[Crownvicman]

IMA and Atlanta Cutlery are selling antique British Muskets and Rifles (including 1853 Enfields and Martini-Henrys) from Nepal. Has anyone seen one of these antiques before? Would it be practical to bring one of these (Enfields) back into shooting shape?

[4v50 Gary]

It may be a bargain, but you should ask for a reservation period for examination and if possible, have your gunsmith (unless you know how to disassemble them and it's not hard at all) take it to an autoshop to have it magnafluxed for any latent defects.

[kentucky bucky]

I have heard on other forums that some have dry rotted stocks and don't appear to be British manufacture (Sniders). Others have said that they were in rough , but shootable condition. It may be different gun by gun.

[Crownvicman]

I think I might be happier with a good replica.

[hhmorant]

A friend showed me his Martini-Henry MkIV he received from IMA. It was really in pretty decent shape for its age. As far as I know, there's no such thing as a replica Martini-Henry or Snider.

[Crownvicman]

I am leaning toward an 1853 Enfield. I've never seen a replica Martini or Snider, either.

[hhmorant]

A replica 1853 Enfield is on my "must-have" list too. Any idea who makes the best ones?

I wish someone would make replicas of the Martini-Henry or Snider.

[kentucky bucky]

Look for a good used Parker-Hale. I occasionally see one at a gun show. They were made in England in the early models and were supposed to be made exact to the point that parts could be swapped with the originals. I think the screws were a little different sized on some parts.

[hhmorant]

Thanks.