Martini-Henry - firing condition

[PARKINGLOT]

I was able to cross a gun off my want list with my acquisition of a Martini-Henry (Enfield, Mk IV)

Is there anything I should do or look for to make sure it's in shootable condition?
Appearance-wise it looks in very good shape for a gun that's 136 years old.

 

[antiqueguy]

Heavy pitting in the bore is about all of worry about. Outside barrel pitting can look very deep but I have seen a cross sectioned barrel that looked like the pitting was fairly deep but didn’t make it even half way to the bore.

Pay close eye to the stock cracks and chips. The martini is one of the strongest military actions available I would not worry too much about that part.

 

[vagrantviking]

I've seen one with cracks in the receiver at the block pivot pin. A 7mm mag barrel came with it but was not installed. It threaded on though so I'm not sure what the full story is.
The cracks were welded up and last I heard it was doing fine as a 32-40. Resilient actions for sure.

I'd pull it apart and clean it up then look for internal damage, look around the firing pin hole, see the springs and other parts aren't cracked. Check the metal under the wood. Any issues should be pretty obvious.

 

[partial]

nice pictures.

 

[antiqueguy]

I've seen one with cracks in the receiver at the block pivot pin. A 7mm mag barrel came with it but was not installed. It threaded on though so I'm not sure what the full story is.
The cracks were welded up and last I heard it was doing fine as a 32-40. Resilient actions for sure.

I'd pull it apart and clean it up then look for internal damage, look around the firing pin hole, see the springs and other parts aren't cracked. Check the metal under the wood. Any issues should be pretty obvious.

The old stand by is if it can make the turn into the chamber it can be barreled into it that said theirs some is avoid.