BSA Martini ???

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mpjustin

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Are BSA Martini 22cal lever action single shots very collectable here in canada? I am going to look at one tomorrow that I have the opertunity to buy. what can you guys tell me about them? and what should I watch for.
thanks in advance
 
they are but the # of us is fewer. There are many variations and optioins. Sights are a big option. Target rifles bring more than sporters. Check the wood close for cracks> keep us posted & consider yourself lucky.
 
I have a couple and think the world of them, some of the ones in poorer shape could be chambered in a small central fire cartridge. You should be able to pick up a good one for a max. of $400 in todays market, except for the Int'l. models which fetch more. These are a very well made precise actioned rifle, that is made much better fitting then anything made today and is all steel and wood.
 
There are several models: International Match, International Light, MKII, MKIII , ISU and MKV. They generally have a heavier barrel and match sights along with target stocks.
 
well I went to look at it. I told him I had to talk to my friends before I could throw a offer at him. It has a 29in barrel wich is very thick and heavy. It has a lyman front hood sight that seems to be adjustable (the hood is a perfect circle and scews in and out) the rear sight is a peep sight that says parker Hale number 7. very high tec looking. in front of the fore stock there is a small hoop of the barrel and the fore stock is very think with some checkering.
the butt plate almost has a canvice type look to it. it says birmingham small arms company on the barrel as well as 220cal and on the other side of the barrel it says 22L. I would say it is a target heavy barrel. thefore stock does have 2 holes drilled in it, one at the front and the other at the rear.(not sure if they are susposed to be there. Also the wood on the butt stock does seem to have a different grain than the fore stock but both colours seem to match.
If anyone has a pic of what this gun should look like please post it and also if you can tell me more by my desciption pleas elet me know. the gun is in nice shape.

and there is BSA marks in a few different areas.
thanks
 
A lot of the bores can be rough on some of these old rifles... if the bore is bright it is worth $350 to $400 in my opinion.

It is not the International model... a much heavier larger rifle..
 
There are two listed on the EE in the Rimfire Exchnage of which I'm presently in the process of buying the MK V International. Have a look at those and see if they are anything like the ones you are looking at.

There was a web page I had saved a couple years back with all the models and pictures but can't find it now.
 
I just bumped a tread a couple below mine. this gun looks almost identical to the one I am looking at. he callled it a model 12. would it be worth $400?
 
mpjustin said:
I just bumped a tread a couple below mine. this gun looks almost identical to the one I am looking at. he callled it a model 12. would it be worth $400?
Click to expand...

The thread you bumped is in the Rimfire forum. There are a couple Model 12 variations in pre and post WWII where the pre was was a Model 12 and post war model were called a model 12/15 and also came in a heavy barrel version.

In the condition of the one in the picture you show I would sugget a $400.00 - $500.00 gun.
 
Justin, I thought you were a Winchester collector? I know...it is so nice and a very neat rifle. Condition is everything. If they are completely stock and have a great bore it could be worth the money. Every alteration to that rifle drops the value quickly. The bore is the most important factor. Other than by eyesight, which can be less than exact at times, there is very little technology to assist with judging the quality of the bore and rifling. Shooting will tell the ultimate tale. It should shoot one hole at 50 yards. Just remember, paying near top price in this market......you may be a loooong time ever making any prifit on the deal. Good luck........Dave
 
I have a model 12 that the previous owner tried to drill for a scope and savaged the top of the barrel.
I covered them with a base and installed a 32x scope this will hit flies at 50 yards if the sit still long enough. Also shoots well under 1 inch at 100 yards. I paid $450 for it a few years ago because of the accuracy factor not because of the looks. It also came with the #7 rear sight that has the hole in the base to clean the bore, some of the 12s did not. It also has the globe front with inserts in the brass holder attached to the rear of the forearm.
I am always looking for more at a decent price and have sold some for reasonable prices. Could never understand some of the prices asked for firearms that are used and the price is 10% below new.
Regards Delta1
 
thanks guys for the insight. I think I will put an offer to what I think is a fair deal. as far as the bore goes it looks good just a little dirty. only shooting will tell though . It isn't a winchester but it does have a lever;) I put up pics if I get it. thanks again
 
mpjustin said:
thanks guys for the insight. I think I will put an offer to what I think is a fair deal. as far as the bore goes it looks good just a little dirty. only shooting will tell though . It isn't a winchester but it does have a lever;) I put up pics if I get it. thanks again
Click to expand...

FYI you might check out these links (from the Martini-Henry forum at martinihenry.com/links.htm)

www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46389

http://rifleman.org.uk/index-24.html

I remember reading somewhere that those target models were guaranteed by the factory to shoot 1.5" @ 100 yards. If the bore is in fact OK the price seems fair. (The seller really ought to have cleaned it first, IMHO)

:) Stuart
 
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