I am looking for a Martini Henry for occasional shooting and collecting and have been considering ordering one (a mark3 with sword bayonet) from the International Military Antiques company and was wondering if anyone here has had some experience either positive or negative? They are the outfit that found all those old British weapons in Nepal.
Would you buy a Martini Henry from IMA?
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I bought some other stuff from them years ago, no problems.
I haven't heard anything bad about them. (To be honest, I haven't heard anything either way)
The M-H would be an antique under US law, so SHOULD be able to be exported, but expect to be jacked around anyways. (on their side, not ours)
I haven't heard anything bad about them. (To be honest, I haven't heard anything either way)
The M-H would be an antique under US law, so SHOULD be able to be exported, but expect to be jacked around anyways. (on their side, not ours)
Thanks Tootall ,I just wanted to make sure they were not some fly by night company.
I am surprised that the jerking around would come from the US side. When I order knives from the US all the jerking seems to happen at Canada Customs especially with folders.
I am surprised that the jerking around would come from the US side. When I order knives from the US all the jerking seems to happen at Canada Customs especially with folders.
I bought some holsters once from them. They sent me the wrong ones and short of repaying the shipping (both ways) and the duty/taxes again I was SOL. The holsters they sent were of very very very variable condition/quality.
I had to send photos, copies of emails etc to prove my claim of wrong product and waited weeks to hear that they would take them back AT MY COST even though they admitted they sent me the totally wrong products! It was not worth it to send them back. I even offered to chalk it up to the cost of getting what I wanted and offered to share the cost of making it right. No dice.
For a martini henry IMHO i would spend the couple extra bucks to get something in Canada or from a US dealer who will actually tell you the actual condition of the rifle you are buying! A nice one in good condition would be a joy to own and a good investment.
Nice choice in rifle, get one, just be very cautious with IMA. One thing great about IMA is thier printed catalogue has lots of funny pics.
I had to send photos, copies of emails etc to prove my claim of wrong product and waited weeks to hear that they would take them back AT MY COST even though they admitted they sent me the totally wrong products! It was not worth it to send them back. I even offered to chalk it up to the cost of getting what I wanted and offered to share the cost of making it right. No dice.
For a martini henry IMHO i would spend the couple extra bucks to get something in Canada or from a US dealer who will actually tell you the actual condition of the rifle you are buying! A nice one in good condition would be a joy to own and a good investment.
Nice choice in rifle, get one, just be very cautious with IMA. One thing great about IMA is thier printed catalogue has lots of funny pics.
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I've never dealt with IMA so I can't say anything about them. As for the purchase of a weapon from the Nepalese cash I would say poor investment. You would be better off buying a British or Canadian marked weapon because one in good condition should appreciate with time. They're around it just takes a little looking.
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i have delt with them , and would never again. pritty much the same probs as DAVID DOYLE, but i finally said screw it. they sent me the wrong stuff, and were hostile to deal with when trying to make it right.
never again
never again
Here's number three.....the Nepalese cache stuff comes with many problems. The condition is very questionable. I have heard many stories of worn chambers and bad barrels....pitting, and much cleaning by IMA before they are shipped. The other difficulty is that they are marked with all of those "characters" and most serious collectors won't go near them. Pay a few dollars more and get a British or Canadian marked example. Many thought that the Nepalese rifles would kill the market but the opposite has happened. The market for the real deal has improved. Dave
Thank you very much. I have the feeling you may have helped me dodge a bullet. I think it is definitly worth the 200$ to get a canadian one with better markings and not have to deal with importing. I knew it was a good idea to check here. I might try to order a bayonet if I can't find a local one but I definitly won't be ordering a rifle.
Yuri Orlov
Regular
I agree. $200 for the peace of mind alone is worth it.
Shaken not stirred
Atlanta Cutlery seems to have a good reputation re the Nepalese cache - most people seem to go for the "hand select" option at some extra cost.
There is some tie-in to IMA but not sure what it is. Join Gunboards and ask in the MH forum. A/C gets good comment. If you can get a good one locally all the better.
Atlanta Cutlery seems to have a good reputation re the Nepalese cache - most people seem to go for the "hand select" option at some extra cost.
There is some tie-in to IMA but not sure what it is. Join Gunboards and ask in the MH forum. A/C gets good comment. If you can get a good one locally all the better.
