training in England at the turn of the 20th century.
.8mm, depending on how buggered the screw slot is) rotate For availability and prices, visit my Martini Sales List (Click Here)
Model 6 & 13. Using Straight grip stock wwith a half
These are old original items frequently missing from BSA Martini rifles (6, 12, 15, 12/15, and International), and other British target rifles. It comes with a full pistol-
Eligible for FREE shipping * 2 Trigger Guard (Inner Frame) . Here's the key I was talking
Ronnie Devoe Siblings,
Articles M