User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 4/27/2016 11:38:37 PM EDT
[#1]
ima-USA probably still has some MKII and MKIV's that are from the Nepal cache. I've got a couple of them. Really fun projects to clean up.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/27/2016 11:44:30 PM EDT
[#2]
A decent MkIV can be had from IMA for $550-600
A decent shootable generic Mk II or Mk III $700-1000. Lotsa junk ones out there from Kyber pass Afghan bring backs too thrashed Nepalese ones from IMA. Untouched MkIV from IMA is one of the better deals the vast majority are in pretty good shape and clean up well. I would highly recommend passing on the IMA untouched MkII's and cleaned ones, IMOP they over do it on the rifles they clean and restore for sale at $$$$$ price. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/27/2016 11:59:53 PM EDT
[#3]
I would agree that the cleaned up ones are overdone. For the most part the MKIVs are in far better shape, but not all are perfect. I picked all of mine off of the pallets and pallets of rifles. Quite the experience, much like going to a CMP store.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/28/2016 12:53:09 AM EDT
[#4]
I always love the movie "Zulu".
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/28/2016 10:04:47 AM EDT
[#5]
I'd be much more interested in buying one if it wasn't for the fact that brass alone is over $6 a round...
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/28/2016 10:17:48 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'd be much more interested in buying one if it wasn't for the fact that brass alone is over $6 a round... |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/28/2016 11:07:21 AM EDT
[#7]
As said, IMA has Mk. IVs and Mk. IIs for reasonable prices.
The Mk. IVs are pretty much all in fine shape under the glop. They really just need a good cleaning; the wood should be solid and the metal well-protected. You might find some minor surface rust/pitting under the woodline, but it won't affect the function of the rifle at all. Virtually all of them are complete, no missing parts. The Mk. IIs are a crap-shoot. I'd think hard about ordering one of those sight-unseen. Many of them have badly cracked wrists due to the stock bolt rusting and expanding, you'll probably need a part or two (smashed sling swivel, stripped buttplate screws, missing sight leaf, broken clearing rod that comes out in two pieces, etc), and you'll probably find a couple of areas of wood rot that need attention. The Mk. IIs certainly have more history than the Mk. IVs, but expect a whole other level of work to get these into decent shape. Here's a before/after of my IMA Mk. II. As purchased from IMA - this was hand-picked from the racks at the store when you could do it, minimizing missing bits and wood damage: 
After extensive cleaning and repair to the wrist: 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/28/2016 11:38:01 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
A decent MkIV can be had from IMA for $550-600 A decent shootable generic Mk II or Mk III $700-1000. Lotsa junk ones out there from Kyber pass Afghan bring backs too thrashed Nepalese ones from IMA. Untouched MkIV from IMA is one of the better deals the vast majority are in pretty good shape and clean up well. I would highly recommend passing on the IMA untouched MkII's and cleaned ones, IMOP they over do it on the rifles they clean and restore for sale at $$$$$ price. I spent a lot of time hunting through the bazaars and Afghan gun shops looking for a decent MH. The two things I learned are a) the Afghans can make a fake of just about anything, firearms included and b) because non-gun people will pay way to much for them, the 'ghans want way too much $ for them (almost as much as what you cite for a questionable gun). |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/28/2016 11:49:14 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's a nearly 140yr old rifle. You probably will only shoot it a handful of times because if you break a part you will have to remake it by hand. Even the screws were hand cut. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I'd be much more interested in buying one if it wasn't for the fact that brass alone is over $6 a round... I'd still want to shoot it, and ammo being well over $100 for a 20 round box is crazy. Besides, aren't there newer rifles like Ruger No. 1s in this chambering? |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/28/2016 12:34:34 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'd still want to shoot it, and ammo being well over $100 for a 20 round box is crazy. Besides, aren't there newer rifles like Ruger No. 1s in this chambering? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'd be much more interested in buying one if it wasn't for the fact that brass alone is over $6 a round... I'd still want to shoot it, and ammo being well over $100 for a 20 round box is crazy. Besides, aren't there newer rifles like Ruger No. 1s in this chambering? .577/.450? AFAIK, the last real commercial production of that caliber was a run of Cordite-loaded stuff made by Kynoch in the 1950s. It's readily available, but is unreliable due to degraded primers (hangfire city). |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/28/2016 2:32:48 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: As said, IMA has Mk. IVs and Mk. IIs for reasonable prices. The Mk. IVs are pretty much all in fine shape under the glop. They really just need a good cleaning; the wood should be solid and the metal well-protected. You might find some minor surface rust/pitting under the woodline, but it won't affect the function of the rifle at all. Virtually all of them are complete, no missing parts. The Mk. IIs are a crap-shoot. I'd think hard about ordering one of those sight-unseen. Many of them have badly cracked wrists due to the stock bolt rusting and expanding, you'll probably need a part or two (smashed sling swivel, stripped buttplate screws, missing sight leaf, broken clearing rod that comes out in two pieces, etc), and you'll probably find a couple of areas of wood rot that need attention. The Mk. IIs certainly have more history than the Mk. IVs, but expect a whole other level of work to get these into decent shape. Here's a before/after of my IMA Mk. II. As purchased from IMA - this was hand-picked from the racks at the store when you could do it, minimizing missing bits and wood damage: http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx116/MVolkJ1975/Milsurps/1876LSAMkII_zps46d44f8e.jpg After extensive cleaning and repair to the wrist: http://i747.photobucket.com/albums/xx116/MVolkJ1975/Milsurps/MHMkII_zps38ed8fb6.jpg |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/28/2016 7:04:31 PM EDT
