Martini Henry rifle 1881

The Martini-Henry rifle was developed from 1866 to 1871. This antique rifle was a mixture of the Henry rifles and the Martini falling-block action. Frederich Martini (1832-1897) was a Swiss gunsmith, who improved the American Peabody falling-block action. Alexander Henry (1817-1895) was the owner of gunmaking company in Scotland.

These two antique gunsmiths displayed their prototypes to the British Army firearms probes(1867-1869) to find a substitute for the Snider Rifle. This antique rifle was used in the Zulu War and the Second Afghan War in 1878; and in the African Boer War of 1881.

The best models of the Martini Henry production are:

-Mark I (1871-1876): Length of 124.5 cm, with a lanyard eye at the butt of the rifle.

-Mark I Cavalry Carbine: Length of 95.8 cm.

-Mark I Artillery Carbine: Length of 95.8 cm.

-Mark II (1877-1881): Length of 125.7 cm.

-Mark III (1881-1888): Length of 125.7 cm.

Today many Martini-Henrys are used as sporting rifles.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

-Calibre : .450-577″

-Catridge capacity: single shot

-Operation : single-action

-Firing system : centre-fire

-Breach-loading: falling block action

-Length : 121.9 cm (48″)

-Barrel length : 85.1 cm (33.5″)

-Weight : 3.9 kg (8.6 lb)

-Sight : graduated sight

-Safety : loading indicator on right hand side of frame

-Stock : walnut

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