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bullshop
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need help identifying Martini Henry rifle
May 27th, 2024 at 1:20pm
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I have been searching for quite some time for a 577-450 Martini rifle in shootable condition that I could afford and have finally acquired one.  Since I am totally ignorant on the history of these I am requesting help . I dont understand the different Mk numbers and since I cant find any such markings on this rifle I will describe  the markings I can read. 
  There are no visible markings on the barrel.  The left side receiver flat has some small marking at top left but it is illegible.  The only legible marking on the left receiver under the small illegible mark is the number 775
   One the right side receiver flat top center is a crown then under that V. R. then under that Enfield then under that 1887 then under that some kind of heart shaped symbol with a star at the top.  Then farther down by a screw head the letters E. Y.  That is all the markings I can find on the rifle.  If anyone can use those to tell me anything about what vintage this rifle I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.  Many thanks !
  
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gewehrfreund
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Re: need help identifying Martini Henry rifle
Reply #1 - May 27th, 2024 at 4:48pm
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Without pictures, it's just guesswork, but from what you describe it sounds like it might be one of the infamous Khyber Pass rifles (i.e. a Pakstani cottage industry copy of the Martini-Henry.)
Any bona fide English made rifle should have proof marks. Did you look on the underside of the barrel with the fore-end off?
  
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bullshop
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Re: need help identifying Martini Henry rifle
Reply #2 - May 27th, 2024 at 5:36pm
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No Sir I did not look under the wood.  It does have other markings on the stock. There are some numbers stamped as well as an Enfield stamp.  I also noticed that this rifle does not have the little thumb print thingy at the top rear of the receiver as I have seen on some rifles.  It has really weird rifling too.
  
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waterman
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Re: need help identifying Martini Henry rifle
Reply #3 - May 28th, 2024 at 4:01pm
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Before you spend any $ on the thing, slug the barrel, carefully & slowly. Look for any changes in the interior dimensions. I have one that is about .466 at the muzzle and breech end, but .452 in the middle. 

They should have really weird rifling by 20th Century American standards.  It is Henry rifling.  My Alex Henry has a 7-sided bore, septagonal.  IIRC, Enfield used the same design for the Martini-Henry in .577/450.
« Last Edit: May 28th, 2024 at 4:08pm by waterman »  
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bullshop
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Re: need help identifying Martini Henry rifle
Reply #4 - May 28th, 2024 at 8:04pm
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In giving it a good cleaning I dont notice any change in the feel of the tight patch going through the bore.   
I did take the fore end wood off and see a bunch or writing on the bottom of the barrel.  I will need to give that area a good cleaning then get good light on it and a magnifier and try to read it.
  
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1Hawkeye
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Re: need help identifying Martini Henry rifle
Reply #5 - May 29th, 2024 at 8:42am
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I don't know about EY on a martini but on a. 303 Enfield it means emergency use only. This is normally used on .303's for excessive headspace or other mechanical issues not worth repair.
  
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