From: "Tim Jeffreys", [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>KIPLING wrote affectionately of the Martini-Henry rifle;
its role in securing Britain's imperial zenith won
national respect. No modern poet is likely to do the
same for the modern Army's SA80, which is roundly mocked
by the men, privately condemned by officers and openly
scorned by our allies.<
Actually, they used to winge about the "Martin 'Enry". It
wasn't so much the rifle; there isn't much to break in a
Martini. It was the early ammunition: the original Boxer
cartridge had an iron base (or case head) in which was
housed the centrefire primer, and to this was attached
the card and coiled brass cartridge wall. If the user
was unlucky enough to have the extracter detach this
iron base, leaving the remainder of the fired case in the
breech, then he would then be the proud owner of an
interesting ornament, albeit a pointy one with the bayonet
fitted. This problem disappeared with the advent of drawn
brass cases.
It also had a fearsome recoil - somewhat mitigated in
later models by having a curved butt-plate. Put the same
full charge black powder ammunition through an early
Martini Henry and an Alexander Henry in 577/450 (same
barrel , similar length) and the difference in "comfort"
is surprising...
Tim : )
Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org
List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
___________________________________________________________
T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
