Well, I had a copy of Shotgun News in front of me. I turned to the International Military Antiques ad. There was a reproduction "British Victorian Leather Cavalry .303 Bandoleers", the ones for individual rounds.

Ok, it is a reproduction. But I already have an original P-1903 Bandoleer and I have been looking for one of these for the longest time. Now I need a rifle. So, what should I get to go with my bandoleer?

Yeah, it is some kind of sick to get a rifle based on an accessory. That's why the topic title. So, should I get an original, or should I build a nifty facsimile to go along with the reproduction bandoleer? (Something that will have the style of the age but the functionality of proper chambering, etc.)

[ 03-29-2003, 07:37: Message edited by: Hobie ]

Well, I guess you've got one of 3 ways you could go here:

a Martini-Enfield .303 British ($$$$$$$)
a No.1 Mk2 Enfield .303 British ($$$$$$$$)
a No. 1 Mk3 Lee-Enfield .303 British (Presumably less $$$$$).

Personally I'd go with the Martini-Enfield, but that's just me.

Terrible, isn't it?

well, it gets really bad when you start thinking things like, "hey, if i get these dies now, that's just one less thing i have to worry about when i get the accompanying gun...eventually"

one more reason to get a martini-enfield, ample reason to get the complimentary piece of a martini-henry.

[ 03-30-2003, 03:25: Message edited by: Curtis_Lemay ]

Who was it that said: "I can resist anything...except temptation. And the only way to rid yourself of temptation, is to give in to it."

I believe Oscar Wilde is who you are thinking of.

Gents,
I have fallen for that trick before,someone here mentions a deal for this or maybe a "really one time buy" and then I have to wait for a white or brown truck,,,I saw this coming this time and beat you to the punch. I Already have six or seven Enfields in 303 here and that means I merely have to buy the clips and a bandolier or two. Ha Ha I didn't fall for it 45nut

What's really sad is that I have Enfields, 2, and yes in the original .303. But ever since I saw some old movie whose name I can't remember, I've wanted to go about in the wilds with my .303 bandoleer and a cool Lee Speed in .303 with both express sights and aperture. I also like those cool carbines with the 5 round magazines. Now, 40 years later maybe I can afford it!

To my mind, there are only a couple of bolt guns worth playing with, the Lee-Enfields and the M1891 Mausers. My strange predelictions are well known around here. Just the other day at the gun store, the clerk said, "this guy knows all about that weird stuff." Yes, I did!

Where, pray tell, can I get the proper ammo loaded with the proper compressed cylinder of BP?

[ 03-31-2003, 01:30: Message edited by: Hobie ]

Gents,
No Martini has a home here yet but I did get a Argentine 1891 Mauser last week. And I have a Rolling block,,,And a T/C or two...and a coupla 95 mausers, a coupla 98's here too,then there's the Krag, I look around and see a Ak keeping company with a lever action...Yes I am an addict. I can accept that graciously and aspire to become a Martini owner 45nut