Hello all, I'm new to the British Militaria but have been posting on Parallax Bill's military surplus rifle forum for a few years.
I just received an 1885 Mk II from IMA. I ordered the "special select"option, and I was curious how my rifle stacks up against any of your IMA Mk IIs.
Link to pics:
http://gallery.me.com/jtrepal#100016
The receiver has the "2" stamp under the mark designation, so I wonder if being a second class weapon has any bearing on the rifle's condition. The bore looks pretty good, and the stock and action both feel solid and tight. The barrel has some pitting on the wood line, most of it doesn't seem bad but there are one or two spots that concern me a little. The stock has a couple hairline cracks and a gouge near the lever cup. The cleaning rod has a patch of fairly major corrosion on it, though other parts of it look good
How did I do? I want to shoot this, so the barrel pitting is something I'm slightly concerned about. I'm also not sure how the stock would hold up to firing. I suppose the verdict on that depends on what's under the wood as far as the barrel goes. I'm considering returning it and exchanging it for a long lever - those seem to be in better shape based on the few I've seen in forum pictures.
Overall I feel like I got basically what is advertised, but wanted to see what you gentlemen think, since I'm still new to the Martini Henry. Any tips would be appreciated, and thanks in advance for advice!
I just received an 1885 Mk II from IMA. I ordered the "special select"option, and I was curious how my rifle stacks up against any of your IMA Mk IIs.
Link to pics:
http://gallery.me.com/jtrepal#
The receiver has the "2" stamp under the mark designation, so I wonder if being a second class weapon has any bearing on the rifle's condition. The bore looks pretty good, and the stock and action both feel solid and tight. The barrel has some pitting on the wood line, most of it doesn't seem bad but there are one or two spots that concern me a little. The stock has a couple hairline cracks and a gouge near the lever cup. The cleaning rod has a patch of fairly major corrosion on it, though other parts of it look good
How did I do? I want to shoot this, so the barrel pitting is something I'm slightly concerned about. I'm also not sure how the stock would hold up to firing. I suppose the verdict on that depends on what's under the wood as far as the barrel goes. I'm considering returning it and exchanging it for a long lever - those seem to be in better shape based on the few I've seen in forum pictures.
Overall I feel like I got basically what is advertised, but wanted to see what you gentlemen think, since I'm still new to the Martini Henry. Any tips would be appreciated, and thanks in advance for advice!
