Obsolete Calibre .577/450 Martini Henry Rifle Dated 1873

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An early production Martini Henry under lever rifle, chambered in .577/450. Manufactured by Enfield in 1873, this rifle started life as a MKI. The MKI was first adopted into British service as the standard military rifle in 1871 with production ending in 1876. 1877 saw the introduction of the MKII. The majority of MKI rifles were then upgraded to the then new MKII. This can be seen of this rifle. Once the upgrade was completed the MKI has had an extra 'I' roman numeral added to the right of the original one. The Martini rifle was used during the Zulu War and most famously at the Battle of Rorke's Drift in 1879, when against seemingly overwhelming odds around 150 British and colonial troops successfully defended the garrison against an intense assault by 3,000 to 4,000 Zulu warriors.

As weapons technology improved and with the introduction of the bolt action rifle, the Martini was phased out with existing stocks used to arm British colonial forces. The various markings on the stock of this Martini show it was issued many times during its service life. There are British, Indian and Nepalese markings.A very well traveled rifle.

The bore is still in great condition with good strong rifling throughout, and the action is crisp and smooth. It has a full working action.

This lovely rifle is chambered in an obsolete calibre (.577/450) and can therefore be owned live without any form of license.

Available with a rare inert Kynoch blank cartridge. It is not included in the price .

To order Call 01547 529093 or 05603 416575 or email sales@deactivated-guns.co.uk.

Product Code: 577U8

OUT OF STOCK