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| | The Martini Henry rifle was adopted by the British army in 1871 | |
|
+4Dave Neil Aspinshaw Saul David 1879 ADMIN 8 posters | Author | Message |
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ADMIN

Posts : 4321 Join date : 2008-11-01 Age : 64 Location : KENT
 | Subject: The Martini Henry rifle was adopted by the British army in 1871 Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:15 pm | |
| “If it’s a miracle, it’s a Boxer Henry .450” miracle!” Quote from the film ZULU !!! This is one of the best websites when it comes to the (The Martini Henry rifle ) Good Photo Detail along with description. http://www.martinihenry.co.uk/ Martini Henry rifle. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]The Martini-Henry rifle was developed from 1866 to 1871. This antique rifle was a mixture of the Henry rifles and the Martini falling-block action. Frederich Martini (1832-1897) was a Swiss gunsmith, who improved the American Peabody falling-block action. Alexander Henry (1817-1895) was the owner of gunmaking company in Scotland. These two antique gunsmiths displayed their prototypes to the British Army firearms probes(1867-1869) to find a substitute for the Snider Rifle. This antique rifle was used in the Zulu War and the Second Afghan War in 1878; and in the African Boer War of 1881. The best models of the Martini Henry production are: -Mark I (1871-1876): Length of 124.5 cm, with a lanyard eye at the butt of the rifle. -Mark I Cavalry Carbine: Length of 95.8 cm. -Mark I Artillery Carbine: Length of 95.8 cm. -Mark II (1877-1881): Length of 125.7 cm. -Mark III (1881-1888): Length of 125.7 cm. Today many Martini-Henrys are used as sporting rifles. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: -Calibre : .450-577″ -Catridge capacity: single shot -Operation : single-action -Firing system : centre-fire -Breach-loading: falling block action -Length : 121.9 cm (48″) -Barrel length : 85.1 cm (33.5″) -Weight : 3.9 kg (8.6 lb) -Sight : graduated sight -Safety : loading indicator on right hand side of frame -Stock : walnut |
|  | | Saul David 1879
Posts : 527 Join date : 2009-02-28
 | Subject: Re: The Martini Henry rifle was adopted by the British army in 1871 Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:23 pm | |
| 1894. Did you know a large number of .577/.450 Martini-Henry rifles were converted to .303 calibre to extend their useful service life, and served side by side with the bolt actioned Lee - particularly in the more remote corners of the globe. |
|  | | Neil Aspinshaw

Posts : 553 Join date : 2009-10-14 Location : Loughborough
 | Subject: Re: The Martini Henry rifle was adopted by the British army in 1871 Wed Oct 14, 2009 2:29 pm | |
| My resarch has thrown up quite a few good facts about the issue of the first service pattern the Martini -Henry mk1 (3rd: approved pattern). during 1872-74 the Martini was only trialled, this was done at various home, Hythe, Aldershot, Portsmouth {navy} and overseas stations and not for general issue.
The rifle was not approved for service until 28-9-1874, under a draft general order to the Army, order commenced on 12-10-74 for immediate issue. On 3-10-74 the controller a Woolwich suggested That packing of M-H rifles be commenced, 21-10-1874 that arms and ammunition be distributed to foriegn stations (excluding India), order approved 29-10-1874.
The Mk1 was still in service until 1881, there had been 450,000 made, most of which were converted at Enfield to Mk2 status between 1877-1881, however in the 1879 production year (March 1878-March 1879) only 125,000 had been converted, the RSAF superintendent reported that efforts to complete the task would take into the 1880 production year. |
|  | | Dave

Posts : 1604 Join date : 2009-09-21
 | Subject: Re: The Martini Henry rifle was adopted by the British army in 1871 Sat Jun 26, 2010 11:17 am | |
| Is this a true statement?
"The Martini-Henry, this weapon was carried by every man except officers and staff sergeants. "
Can understand the officer not being issued as they were probably issued with revolvers and swords
But what were Staff Sergeants issued with?
|
|  | | joe

Posts : 600 Join date : 2010-01-07 Location : UK
 | Subject: Re: The Martini Henry rifle was adopted by the British army in 1871 Sat Jun 26, 2010 5:24 pm | |
| Hi Dave, I cant find anything that says the Staff Sergeants/NCOs used anything else, the only thing, which im sure youll already know, is that they were issued with the P1860/75 sword-bayonet instead of the regular bayonets. Maybe someone else can answer your question.
thanks joe |
|  | | 90th

Posts : 10752 Join date : 2009-04-07 Age : 67 Location : Melbourne, Australia
 | Subject: martini - henry Sun Jun 27, 2010 7:53 am | |
| Hi Dave , joe. My guess is Staff Sergeants were issued with a pencil . :lol!: . This is one that no doubt our esteemed member Neil Aspinshaw will certainly know the answer , if Neil doesnt know then we are in a bit of bother .  . cheers 90th. |
|  | | Mr Greaves

Posts : 747 Join date : 2009-10-18
 | Subject: Re: The Martini Henry rifle was adopted by the British army in 1871 Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:49 am | |
| I thought all British Soldiers were issued with the M.H no matter what rank. |
|  | | keith4698
Posts : 36 Join date : 2009-09-29
 | Subject: Re: The Martini Henry rifle was adopted by the British army in 1871 Mon Jun 28, 2010 7:30 am | |
| Do not get mixed up betweem a C/Sgt and a S/Sgt in the Victorian army. A S/Sgt was armed with a revolver and sword as indeed was the QMS and the Sgt Maj |
|  | | | The Martini Henry rifle was adopted by the British army in 1871 | |
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