Can anyone explain to me what Swinburn's patent was in relation to Martini rifles?  The results I got on Google weren't helpful at all.

Thanks.

Take a look at Gert's website for details.   (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)


My sole experience with the Swinburn is to shoot one for 2 years  in South Africa.  I was allowed to shoot it, but not take it  apart.

I had limited resources; one mould, and what ever type blackpowder the powder company choose to give me and could never get the gun to shoot accurately.

This poor accuracy goes with a story that is some times seen; that the company making the Swinburns were using reject MH barrels.  Based on that one gun and barrel, it would be easy for me to believe.

The only martini thing about the Swinburn other than the rear-pivoting block is the exterior similarity - it actually is pretty different in that it has tangs, a hammer and V-springs.  And also an abomination of A 3-lever extractor too...    It was Natal military issue, if for no other reason that they couldn't get Martini's at the time.  Stock configuration is better than a Martini though - but that's about the only advantage it has - that and the cocking lever on the side.

To answer your questions.  The lever opening the action should also cock it.  If it has to be cocked by the cocking/decocking lever on the side of the action first, there is something wrong internal.  Same for the cocking/decocking lever.  It should be under tension in either position.  I've got two of the pattern and both showed the work of ham fisted "gunsmiths" before I bought them.  Some folks just can't resist taking apart their rifles to "improve them" even though they don't have a clue how to put them back together.  Based on your description I suspect that the parts aren't aligned correctly inside, since the sear being too far forward would block the action from opening.  Cocking it would move the sear rearward allowing the block to operate.  Of course broken parts are another possibility, but I still think incorrect assembly is more likely.

Richard and MB:

Thanks.

I guess it's going to get another UPS ride, as there's no one locally I'd trust to fool with it.  I could probably return it to the seller, but it's very nicely engraved, has a fairly well figured butt stock and hangs beautifully when pointed at a target while standing on my hind legs.  Besides, I got it for a small fraction of what I've seen others (admittedly still in original center fire configuration) sell for at auction, so there's some room to have some work done without falling too far into a hole.

Rem

MB:

Do you have disassembly instructions??  I'm not completely ham-handed, but there are a number of screws and at least one fairly battered pin and I'm loathe to do any more damage through ignorance.

Rem

Rem,

How 'bout some pics of your purchase?   I would be interested, as a Swinburn owner...

trapdoor Dick wrote on Aug 6^th, 2010 at 6:48pm:


Hello Dick,

You can PM Gert simply by clicking on his 'nick name' (martinibelgian) in the left hand column beside any of his posts. You'll find one of them immediately above your enquiry in this thread.

Gert is a gentleman of the first water and has always been very helpful to me. Bear in mind that, if you don't get a reply immediately it is the summer holiday season over on this side of the pond.

Harry

No grey hairs. An additional week is not to worry about. Enjoy yourself for whatever reason.. I sent you you some other pix.  If they get your interest, great. If'n not, not to worry.  might even give you something new and exciting. Look forward to whatever.

Dick