Let's see your Martinis!

mikeystew

mikeystew

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Ok, I have to say it, I have a SERIOUS affection for BSA Martinis. As far as I'm concerned they are the best thing since cased cartridges, and I love em all. Small frame versions are my favorite shooters of all time, be it straight stock or pistol grip, but I love the look of the internationals equally. I don't know if it's because they can't be bought new and are rather scarce, or if it's the old school construction, or both, but there is no denying that the overbuilt actions and heavy barrels, not to mention the lighning fast lock-up times of these old guns is for the most part truely a thing of the past. For a gun of that heft, and quantity of quality steel, with hand polished bores, extremely precise micrometer sights, beautiful English and Italian walnut stocks, carefully hand fitted parts, and accuracy that can still keep up with the best of the modern target rifles... For this kind of gun to be produced today? It would cost a buyer thousands of dollars, and in my opinion wouldn't have a fraction of the style and class that these old guns afford. Sure you can still buy an anschutz or suhl that has the same degree of accuracy and even more precision trigger groups, but they will cost you thousands of dollars.

So, let's see some of your examples! I'm sure the CGN crowd has a few knocking about the gun room to show off. If you have targets I'd like to see them too.
 
Here's mine recently acquired, all matching serial numbers. After some research of the serial number and markings on the barrel it turns out to be a very uncommon Model 13. It loves Eley Match ammo as shown in the target below. I've only had it out a couple of times for a quick test. The one shot that messed up the group was of course the fault of the nut behind the trigger, still not a bad group at 50 yards with peep sights. I'm waiting for a break in the weather to try it at 100 yards.
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Great first post because... I just bought but have yet to receive a gun that I think is just like yours. Can you tell me, is your barrel a pencil taper type that measures a small 9/16" diameter at the muzzle, or is it closer to 3/4"? Because most of the info I've read at rifleman and Bob Adams says the model 13 has the narrow tapered barrel, but yours appears to have a standard barrel. It's 25" long right? Mine is "registered" as a #8 but it has a full size action body and heavy barrel, that is 25" long, yet #8's have a 1"wide action body, not the standard 1.25". It does not match the "description" of an 8 or a 13.
If you could give me some of the specs of your guns dimensions I'd greatly appreciate it if it's not too much trouble.
Awesome group by the way! These things can SHOOT!
 
Mikeystew: I think that you have backed yourself into a corner here....I like Martinis too but all "older" singleshots are to die for, the Ballards, Sharps, Stevens, etc. Some of us are just single shot freaks....check out the ASSRA site, some beauties on there including the Martinis........I am down to one now and have gone in a diff. direction, old Stevens!!!
 
I like the rail on your mkV Rod. I had thought about scoping my ISU at one time but decided to leave the irons on it. And you are right Ben, I back myself into the same corner every few months... Last month I was in the cooey corner.
 
mikeystew said:
I like the rail on your mkV Rod. I had thought about scoping my ISU at one time but decided to leave the irons on it. And you are right Ben, I back myself into the same corner every few months... Last month I was in the cooey corner.
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Yes the rail makes for a good solid mount. It was made for me by a friend who is a retired tool & die maker.
 
Here's a little info on mine. Serial number is 32### with no prefix. Action measures 1.19" wide, barrel is 25" long - 1" dia. at the chamber and 3/4" dia. at the muzzle, the barrel has not been relined. Rear sight is a BSA no.8 with a six hole aperture wheel, front sight is a BSA no. 19. Cocking indicator on the right hand side of the falling block. This one is also a take down model.
 
22forever said:
Here's a little info on mine. Serial number is 32### with no prefix. Action measures 1.19" wide, barrel is 25" long - 1" dia. at the chamber and 3/4" dia. at the muzzle, the barrel has not been relined. Rear sight is a BSA no.8 with a six hole aperture wheel, front sight is a BSA no. 19. Cocking indicator on the right hand side of the falling block. This one is also a take down model.
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Right on... I don't know if the one I bought has the takedown feature but it is otherwise identical! So it looks like I got a model 13 that is mislabeled on the registration as a model 8. I'm happy to see that the takedown versions shoot just as well as the non takedowns, iv always been curious about that.

Is yours C broadarrow marked? Mine will be the third 13 including yours I've seen in the past couple weeks and it makes me wonder why such a rare model is coming out of the woodwork???
 
I don't believe that the .223 would be viable, not that someone else hasn't done it, but too high pressure, and case must be rimmed (unlike the .223). Try .222R,.218 Bee and Mashburn, .22 Hornet and k-hornet, .256 Win., 25/20, etc.
 
Reserecting an old thread but looking for any info regarding availability and pricing of a mk2 or Mk 3 international?

Thanks gentlemen

Predator.
 
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Not all the serial #s will match...The receiver and butt stock is from a model 13 and the rest is a 12.Very accurate rifle though.
 
ben hunchak said:
I don't believe that the .223 would be viable, not that someone else hasn't done it, but too high pressure, and case must be rimmed (unlike the .223). Try .222R,.218 Bee and Mashburn, .22 Hornet and k-hornet, .256 Win., 25/20, etc.
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I've posted this elsewhere, but mine is a .22 Hornet, although it may have started its second life (after a 577-450 or .303) as a .22 RF. Built on a large-frame action by AG Parker in the late 30's

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From the 1938 P-H Sporting Rifle Catalogue:

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I will admit to a hankering for a .22 rf on the Cadet action, though. Milarm had one a few months ago and I stalled and lost it.

I'm surprised that one of the Italian manufacturers hasn't produced a reproduction of the Martini.

:) Stuart
 




BSA Martini Int'l Mk II. Mac Tilton scope base with a Leupold 36 X BR.

The target was shot at the Ridgedale Rod and Gun Club at our first 100 yard Rim Fire shoot. First indications are this will be a monthly event until October.

Bought off the EE as the first person to look at it. There is also a WTB on the EE. After a successful showing on the weekend the price on this one went up dramatically! The trigger is now breaking cleanly under one pound.

rimfirecentral.com is a friend.

 
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I picked this up November last year. The last time I shot one was about 1972 in the Air Cadets. Once I got my PAL last year finding one was high on the list. Fortunately I was able to score this at a local gun show. Couldn't be more pleased. I'm going to have a target shooter send a few to see what it can really do.

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