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Nailcreek
.300 member

Reged: 13/08/08
Posts: 150
Loc: Saukville, WI, USA

Martini Rifle Purchased ...
#119715 - 29/11/08 07:18 AM

I recently bought a Martini sporter in what appears to be 577/450. It started out as a beautiful rifle, engraved, etc ... I would really like to consider the following work ... suggestions?

1. Cleaned up and the dings and nicks, etc ... fixed.
2. Not lose the subtle engraving.
3. Change the caliber to something easier to work with? ... I would love this rifle in 38/55.

There aren't many markings on the rifle ... pretty much just "Made for W Bawbone Capetown" on the integral barrel rib. There is a serial number on the bottom of the receiver ~"4143*".

[url=http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k193/Nailcreek/000070024567266905.jpg]
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k193/Nailcreek/000070024567266905.jpg

Edited by Nailcreek (29/11/08 07:32 AM)

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Nailcreek
.300 member

Reged: 13/08/08
Posts: 150
Loc: Saukville, WI, USA

Re: Martini Rifle Purchased ... [Re: Nailcreek]
#119716 - 29/11/08 07:36 AM

--------------------
Veni, Vedici, Veggie ... I came, I saw, I had a salad.

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Huvius
.416 member

Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3555
Loc: Colorado

Re: Martini Rifle Purchased ... [Re: Nailcreek]
#119728 - 29/11/08 10:06 AM

How is the bore?
If the bore is shootable, you may be better off keeping the original chambering. There is a lot of info for the 577/450 out there. If not, lining it may be a good bet.
The forend and cleaning rod/barrel rib look very Westley Richards to me.
Bouldersmith has done some resto type work for me and does a very nice job of it - you should PM him here on NE.

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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Marrakai
.416 member

Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 3591
Loc: Darwin, Top End of Australia

Re: Martini Rifle Purchased ... [Re: Huvius]
#119734 - 29/11/08 10:50 AM

Might be "Rawbone", was that a typo or just illegible engraving?

Sometimes Wm Rawbone or W.G.Rawbone.

A restoration like this would normally include chasing or recutting the engraving, but probably not without some expense. Some of your countrymen may be able to recommend the best engravers for a job like that.

...and I too would recommend leaving the chambering as-is if the bore is shootable. Cases and projectiles are readily available, and Lee dies over-the-counter. Even a lightly-pitted or dark bore may shoot well with smokeless loads and jacketed bullets, and may actually improve over the first 100 shots or so.

With a single-shot you have the choice of the service load (heavy bullet at modest velocity) or the Express load (lighter bullet at higher velocity) or anything in between. The .450 calibre is great for hunting and fun at the range.

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au

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DoubleD
.400 member

Reged: 23/11/03
Posts: 2437
Loc: Retired in Oklahoma

Re: Martini Rifle Purchased ... [Re: Marrakai]
#119740 - 29/11/08 11:16 AM

If there were no other markings on the rifle and especially caliber markings and the bore was bad, I would reline this rifle and chamber it .375 2 3/4 NE.

Putting 38/55 in this rifle is like putting a American Ford Pinto 4 cyl engine in British Triumph TR5...tacky

--------------------
DD, Ret.

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Nailcreek
.300 member

Reged: 13/08/08
Posts: 150
Loc: Saukville, WI, USA

Re: Martini Rifle Purchased ... [Re: DoubleD]
#119806 - 30/11/08 05:46 AM

DD, you talk like dropping a Pinto 4cyl in a Triumph is a bad thing! LOL

I'm likely to keep the rifle as is ... and go from there.

--------------------
Veni, Vedici, Veggie ... I came, I saw, I had a salad.

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Caprivi
.375 member

Reged: 30/09/08
Posts: 811
Loc: America's Serengeti, Buffalo W...

Re: Martini Rifle Purchased ... [Re: Nailcreek]
#119949 - 01/12/08 02:01 PM

Hello Nailcreek,

Very nice rifle. Love those Martini sporters, just great. Have you confirmed the chambering ???? While 577/450 is surely a popular one it is far from the only one. I have seen 2 Rawbone's over the years and both where 450 Musket No.2. Just a first thought. I have not seen any report of bore condotion ??? If it is good then most any changes there are nearly criminal. Maybe line it to something or rebore to a 577/500 or ???????????

Very nice gun, enjoy and love it.

--------------------
To live life as it is handed to me from God

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