Australian .357 Magnum Martini Action Rifle Engraved Williams Target Sight
SOLD FOR: $1225
Make: Australian, Possibly BSA
Model: N/A
Serial Number: 31434
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Martini Henry Action
Markings: The left and right side of the frame are engraved. The right side of the frame has an image of a fox and the left side has a prairie hog. The right side of the frame also has a serial number “31434”. The left side of the barrel is marked “.357 MAGNUM”. The side of the rear sight is marked “WILLIAMS”. The top of the frame has a Kangaroo marking and a proof mark.
Barrel Length: 19” Round.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a raised base banded to the barrel. The rear sight is a Williams aperture target sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut FAJEN stocks. The buttstock has a serrated buttplate and monte carlo style raised comb. The LOP measures 13.75″ from the front trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition. There is no notable wear on the stock. There are no chips or cracks.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is almost no notable wear visible on this rifle except for a couple marks on the feed ramp. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet all your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Martini action is a type of breech-loading mechanism used in rifles and firearms. It was developed by Swiss engineer Friedrich von Martini in the late 19th century. The Martini action is known for its simple and robust design, which made it popular among military forces and civilian shooters alike.
The Martini action is a single-shot, lever-operated system. It features a falling block design, where the breechblock drops down to expose the chamber for loading and extraction. The lever is typically located underneath the action and is used to open and close the breech. Once the breech is closed, the rifle is ready to fire.
The Martini action was widely used by various military forces around the world. It saw significant service during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including in conflicts such as the Anglo-Zulu War, the Boer Wars, and World War I. The simplicity and reliability of the Martini action made it a preferred choice for military use in colonial and frontier settings.
In addition to military use, the Martini action was also popular among civilian shooters and hunters. Its strong and durable construction made it suitable for heavy calibers, and its single-shot nature allowed for precise shooting and ease of reloading.
Over the years, variations of the Martini action were developed by different manufacturers, including BSA, Greener, and Winchester. These variations introduced improvements such as improved locking mechanisms, stronger materials, and different barrel lengths to cater to specific shooting needs.
While the Martini action has been largely replaced by more modern and magazine-fed designs, it remains a notable part of firearms history. Its distinct appearance and unique operation continue to attract collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its historical significance and classic design.