I would like to own an old Martini in a shootable 577/450. Any advice on what to look for and what to watch out for? Maybe there is another caliber you would recomend, I also though of a 303!

Fist thing is ask where the gun was made and by whom, and get lots of detailed pictures. There are a lot of these that were made in India, Nepal, and the 'stans. The quality of the non-English ones ranges from awe-inspiring to awful. Budget in the $600 to $900 range for a nice shootable 577/450 English-made military rifle and a couple of hundred less for a .303 military. The nicer sporters will range from $1,000 on up They can be found cheaper, but the range presented gives you a budget. The non-English ones are generally about $200 to $400 less as well.

The .303 is easier to get ammo and reloading components for, but the 577/450 is not bad. The .577/450 is not a .458 bore, but is usually more like a .468 bore, so bear that in mind when looking for bullets. The later long-lever Mark II or the Mark IV are probably a little more shootable, but that is a reative thing. The only other thing to look out for is that Martinis are addictive, once you have one you will want more; perhaps a cadet or a rimfire or whatever.

Dave

Greetings: I have several Martinis for sale. They are part of my collection of African Pioneer guns. Some are 577/450, and others are .303. Various makers_English, not nepalese. All manner of sporters: Army/Navy, BSA, and many other makers. I have two in .303 which are almost a pair. Please respond if interested to: lukeswoveland@hotmail.com 719-546-2554 Cheers, Luke

When reloading the 450/577 Trailboss powder works very well. Accurate, and very low pressure.

Thanks for the help guy's!

Bigluke

I will give you a call. Do you know Gary Tafoya, he lives in Pueblo?

Friend Shawn: Yes, I know Gary . I see him fairly often here at Pueblo Sporting Goods or at a Gun Show. He is a very nice man, and over the years I have sold him several nice old guns. What a small world it is! Cheers, Luke

Luke

Can you post pics and details in the for sale section of the 303 Martini rifles?

Thanks.