Martini Cadet

Martini-Cadet
Type Cadet training rifle
Place of origin  United Kingdom
Service history
In service 1891-1955
Used by United Kingdom & Australia
Production history
Designer RSAF Enfield
Designed 1891
Manufacturer BSA and W.W. Greener
Produced 1891-c.1949
No. built approx. 83,000-
Specifications
Weight 6 lb 5 oz (unloaded)
Length 42in (1250mm)
Cartridge .310 Cadet
Calibre .310 Cadet
Action Martini Falling Block/Francotte action
Rate of fire 10 rounds/minute
Muzzle velocity 1,200 ft/s (370 m/s)
Effective firing range 300 yd (270 m)
Feed system Single shot
Sights Sliding ramp rear sights, Fixed-post front sights

The Martini Cadet is a centrefire single-shot rifle produced in the United Kingdom by BSA and W.W. Greener for the use of Australian military Cadets.[1] Based on a miniature version of the Martini–Henry it was internally different. Chambered for the .310 Cadet also known as the .310 Greener, they were also sold to the public as the BSA No.4, 4a, 4b and 5 in other calibres like the .297/230 and .22 rimfire. The rifles will often chamber the similarly sized .32-20 Winchester and fire with some accuracy.[2] However the 32/20 is actually 0.312 cal and the 310 is 0.323 cal. Due to this 10 thousandths difference the accuracy of a .32/20 round cannot be guaranteed.[3]

After being sold by the Australian government many were converted to sporting or target rifles, often re-barrelled to calibres like .22 Hornet, .218 Bee, .25-20 Winchester, .222 Rimmed, .357 Magnum and others to .22 rimfire by gun makers like Sportco.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ .Digger History
  2. ↑ Martini Gallery
  3. ↑ Cartridges of The World by Frank C. Barnes
  4. ↑ Rifleman UK
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