Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Martini-Enfield Mk I was effectively 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 they wore out very quickly when fired with cordite/nitrocellulose cartridges (introduced in 1895) and so in 1895 the Enfield rifled barrel was introduced, which was much more satisfactory and 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.
This example is marked on the action:
ENFIELD
1896
ME 303
A,C. II
In very nice condition this model saw service in throughout the British colonies, it is fitted to accept the P-1888 Lee Metford knife bayonet to attach directly under the barrel.
Note- There is some suspicion among our staff that this might be a Khyber pass copy. We completely broken the gun down for cleaning and restoration and it is composed of a majority of British made parts, but there are some in consistencies, such as the lack of proof markings, that make us wonder. Regardless, we have priced it accordingly, and it is still a wonderful look example. However, do not attempt to fire the weapon until having it verified by a certified gunsmith.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
- IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to posses, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in live condition. They are sold as collector’s items or as wall hangers. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required. Due to being in .303 British, this rifle unfortunately cannot be exported, and it is not considered "antique" or obsolete caliber in many locations.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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