[#12]
I also recommend the MKIV from IMA
It is indeed a nice project to clean up and uncovering the history in the stamps on wood and metal is great fun. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/28/2016 10:47:24 PM EDT
[#14]
These videos made me start to dream about looking into one:
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/29/2016 12:53:07 AM EDT
[#15]
Check out the British Militaria Forums for LOTS of great info on Martini Henry rifles (and Sniders and others). Forum
Brass converted from 24 Gauge brass shotgun shells can be had for about $50 per 25. There's a great guy on the forum above who converts them He also sells bullet molds that work great for these old guns. Lee makes dies for about $100. If you want to get the rifle, you gotta GET INTO the rifle. : ) No, Ruger does not make a No 1 in 577/450 and never has. I have one Mk III that I imported from Australia about 15 years ago and one IMA Mk IV that I haven't cleaned up yet. I also have two Sniders and Martini-Enfield (a MKII M-H converted/re-barreled in .303). Rob |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/29/2016 8:36:11 PM EDT
[#16]
IMA had the Snider on sale one weekend for $450. If that happens again I am getting one.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/29/2016 8:49:38 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: IMA had the Snider on sale one weekend for $450. If that happens again I am getting one. Just keep in mind they're not real Sniders |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/29/2016 9:23:30 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Just keep in mind they're not real Sniders Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
IMA had the Snider on sale one weekend for $450. If that happens again I am getting one. Just keep in mind they're not real Sniders Yes. Nepalese made IIRC. Be a good wallhanger next to my MH MKIV. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/29/2016 11:02:37 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yes. Nepalese made IIRC. Be a good wallhanger next to my MH MKIV. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: IMA had the Snider on sale one weekend for $450. If that happens again I am getting one. Just keep in mind they're not real Sniders Yes. Nepalese made IIRC. Be a good wallhanger next to my MH MKIV. Yup. I'm still probably going to shoot mine, just with reduced power loads |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/30/2016 5:46:53 PM EDT
[#20]
its closed now and i might be heading down that way monday, but does anyone know off hand if atlanta cutlery has them in the store...i see them on the site, but that could be a drop ship deal to
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/30/2016 10:33:25 PM EDT
[#21]
They make nice lamps.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/1/2016 4:52:44 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryA creation of your own? If so details please! I got some Nepalese made MH I will not shoot so this could be a good alternative use of them.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/1/2016 7:05:12 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
A creation of your own? If so details please! I got some Nepalese made MH I will not shoot so this could be a good alternative use of them. Quote HistoryQuoted:
One of the $150.00 "untouched" ones IMA ran on sale some years ago that I got from a guy for $50.00 because it was a basket case. Where you see the leather wrap the stock was pretty much gone. It's pretty much J.B Weld, patch wood, and brown paint under there and the pitting was all the way through the barrel so I made me a lamp of it....I swear it looked as if water had dripped in that location for 100+ years. LOL....The internal parts I had to remove to get the cord through I sold for enough to pay for the donor rifle.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/5/2016 6:01:53 PM EDT
[#24]
is it all the mk2s or just the Nepalese that are badly beat up? id like to get a mk2 but will get a mk4 if their that bad
http://www.ima-usa.com/original-british-p-1871-martini-henry-mkii-short-lever-rifle-1880-s-dated-untouched-condition.html http://www.ima-usa.com/original-british-p-1885-martini-henry-mkiv-long-lever-rifle-pattern-b-untouched-condition.html |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/5/2016 6:10:36 PM EDT
[#25]
Pattern A, B, or C?
Looks like the cleaned versions are all about the same price. I read the text at the bottom of IMA's page but it didn't make sense to me.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/5/2016 7:26:55 PM EDT
[#26]
i guess the pattern really doesn't matter and i'd rather have an untouched one like in the links, kinda looking to take it apart and clean it up....i just don't want to be replacing a stock or something of the like
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/5/2016 7:53:00 PM EDT
[#27]
I've got the best of both worlds...I have a Martini Enfield...started life as a Pre Zulu war Mk II....was converted to a Martini Enfield in the late 1890's IIRC....I'll have to look to verify...
