The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Martini-Metford Carbine

gyvel · June 29, 2014, 10:05 PM

I had a Martini Metford .303 carbine years ago that had served as a weapon in Tasmania for their home guard. As a general rule, these weapons, along with the full length Martini .303s were issued to reserve units and other second line entities, especially in the colonies.

Bear in mind, that, although nitro proofed, the Martini .303 conversions (and in particular the Martini-Metfords) were meant to be shot with Mk VI ball, NOT Mk VII or later cartridges.

To answer your specific question, yes, some British military rifles were produced for civilian use both at home and abroad in the colonies. (African settlers come to mind.) I still have a Lee-Speed rifle (a long Lee-Enfield) made for the civilian market which has no military proofs or inspectors' marks on it. Many of these arms were used by British NRA members for competition.

June 29, 2014, 10:05 PM	#3
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	I had a Martini Metford .303 carbine years ago that had served as a weapon in Tasmania for their home guard. As a general rule, these weapons, along with the full length Martini .303s were issued to reserve units and other second line entities, especially in the colonies. Bear in mind, that, although nitro proofed, the Martini .303 conversions (and in particular the Martini-Metfords) were meant to be shot with Mk VI ball, NOT Mk VII or later cartridges. To answer your specific question, yes, some British military rifles were produced for civilian use both at home and abroad in the colonies. (African settlers come to mind.) I still have a Lee-Speed rifle (a long Lee-Enfield) made for the civilian market which has no military proofs or inspectors' marks on it. Many of these arms were used by British NRA members for competition. Last edited by gyvel; June 29, 2014 at 10:11 PM.