Deactivated Martini Enfield MK1 Rifle

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The Martini–Enfield Mk I was a Martini–Henry Mk III rebarrelled to .303 and with a new extractor installed, whilst the Martini–Enfield Mk II rifles were generally of new manufacture, although there are examples of converted Mk II rifles.

Originally (from 1889) Martini–Henry conversions used Metford rifled barrels (and were known as Martini–Metford rifles), which were more than suitable for the first .303 cartridges, which used black powder as a propellant but wore out very quickly when fired with cordite/nitrocellulose cartridges (introduced in 1895). In 1895, the Enfield rifled barrel was introduced, which was much more suitable for use with "modern" (smokeless) ammunition.

The Martini–Enfield was in service from 1895–1918 (Lawrence of Arabia's Arab Irregulars were known to have used them during the Arab Revolt of 1916–1918, along with any other firearms they could acquire) and it remained a Reserve Arm in places like India and New Zealand until well into World War II.

Martini–Enfield rifles were manufactured/converted by:

• RSAF (Royal Small Arms Factory), Enfield Lock
• LSA Co (London Small Arms Co)
• BSA & M Co (Birmingham Small Arms & Metals Co, later simply BSA)
• HRB Co (Henry Rifle Barrel Co, later went out of business and taken over by Blenheim Engineering)
• NA&A Co (National Arms & Ammunition Co)

Martini–Enfield rifles were very well made and are more than capable of handling modern commercial .303 British ammunition, but, as with all second hand firearms, they should always be checked by a competent gunsmith before attempting to fire them

The item is subject to the buyers' transport or courier services.

Reference: Wikipedia.