BSA Martini International MK II Mark 2 .22 LR Smallbore Rifle 1953-1959 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,249.99

LSB#: LSB250518TR012

Model: Martini – International MK II

Serial Number: UE7752X

Year of Manufacture: 1953-1959

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Shot, Martini Action – Lever Actuated Pivoting Block

Barrel Length: 29”

Sights / Optics: There are three sight blocks installed on the barrel. The two rear blocks have adjustable rings holding an R.A. Litschert Spot-Shot 10x scope with crosshair reticle. Each end is threaded for caps, the objective end has a threaded cap, the eyepiece does not (a plastic cover is included). The scope has scattered wear and oxidation, but the glass is fairly clear. There is a rail installed on the left of the receiver for a receiver sight. Included is a Parker-Hale PH1 globe-style front sight and a Parker-Hale PH25 fully adjustable receiver sight with a 6-position adjustable aperture. The globe sight has a black-outlined orange polymer aperture insert installed, three additional inserts of the same type are stored in the threaded compartment on the bottom of the grip. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with beavertail forend, inlet accessory rail with a palm-rest assembly installed, contoured thumbhole pistol grip, roll-over cheekpiece comb and serrated black rubber BSA buttpad. In addition to the installed accessory rail toward the rear, a previous rail inlet further forward on the forend has been filled. The bottom of the grip has had a Parker-Hale front sight insert capsule installed. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches with some areas of finish wear in the grip areas and edges. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has light wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, the trigger group and breech-block are serial-matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. Most of the balance is in minor surface oxidation scattered throughout.. The case-hardened lever has mostly muted with some protected areas showing strong color. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger can be adjusted by means of two screws that are accessible through the front of the trigger guard. We have not fired this rifle.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the sights and scope described above.

Our Assessment: This is an excellent smallbore target rifle, made by the famous Birmingham Small Arms company between 1953 and 1959. The Martini action had been used by BSA to create world-renowned smallbore rifles for some time, but the MK II was the first design to incorporate an adjustable trigger so that the pull could be customized by each user, a feature which would go on to be used on the MK III, IV, and V rifles. This example is in Very Good condition with wear in the stocks consistent with storage and trips to the range and showing light wear and surface oxidation in the metal surfaces. The bore is great and the action locks up tight. The rifle is ready to be equipped with a variety of mounts and has an included set of Parker Hale target sights as well as a vintage 10x target scope. The gun should have a lifetime of target shooting left in it. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud