Small frame Martini question

[kopperl]

Just acquired a very small Martini in 297/230. No makers name, Belgian proofs.
Problem is the firing pin spring is a leaf spring and is broken.

Has anyone see a leaf spring action? Sure would like to know what I got so I can take care of it.

Bill

NAA has heeled 22 bullets . Track of the wolf has cases in stock.

[sthwestvictoria]

Sounds interesting Bill. Is it like a Swinburne action with an internal hammer rather than a striker? These Swinburne actions do use a leaf spring however I thought they were generally in the larger calibres as they were contempary to the Marini-Henry 577/450 and used in action such as at Rourkes Drift.

Is it definitely a Martini action with the breech block hinging from the rear? There is a Westley Richards Falling Block which uses a leaf spring hammer.

However from your description it sounds like a true firing pin/striker rather than a hammer?

Photos are always fun.

There is good help at the British-Militaria forums around rook and small martinis:
http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.com/forums/3/Miniature-Rook-and-Cadet-Rifle-Forum/Miniature-Rook-and-Cadet-Rifle-Forum#.VNvTii5oPvI


(http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.com/forums/3/Miniature-Rook-and-Cadet-Rifle-Forum/Miniature-Rook-and-Cadet-Rifle-Forum#.VNvTii5oPvI)

[skeettx]

A picture sure would be helpful
I know of no leaf spring Martini Cadets
Mike

[kopperl]

130483130484130485130486130482130482

[skeettx]

http://www.ima-usa.com/salesperson/result/change/?answerId=418&q=martini&salespersonaction=answerQuestion&searchHandle=QT1tYXJ0aW5pfkI9bWFydGluaX5EPTE2fkk9U HJpY2V_Sz00fkw9MX5NPTd_&p=1

http://www.gunwatch.co.uk/guns/550-Belgian-Martini-action-22-rifle-for-sale

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/7857771

Do you have a picture of the broken leaf spring?

[kopperl]

Here it is.130532

[sthwestvictoria]

130485
Super interesting Kopperl - how does this piece sit in relation to the action? Does the top of that tear drop shaped lever interact with the back of the striker like a version on the Swinburn action? This is his patent from 1872:
130547
http://www.google.com/patents/US134014?dq=134014

Do you have some pictures of the right hand side of the receiver - is there a cocking lever or not? Or does it cock on open with the lever like a traditional martini?

Where does the cartridge sit? Where is the extractor?

Where does the broken spring sit in relation to that bit of the internals you show?

[kopperl]

My thumb is at the breech end of the bolt. The tear drop is the cocking lever. It is in the forward(fired) position.
The bolt will drop straight in the receiver with the lever down.

[sthwestvictoria]

Right. I think what you have is a Pieper Martini:
http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.com/topic/15599/Pieper-Martini-rook-rifle#.VN1DcS5oPvI
http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.com/topic/15169/297230-Martini-rook-rifle
http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artisans%20identifies%20p/a%20pieper%20h%20martini%20gb.htm

Does the trigger guard swing down with the lever like those? Seperate to the martini-henry-peabody type were the trigger guard is fixed and not related to the lever?

[kopperl]

Thank you sir!

[sthwestvictoria]

Thank you sir!
Pleasure, that is what the forum is all about. So you do feel it is a Pieper variation of the martini action?

[kopperl]

It is indeed!! It the only variation that I have found with the swing down trigger guard.
Have not been able to find a breakdown drawing but I'm sure it is out there.
Ordered some spring stock to try making a new piece.
Thanks again to all who helped. This is a fine forum!

Bill