Looking for a Martini-proficient smith

[Dark Alley Dan]

Hello, all.

I purchased a small-frame Belgian Martini made by Auguste Francotte. It's a lovely trim little thing in a rimfire .25 caliber of some sort, likely Stevens. Pics and details here.

I'd like to rechamber to 25-20, or perhaps 32-20. This will require setting it up for center fire instead of rimfire. Does anyone here know a smith who wouldn't be doing this to my rifle for the first time in their lives?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[MilitaryCollectorMark]

Weber and Markim out of BC?

 

[cdnrokon]

guy in Winnipeg did mine in 357mag bought a barrel from nine35

 

[Dark Alley Dan]

Thanks, cdnrokon. You wouldn't happen to recall any name or contact info, would you?

 

[Claven2]

Gunco ottawa

 

[chasseur]

I have a similar Francotte martini in 22lr but mine has an ovate barrel on it with a ribbed top flat and express sightsView attachment 720167View attachment 720168View attachment 720169

 

[Dark Alley Dan]

That's a very pretty thing, mate. Good score!

 

[iron cat]

That's a very pretty thing, mate. Good score!

Talk to Paul Cook at PR Precision , he is a site sponsor and also posts under Lee Lad
Cat

 

[Dark Alley Dan]

Paul built what might be the World's Most Beautiful Rolling Block for me last year. The man's work is excellent. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Dark Alley Dan]

OK, update.

Gerald Smith in Torrington called me tonight to say he's accomplished the conversion to center fire via shortening up the "horns" on the lever. The block now stops in the proper place to smack a primer in the middle of the case. That solves one problem.

We discussed what caliber I wanted and settled on 25-20. Existing bore is good and should be .251. I'm told shooting lead .257 is within reason. Confirmation would be appreciated.

Question: where are you guys finding .257 lead bullets of c. 60 grains? The Stevens bullet weighed 66, and I'm wondering about stability with a heavier - 90 to 100 grain - bullet. Am I right to be concerned?

Any leads on dies?

Thanks, all.

Dan

 

[iron cat]

OK, update.

Gerald Smith in Torrington called me tonight to say he's accomplished the conversion to center fire via shortening up the "horns" on the lever. The block now stops in the proper place to smack a primer in the middle of the case. That solves one problem.

We discussed what caliber I wanted and settled on 25-20. Existing bore is good and should be .251. I'm told shooting lead .257 is within reason. Confirmation would be appreciated.

Question: where are you guys finding .257 lead bullets of c. 60 grains? The Stevens bullet weighed 66, and I'm wondering about stability with a heavier - 90 to 100 grain - bullet. Am I right to be concerned?

Any leads on dies?

Thanks, all.

Dan

Jeepers , dunno why I didn't suggest RKS !
Cat

 

[Dark Alley Dan]

No worries, bud. I knew about Ron and Gerald. I'm told Ron's done Martini work before, and Gerald can consult, so here we are.

 

[iron cat]

No worries, bud. I knew about Ron and Gerald. I'm told Ron's done Martini work before, and Gerald can consult, so here we are.

I don't think there are many single shot actions that Ron is unfamiliar with !
Cat