I am somewhat interested in buying a .45 caliber rifle. I've got one, and it is perfectly adequate for my purposes but it's Americana (Sharps), not Africana, - one should have a proper rifle for the African continent of course. It would have to be a caliber like 577/450 or .450 #2 Musket os something along those lines - a cartridge and rifle with some African history. And preferably one that was historically a bp cartridge.

Military Martinis are out there by the boatload and they don't interest me. But a decent sporting Martini would fit the bill except that they tend be hard to find.

BTW, I don't know the twist rate for the barrels on these Martinis - does anyone know?

Other singleshots or even the ultra hyper-rare "affordable" double would be interesting.

Anyway, if any of you happen to know of a decent .45 (and it must be a .45 bore) that is available or could be made available, I would love to hear about it.

I suppose the "what is affordable" question has to be addressed. I think sub $3k. I just missed a perfect 577-450 Martini for $1750 the other day. What a bummer.

Anyway, a little piece of Africa in a .45 caliber is what I'm looking for.

Thanks,
Brent

I don't know my military from my sporting, but Hallowell has this one:

Westley Richards 1868 Patent Improved Martini .500/.450 #2 Musket $2,995.

26" Henry-rifled barrel with 4 folding platinum-lined express sights. 14"pull

to smooth steel trapdoor buttplate. Walnut stock with flat-topped

checkering, straight grip, horn forend tip and crosspin fastener. Rotating

trigger-block safety. Marked 52-bore 2 1/2"case. Weight: 7lbs, 10oz. 99%

old refinish. Decent bore; frosty, but free of pits. photo

yeah, I've seen that one. Damn it is ugly though!

But it's a possibility along with a .577-450 Martini Woodhead on gunbroker. But that one is awful rough, though cheap.

Thanks,
Brent

quote:

Originally posted by Brent:
yeah, I've seen that one. Damn it is ugly though!

So you want attractive, too? Now that is an different story!

Good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by Charles_Helm:

quote:

Originally posted by Brent:
yeah, I've seen that one. Damn it is ugly though!

So you want attractive, too? Now that is an different story!

Good luck!

Hey! that I'm considering Martini's at all is cause for heartburn in the first place. I love British shotguns for all occasions. But when it comes to 19th century rifles, I'm really an American fan, and I am trying to wean my way gently into the world of African/British singles without roughing up my "gotta-have-a-hammer" sensibilities too badly.

Brent

Now you want a hammer, too! Your best bet is probably two hammers.

Good luck finding a nice one.

What you need is something like this Brent



or this



or this


The 1st rifle is a scholefiled martini in 577-450 while the second is a Webley in the same caliber. The last rifle is a Greener in 500 #2 express.

Indeed, they are...

So, if you don't mind my asking. What are the first two worth and are they for sale?

If you like these, you would really like the one I miss on Gunbroker two weeks ago.

Brent

Brent you have a PM.

dang those are nice rifles!!!!

ttt