Martini Henry Rifle MkII
| Calibre | 577/450” |
| Length | 4’1” (L) 4’0” (s) |
| Weight | 8lb 7oz |
With its official adoption on the 27 April 1877, the Martini Henry MkII was to become the most numerous of the Martini .450/577 marks, in both MkI/II upgrades’ and new MkII. models to be produced, it remained the consistent in design until the Martini was replaced in 1889, however trade Production under government viewing continued up to 1894 with late colonial contracts being supplied by the Henry Rifled Barrel Company.
The Service MkII. carried forward all the lessons that had been learned through the first five years of issue of the Mk1. and a new pattern striker was introduced, with a heavier nose. The extractor was re-designed pattern extractor which had parallel base sides to strengthen the base from “springing”, and the butt plate was now smooth in design. (The chequered butt plate on the Mk1 had readily transferred dirt). Production had begun as early as March 1876 with limited production.
The new pattern cleaning rod was installed, approved on 23.6.1876, with a cupped end and and oval slot, and to effect better sighting the “V” notch of the slider was deepened, clear windage lines were added and the corresponding ladder tip made deeper.
The cost of the Enfield manufactured Martini Henry Mk2 by 1878 was £2 12s 10d per rifle.
Manufacturers
Enfield 1876-1889
Birmingham Small Arms & Metals Company 1877-78, 1880-1889
London Small Arms Company 1877-1878 1880-1889
National Arms and Ammunition Company 1878-1882
Henry Rifled Barrel Company 1891-1894
Notes:
In July 1877 of Store of firearms in 1877 was 856,578, of which 377,558 were Martini Henry, A severe case of supply outstripping demand, at the trade manufacturers, LSA & BSA : orders had simply been cancelled, in the 1879 production year, neither BSA & M Co or LSA produced any Martinis, in the 1880 year only 2882 rifles were jointly made, BSA had to close down temporarily to prevent it going into receivership.
