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gthudspeth
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Martini Cadet to .357
Mar 27th, 2015 at 9:33pm
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I have a couple of Martini Cadet rifles and would like to convert one of them to .357 Magnum caliber, never having done this I would like some input to a couple questions. I will not be doing this work myself. 
I see that it is advisable to bush the firing pin. Is this always done or dependent on the individual rifle?

If this was your conversion would it be best to re-barrel or reline the original barrel. If I reline then the one with windage and elevation adjustable sights would be my choice, the other Cadet has only elevation adjustable sights and would be my choice if I re-barrel, either way I want open sights.

Any recommendations for a gunsmith to do the conversion? Any other considerations or input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Gene
  
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digitall423
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Re: Martini Cadet to .357
Reply #1 - Mar 28th, 2015 at 8:25am
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I believe the usual path taken when converting the Cadet to .357 Magnum is to have the barrel rebored and the rifling recut. There are several companies who do this and would certainly be less expensive than rebarreling and maybe even relining. Here is one that I've read good things about but I have no personal experience. 
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Bill
  
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gthudspeth
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Re: Martini Cadet to .357
Reply #2 - Mar 30th, 2015 at 11:26pm
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Thanks, I will contact them. I have learned it is necessary to either Bush the firing pin hole or TIG weld it closed and redrill.

Gene
  
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beltfed
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Re: Martini Cadet to .357
Reply #3 - Apr 4th, 2015 at 9:33pm
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FWIW,
I have a Martini Cadet that was rebored in the Mid- late 
1950s for Klein's Sporting Goods in Chicago. Other than 
the rebore it is "box stock" . 
It is now a 357Mag/16 twist.
I remember them in the gun mag ads when I was in high school. Something like $29.95. Cost me a lot more than that several yrs ago when i acquired it in a trade. 

Amongst other cast bullets, it shoots 200 gr Lyman 358315 bullets real well over a case full of IMR4227.
 
I just checked. Yes, they had bushed the firing pin
hole. Good idea!.

The rifle is a great and accurate "plinker", notwithstanding the very narrow front sight and "V" rear notch are tough on this ol' eye.
beltfed/arnie
  
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Travelor
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Re: Martini Cadet to .357
Reply #4 - Apr 19th, 2015 at 7:12am
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I have a Martini Cadet that was re barreled with a Douglas air-gauged 16 twist barrel and has Redfield International sights.  Shoots VERY WELL. It will shoot Remington factory HB wadcutters into 1/2" CTC at 50 yards when I do my part.  Only regret is not having scope mount screw holes as I am limited to iron sights.

These guns are really not collector gun when made up in 357 Mag., so getting a new heavier barrel will make them just as if not more valuable that re boring and probably shoots better.

Just my experience.
  
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QuestionableMaynard8130
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Re: Martini Cadet to .357
Reply #5 - Apr 21st, 2015 at 5:48am
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contact Steve Durren at Johnsons Sporting Goods in Adrian Michigan. 517-265-2542.  We have other excellent gunsmiths associated with this forum community that others may recommend as well, but Steve is the one I have had work on a number of single shots and I can recommend him based on my personal experience. 
  the work can be done by installing a new barrel, relining by drilling out the old rifling and permanently inserting a pre-rifled liner and then cutting a new chamber,  or the original barrel can be re-rifled--reamed out and new rifling cut.   All 3 methods have pros and cons and Steve can give you fair and honest advice about them and what work your rifle would require. 
There are not too many re-riflers are around any more.  There is one that I am aware of only works with 35 caliber and up so he might be able to do the job for a 357 mag pistol cartridge.

Fwiw many years ago my very first single shot was a beat up Winchester lo-wall with a corroded 32-20 barrel.  I had the late barrel-smith Harry McGowan ream/re-rifle/rechamber it to .357 and it was a sheer joy to shoot.  Unfortunately I ran into some financial problems and had to sell it; much to my long enduring sorrow.
  

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