Martini Mark ll

[Pietro panama]

Just purchased with Lyman 25X scope. Sighted in and shot yesterday for first time. Was disappointed with accuracy at 100yds with Wolf Match ammo. 8 of 10 in 2" square with 2 slightly outside--------did not measure group diameter.
Group did not compare to Rem 40X, Win 52D, or Kimber 82G. Am I expecting too much?
Looking for feedback and guidance.
Pete

 

[JohnKielly]

As I recall, the Mark III started production in 1960 or 1961, so you're talking about a 50 year old plus rifle here, which unless it's been rebarrelled could have gone around the clock a few times by now.

 

[lawman29]

I've got a Mark II, 40x and 40xb. The Mark II shoots good, but not as good as the 40xs but better than 2" - under good conditions. However, the ammo makes a difference.

I would start at 50 yards and test with several brands, and then move to 100. Also, have good conditions.

Mark II I have liked Ely Match, CenterX, Midas - (Ely club okay). The 40x Ely Match. The 40xb Midas and RWS R100 (she is a spoiled little princess, but boy does she shoot...). None of them shot wolf, SK, or federal as well. But, every rifle is different...

 

[JeffG]

My MkII shoots along with my annie 54 Match, Geco 37, Brno model 3, and Walther sport modell. Lapua center-x has been very consistent in all of them.

Have You checked the crown?, is it damaged?

Check out the 22LR ammo test article here on accurate shooter.

 

[RuncornLes]

BSA Martini rifles seem to prefer Eley ammunition - I believe it was initially developed specifically for the BSA barrels. Try some Eley Match .... it should give much better results than 2" groups.

 

[vahena]

I just purchased a left hand Martini, MK11 in near new condition, it sat in the previous owner safe for 15 yrs, owner before him also sat in a safe for 15 yrs. Don't know any more history for it before the two previous owners but, like I said almost knew condition.
Rifle was made in 1953 according to the serial number and markings. So I took it out for the first time about 2 weeks ago and sighted in the correct iron sights PH25 AL and a PH1 front sight. So a friend of mine wanted to go for group, as the rifle was shooting so well. First shot, I said ah s##t I did not follow thru, the next four shot were in the same hole within a .001 or .002,now mind you this was a sighting in period and only 50 yds. I have attached a pic here and also the back of the target as the front was one of those splatter targets, as you get a better view of the shots.
I again took it out this weekend and put a redfield 3200 scope on it 16x and tried to sight in at 100 yds, but the scope maxed out and I was still 12" to low, need to get a higher MOA rear block from Steve Earl. So we went back to the 50 yd line and shot the next target of 15 shots and blew the center out. Both targets are Wolf extra match, I have some Eley Tenex but wanted to get sighted in first, we will see.

These rifles are shooters, and also the Eley factory was just a couple miles down the road from the BSA factory and they did work together. If she shoots this good with Wolf, I cant wait to see what the Tenex will do, I love this rifle.

 

[vahena]

Sorry guys, I tried to upload my two targets but the files are to large, and I don't know how to shrink them.
I anyone wants to see the targets, just PM me with your email, and I will get them out to you. The 4 in one hole is a thing of beauty.
Thanks Rob

 

[Ggmac]

Vahena , I sent you a PM .

 

[Travelor]

A lot of these rifles were cleaned from the muzzle.

Either you with a loop or a competent gunsmith should inspect the barrel. If the rifle shows muzzle wear from cleaning, cutting about 1" off the muzzle and re-crowning should fix your problem. Remember to drill and tap the barrel for metallic front sight if you do.

 

[dickn52]

Your MKII should print much better than 2". 2 Options of course...pilot error and gun damage. Ammo is usually the culprit though

 

[ScottElliott]

Your expecting too much from Wolf. You should try Eley Black box and Lapua Center-x. You also need wind flags and a good sturdy rest at 100 yards.

 

[Hummer]

Take a close look at your crown. I suspect it might need touching up. Frank Boyd used to touch his up at end of every season.

 

[dickn52]

My MKII shoots circles around all my 52's. I have shot several perfect scores on the A23/5 target with it.

 

[Kings X]

Factory specifications was 3/4" - 10 shot groups - 5 each at 100 yards.
I have a MKl, Mkll and two MKllls. They shoot SK Rifle Match and Eley Black box about equal. They all make 3/8" at 50 yards - the distance of our matches.
I would start with a good cleaning followed by a borescope inspection.

 

[cdiver]

It should do a lot better than that with the right ammo. This is what I get at 50 with Eley Match.

 

[riflewoman]

Before I would do ANYTHING to the rifle, I'd shoot some ELEY Match ammo in the black box. I'd also shoot at 50 yards and the group should be around 3/8 of an inch.

 

[Hammer47]

Brits were famous for using jointed cleaning rods. On rimfires........ruinous........check bore with Hawkeye for damage.