I'm embarking on my first ever Martini build. It'll be a .218 Bee on a BSA rimfire action that J D Steele converted for me. The action is sound and well done in conversion to center fire.

Butchloc has advised me a bit on these actions and now I'd like to see photos of stocks and scope attachments and welcome additional advise on the project.

Here's what I'm starting with:

here's a picture of one I have shown before. It took about ten years, three barrels and chambers and two forearms before I got it like I want. To me, the Cadet is the classic smallbore varmint rifle of the 50's and needs a certain "look".



The buttstock is an old Fajen rollover I modified. I cut the top down and took the woop out of the ends. I originally had a beavertail, but saw this pattern on Treebone Carvings website and loved it, so I sent a piece of wood that matched resonably well and had them do it. This Cadet is in 218, and I think it is a much better choice than a Hornet or a larger case.

As to scope mounts, I redid this several times, and finally decided the best way was to turn a cylindrical section at the back for about 4" and use a rail. The Cadet has a rail type weaver mount intended for some stock rifle, but I can't remember the model. I am including a phot below of two ther rifles I am building on 2 Falling Block Works actions in the smallest size. They are almost exactly the size of a Cadet. I ordered some rails from Brownells for them, which are intended for 22 dovetail rings, and they are proportioned great for this size barrel. They sell them in flat bottom which works for octagon barrels if not tapered too much, and a couple of radius sizes, which match the barrelsize well. The 4" ones work for low power scopes such as I put on the 25-35, and the 12" ones can be cut to length for the larger varmint scopes. I think the trim size looks much better than the standard large bases. With a little machining, you could cut your own from some bar stock. The stocks on the two guns below may give you some ideas on other styles.



Hpe this helps.

I've posted pics of this one before. BSA #8 rear sight, Lyman 17A front, it's still a .310 Cadet.

OK here a few more. making another one right now, this one in 17 ackley hornet

couple of these got restocked and well - you know how they can breed

I like the factory long stock on the Aussy model. I'll post a pic tonight.

I've shown some of these before, wish I had taken some photos of others I built before digital cameras.....




The scope on the engraved Cadet is mounted on a section of steel rib stock that Whitey made for me, and it makes for a neat and tidy result. I tried the Brownell's alloy stock but like Whitey's rib stock A LOT better (many thanks, Whitey!). I like to use the Kimber or early Warne Premier rings with these little ribs, they are dainty enough to blend well with the little actions.


They also go well with low walls....

Regards, Joe

Some nice Martinis!

I guess I'll need to learn how to post pictures.

I just finished one-a BSA with original barrel that shoots really well. Straight grip, English walnut from Treebone, Ballard-type forearm (no flare in front of the action, very thin, ebony tip with Ballard-type very small flare at the front). Looks and feels like an English stalking rifle, and with a 12x Unertl up top, has given the occasional sub-MOA groups at 100 yds.


I have another in process with Curt Hardcastle-half-octagon Shilen barrel, pistol grip, forearm similar to the other one.

I think those rifles beg for a classic external adjustment scope. Most of the Martinis I've shot with modern scopes have the scope set so low that it's a pain to load the rifle.

Clarence

32WCF

A friend had a musket-style like that years ago, IIRC it had a kangaroo stamped on it somewhere.

I have a couple of those style sights around- ...someplace.

All of the Aussie Cadet training rifles came with kangaroos (stamped on top front of the receiver) from the factory and were "musket styled".

I have posted these before. A Martini Cadet in 7-30 Waters by Duane Wiebe. I am currently building two more myself, one in .223 using a Bob Snapp extractor and another in .22 Long Rifle. I would suggest that you consider the Mashburn Bee in a cadet. A simple fireforming job, but the brass lasts longer and the cartridge has a bit more go.

quote:

Originally posted by loud-n-boomer:
I have posted these before. A Martini Cadet in 7-30 Waters by Duane Wiebe. I am currently building two more myself, one in .223 using a Bob Snapp extractor and another in .22 Long Rifle. I would suggest that you consider the Mashburn Bee in a cadet. A simple fireforming job, but the brass lasts longer and the cartridge has a bit more go.

There's a lot of beautiful rifles here....but this one is superb beyond anything I've seen....

AWESOME.....and some great ideas!

I agree that there are a lot of nice rifles pictured here. I have a Martini I have been wanting to work on for a few years and after looking at some of these I am confused on what way to go!

Greg

I have a few Martini action sitting around and one which has been chambered in 218 Mashburn Bee is still waiting for a stock......I just can't seem to make up my mind on which style of stock to do......
Here is a photo of what I'm tempted to do.....Kiwi

Here are a few selections to view. 17 Imp. Ack Bee, 22 Bee Mashburn, 17 Rem., 5.6X50R, 20 Special

quote:

Originally posted by Kiwishooter2:
I have a few Martini action sitting around and one which has been chambered in 218 Mashburn Bee is still waiting for a stock......I just can't seem to make up my mind on which style of stock to do......
Here is a photo of what I'm tempted to do.....Kiwi

That is pretty much perfect in my mind!

