Question about Martini rifles

**44 AMP** · November 6, 2021, 11:06 PM

I need an answer about the Martini rifles.

There is a lever on the side of the action that shows if the gun is cocked, or not, and it changes position when the cocked gun is fired.

My question is, is this lever just an indicator, or can the rifle be cocked with it?
(allowing a second strike without opening the action?)

Thanks.

ligonierbill · November 7, 2021, 05:39 AM

Sample of one, no. My 1884 version cannot be cocked with that little tab. But there are many variations, and I'm no expert.

darkgael · November 7, 2021, 07:50 AM

If you take the action apart….quite simple to do with the Martinis…..you will see that the indicator is purely a pin in effect.
Marvelously clear video on You Tube showing disassembly and reassembly. Search for “martini henry action strip”
Pete

https://youtu.be/JrJXvxmU4vY

Seedy Character · November 7, 2021, 08:19 AM

I always the little Martini rifles attractive and fascinating.

The side lever was listed, mentioned as an "indicator". I, too, wondered about actual function.

I have never owned or fired a Martini, though.
Maybe one day, after I win the lottery.

Jim Watson · November 7, 2021, 09:54 AM

Cocking indicators are fairly common on various guns of that era.
Folks wanted something to show status when the big obvious hammers were gone.

natman · November 7, 2021, 11:14 AM

The cocking indicator is linked directly to the sear. It might be theoretically possible to rotate the cocking indicator backwards and re-cock the rifle. HOWEVER, as a practical matter it would be a bad idea to attempt to do so.

The indicator offers neither the required leverage nor the traction to control the effort. Compare the length of the action lever and the amount of effort required to compress the firing pin spring. Trying to generate that much torque via the cocking indicator would require several times more force due to its much shorter length, all applied at the tiny tip of the indicator.

A slip could cause the cartridge to discharge during the process. So don't try it.

**44 AMP** · November 7, 2021, 02:09 PM

OK, so the answer is "no". It's an indicator only. Thanks!!

SIGSHR · November 7, 2021, 08:54 PM

Watch the Isandhlwana battle scenes from Zulu Dawnyou'll see the cocking indicators in action.

November 6, 2021, 11:06 PM	#1
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,817	Question about Martini rifles I need an answer about the Martini rifles. There is a lever on the side of the action that shows if the gun is cocked, or not, and it changes position when the cocked gun is fired. My question is, is this lever just an indicator, or can the rifle be cocked with it? (allowing a second strike without opening the action?) Thanks. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

November 7, 2021, 07:50 AM	#3
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	If you take the action apart….quite simple to do with the Martinis…..you will see that the indicator is purely a pin in effect. Marvelously clear video on You Tube showing disassembly and reassembly. Search for “martini henry action strip” Pete https://youtu.be/JrJXvxmU4vY __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member Last edited by darkgael; November 7, 2021 at 08:07 AM.

November 7, 2021, 11:14 AM	#6
natman Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2008 Posts: 2,605	The cocking indicator is linked directly to the sear. It might be theoretically possible to rotate the cocking indicator backwards and re-cock the rifle. HOWEVER, as a practical matter it would be a bad idea to attempt to do so. The indicator offers neither the required leverage nor the traction to control the effort. Compare the length of the action lever and the amount of effort required to compress the firing pin spring. Trying to generate that much torque via the cocking indicator would require several times more force due to its much shorter length, all applied at the tiny tip of the indicator. A slip could cause the cartridge to discharge during the process. So don't try it. __________________ Time Travelers' Wisdom: Never Do Yesterday What Should Be Done Tomorrow. If At Last You Do Succeed, Never Try Again.

November 7, 2021, 02:09 PM	#7
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,817	OK, so the answer is "no". It's an indicator only. Thanks!! __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

November 7, 2021, 05:39 AM	#2
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,448	Sample of one, no. My 1884 version cannot be cocked with that little tab. But there are many variations, and I'm no expert.

November 7, 2021, 08:19 AM	#4
Seedy Character Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2021 Location: SW Okla Posts: 201	I always the little Martini rifles attractive and fascinating. The side lever was listed, mentioned as an "indicator". I, too, wondered about actual function. I have never owned or fired a Martini, though. Maybe one day, after I win the lottery.

November 7, 2021, 09:54 AM	#5
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	Cocking indicators are fairly common on various guns of that era. Folks wanted something to show status when the big obvious hammers were gone.

November 7, 2021, 08:54 PM	#8
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	Watch the Isandhlwana battle scenes from Zulu Dawnyou'll see the cocking indicators in action.