The conversion was to switch to the .303 cartridge, so I can shoot mil surp .303 through it... Its a cool gun, I actually bought it from Jemtrek in Australia before the anti-gunners screwed him....mailed to me at my office direct from Oz.... |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/5/2016 8:12:45 PM EDT
[#28]
I would love to have a Martini Enfield. The idea of it in .303 British is fun.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/5/2016 8:13:40 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would love to have a Martini Enfield. The idea of it in .303 British is fun. It's cool, and man, can it throw the cases! |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/5/2016 8:15:37 PM EDT
[#30]
I had a Martini Cadet once. Someone had plugged the barrel so I had it removed with the intention to replace it with one in .357 magnum or even .357 maximum.
A bit off topic, but this thread made me remember it. It would've made a fun little plinker! |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/14/2016 12:31:05 AM EDT
[#31]
well i ended up getting a IMA mk2 1876 BSA...I will say this first
I understand the rifle is 140 years old, but its in pretty bad shape for what the reviews say and what others have said. I probably wouldn't have purchased it knowing the shape its in. The barrel is badly pitted along the entire length, the cleaning rod has to be frozen inside the stock...it was almost rusted right through and its broken in half...with one part stuck in the stock ive tried everything from heat, lube, twisting, hitting it on both ends...its stuck, won't even move a 1/16th...the stock itself has several rotted areas. One barrel band is completely useless and frozen, im surprised i was able to get it off. the positives are that the action works smoothly and it seems by mark all the parts are the same...i got the stock a good bit lighter with murphies oil, warm water and krud kutter...but the fore end is still rather dark, although you can see the wood clearly. Any suggestions on lighting up the wood or is it just stuck that way? bottom line, i've got a 600$ wall hanger, buyer beware.   |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/14/2016 12:35:20 AM EDT
[#32]
   |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/14/2016 1:13:44 AM EDT
[#33]
Not surprised. That's a converted MK1. We did warn you that te MK2s were gonna be rough. The MK4s are probably the safest bet.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/14/2016 2:06:53 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Not surprised. That's a converted MK1. We did warn you that te MK2s were gonna be rough. The MK4s are probably the safest bet. so nothing can be done about the pitting... anyone on the stuck barrel rod inside the stock?....already tried heat, oil, and force anyone on lightning up the stock color some more? and anyone on the stock rot? really was able to clean it up...it cycles well and the receiver looks well...i think the pitting is the biggest bummer |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/14/2016 10:35:00 AM EDT
[#35]
Brake fluid. Sounds nuts, and use rubber gloves, but it will lighten them up some.
Got a pic of the stick part of the rod? I'm having trouble remembering how they threaded in or whatever |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/14/2016 11:27:19 AM EDT
[#36]
ill have to take apart again...but it broke with about 5 inches showing under the forend and it went all the way in the stock to the little threaded end was
out of the opposite end of the forend... i could put the small part hanging out of the back of the forend, into a vice and twist the forend...1 the rod is bent somehow inside the stock and 2. it has major tension when you try to rotate it i tried to move the rod around and put some oil down the channel, but the rust is heavy...tried heat and hammering on both ends to try to budge it...but with no success |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/14/2016 5:17:58 PM EDT
[#37]
That will clean up... but as I said the Mk. IIs are an involved project.
The pitting on the barrel isn't bad enough to make it unsafe. That will shoot if you want it to. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/14/2016 7:06:30 PM EDT
[#38]
Acetone will leach out all the oil...just be sure its pure acetone with no additives.....
It will also leach the oil from your skin, so if you have sensitive skin, wear gloves... |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/15/2016 2:08:55 AM EDT
[#39]
appreciate the responses, ill try some stuff
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/15/2016 10:47:41 AM EDT
[#40]
For a untouched IMA MkII that is a better than avg one, they are all ROUGH and you atleast got a intact buttstock and decent wood and could have got one in much worse condition.
Never EVER Ever trust a websites customer reviews they are usually always edited to the POSITIVE. Now order a UT MkIV. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/19/2016 1:51:34 PM EDT
[#41]
any places for parts, really looking for a lower barrel band and maybe a few other things that might be beyond saving....ima and atlanta cutlery have nothing and two places in england are crazy expensive compared to anything here
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/19/2016 2:19:18 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
any places for parts, really looking for a lower barrel band and maybe a few other things that might be beyond saving....ima and atlanta cutlery have nothing and two places in england are crazy expensive compared to anything here Try calling Sarco. They have a bunch of stuff that's not listed on their site in the warehouse. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