Greg

quote:

Originally posted by Kiwishooter2:
I have a few Martini action sitting around and one which has been chambered in 218 Mashburn Bee is still waiting for a stock......I just can't seem to make up my mind on which style of stock to do......
Here is a photo of what I'm tempted to do.....Kiwi

The stock is clearly a Fajen Aristocrat style.....Did Fajen make stocks for the Martini or is this cut down from a one piece rifle stock?

uh oh now you went and did it. i can just see whats going around in vapos mind. screwbean mesquite stock full roll over with monte carlo, white and red spacers, plastic inlays, chambered for 218 weatherby bee

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
uh oh now you went and did it. i can just see whats going around in vapos mind. screwbean mesquite stock full roll over with monte carlo, white and red spacers, plastic inlays, chambered for 218 weatherby bee

actually the white spacers have been removed.....

You're having way way too much fun here today!!!

There has to be some more Martinis out there that could inspire me on my build!

Show them off!

Greg

quote:

Originally posted by albertacoyote:
There has to be some more Martinis out there that could inspire me on my build!

That Wiebe Cadet in 7-30 Waters is the high water mark for me.

Ramsgate, I'm with you, although I wouldn't choose that chambering. The color case on that action is stunning.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Ramsgate, I'm with you, although I wouldn't choose that chambering.

I shot my first IHMSA 40 with a 7-30 Waters and I think it's my 7mm rimmed cartridge of choice. Unfortunately it was introduced for lever guns and that's a sure way to be regarded as vaguely agricultural.

A fellow from Belgium, on another site, showed some absolutely splendid little Cadets. Some were from Europe, as exemplified by one with DSTs that fit inside the original Cadet TG. Others were from the US, as exemplified by a pair from Bob Snapp. Much resembling Duane's except even more so, if that makes any sense. For instance Bob's have deeply scalloped rear sockets and one was a sidelever conversion. Wish I had photos.
Regards, Joe

quote:

Originally posted by Ramsgate:

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Ramsgate, I'm with you, although I wouldn't choose that chambering.

I shot my first IHMSA 40 with a 7-30 Waters and I think it's my 7mm rimmed cartridge of choice. Unfortunately it was introduced for lever guns and that's a sure way to be regarded as vaguely agricultural.

My friend George the Knifemaker has many Cadets in many chamberings but my favorite is the 25-35 Ackley Improved. IMO a similar cartridge in the 6.5 bore would be even better since it would permit use of the heavier big-game bullets.

The only thing stopping me is the tuit (and the $.........)
Regards, Joe

Vapodog, I'm not sure what style of stock it is or who made it.......the rifle was up for auction about 10 years ago on Gunbroker.......just wish I'd had the money to bid on it back then.

Here goes some other photos I've collected over the years of Martinis........Kiwi



One from Bob Snapp and Maurice Ottmar, this is in 222 Rimless and was also on Gunbroker a few years ago.

Some very nice rifles!

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
Some very nice rifles!

That's an understatement....some masterpieces is more like it!

Personally I would really love that side lever Martini.......especially if it was chambered in 20 Killer Bee or something similar......Kiwi

Kiwishooter:

The top one of the four you listed is by Dominic Paisano. Its photo has been on the Adams Guns web site for a number of years.

There was another Snapp/Ottmar rifle at Griffin & Howe a few years ago. I had the opportunity to inspect it at some length. Breathtaking. But if I recall correctly, the asking price was over $20,000, which was a good bit too rich for my wallet.

Just sharing my custom Rifle:

Martini 12/15: .22 LR ; Custom Stock / Heavy Barrel " Eric Johnson " stamped on Barrel.

PAPI

Here are mine. I want more.

Remington40x from memory the starting bid on the Snapp/Ottmar Martini was just under $20,000, which was a bit out of my price bracket.....Kiwi

And when the anti-gun, anti-military wankers here did away with school Bisley shooting and school cadets, all the little BSA s went to the furnaces. Dimwits rule us.

Knock it off boys, your making me want one!

The side lever martini is for sale if you have the cash. the caliber is 218 bee. all hardware is hand forged damascus. The barrel is integral with a full length rib, barrel band front sight, and barrel band swivel. all the metal is currently in the white, and ready for the new owners engraving ideas.
The stock is of english walnut with 24 line per inch checkering
All wood work and metal was work done by myself and presented to the gunmakers guild for acceptance as a stock maker and metalsmith, it 2008.
and yes I was accepted into the guild as a stock maker and metalsmith

Joe

To my eye, most Martini Cadet customs are overwhelmed by their stocks, which are generally on the big and bulky side, and also by their scopes, which are often immense affairs mounted on barrel blocks.

That's probably because many of these rifles have been set up for varmint shooting over sandbags, and are products of a time when big and bulky stocks were in fashion.

But to me, the Martini Cadet action deserves a very slim and svelte stock - with a straight grip and no side panels, please - and a low, simply mounted and unobtrusive scope.

Michael,

I like very slim forearms on my Martinis, too. I just finished one (a Model 12 with original barrel) with a Ballard Long-Range style forearm with ebony tip that starts at the width of the action and then tapers. The Buttstock also is very thin, with a classic English-style cheekpiece and steel buttplate.

The rifle carries like an English sporting rifle, and shoots about as well out to 200 m as any .22 in my safe.

If I get some ambition, I'll post pictures later.

Clarence

Forgot to say that I like the original P-H #7 sight. If scoped, I like the classic small external adjustment scopes like the 1 1/4 Unertl.

Clarence