need some help on a bsa Martini in 223 looks like an 1895 Martini Enfield rifle

[CHEVELLE427]

Dont know much about this type gun but I have a BSA century 22 target and it is great. i can spend all day shooting this one. and it only cost a few bucks
anyway.
I found a bsa Martini barrel is heavy (1in) bottom cocking leaver in 223 .gun is slick, top loading, looks really good, blueing is good may have been redone anyone have any idea what this might be worth would it be a good bench rest gun. been thinking about a bench rest gun in 223 or 308.
I know PIC PIC PIC, I dont have any, its just a nice solid Martini.

has scope rails no scope. thing feels like it is 10lbs

asking price $350

i have found a gun that looks like the one in question its a 1895 Martini Enfield rifle

 

[0007]

Is it a small frame or large frame Martini? Some folks will say that the small frame Martinis will not support a high pressure cartridge. I have a small frame one done in 7mm/.223(.223TCU) and haven't had problems(yet); YMMV of course.
Price wise that's not a bad deal IF the job was done right.
The problem with the large frame guns is that there are a LOT of repros/ fakes done in Afgan/Pakistan/India that have come into the states. You are literally taking your life in your hands to shoot them.

I would take the gun to a qualified gunsmith and ask him to look at it before making a decision. There are several good Martini-related sites on the web; folks there with much more knowledge on the fake/real gun issues then I will be happy to give you good advice.

I would really be leary about pulling the trigger on a .308 in an old Martini action. I do have one in .219 Zipper, but that still a rather low-pressure round. Of course the Brits did rebarrel some of theirs to .303 Brit, but those were known rifles from their own stocks.

Hope this helps.