Need Help with I.D'ing my BAS Rifle

S

SomeThingYellow

Inactive
Martini Henry Mk.1 Rifle. Question

Hello!
I don't know much about Rifles, and I have a BSA rifle which I Don't know anything about...I have had it for over 7 years. It has
The Words B.S.A & Co. And Also 1874 (year made?)
Two of my great Uncles were in WW1 and We think it could one of theirs.
OR My other Uncle Who is From South Africa was in the Army And It could be from S.A
Here are some Pics
Hope you know what it is because
I have looked all over the Internet and In some Gun Books,
but I can't find it anywhere

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The date of 1874 means that this is a Mk. I Martini-Henry rifle (sometimes also called an Martini-Enfield, after the inventor (Martini) and the place of manufacture (the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield)). This rifle was made in several variations, for issue to different troops (cavalry, artillery, infantry, etc.) and to know which specific version, we'd also need to know the barrel length (to get this, close the action, push a rod down the barrel, then measure the rod to the point where it stops). Unfortunately, this one has had a couple of pieces broken or gone missing; there was originally a sling loop at the front of the trigger-guard, and the tip of the "cocking indicator" (a large tear-drop-shaped pointer on the right side of the rifle) has been broken off. These rifles were originally chambered in 450-577 Martini-Henry (a cartridge that was a version of the older .577 necked down to .45 calibre), but were later converted to .303 before being replaced entirely by the Lee-Enfield series. HTH.
Just as a final point of interest, the "point-to-point" arrows stamped into the stock shows that this rifle was sold out of service (most likely to the soldier that originally used it in the forces, as this was an option given to them when they were passing out of the forces).
 
Thanks for the Info guys!
I have Done some studying and I Beleive that it is a
Martini Henry Mark 1.
I Think The Wooden base at the Front of the rifle has been removed, And the Tip has been Pulled back. Does any one know why?
Here Is a Normal one.
martiniMk1.jpg

And this Is what I think happend to Mine
martiniMk1Mymodel.jpg


Cheers!
 
Yes, that's common for ex-military rifles that have been "sporterized" for civilian use, to make them lighter and less bulky; it's also a shame from a collector's point of view, since collectors prefer them in "as-issued" condition.
 
You could definitely get it restored, the trouble is trying to find someone that has the parts you need. I've really got no idea of what this would cost, though, since this also depends on finding someone who has the correct part and is willing to sell it.
 
That gun would cost several times more to restore than it could ever be worth. It is what it is, and it is as it was owned by your ancestor.

Jim
 
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