Greener Small-Frame Martini Barnett .22 Kilbourn K-Hornet Single Shot Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,201.00
LSB#: LSB260323CL092
Make: W.W. Greener, we do not know who customized this rifle.
Model: Custom Small-Frame Martini
Serial Number: 253
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1910s-1950s
Caliber: .22 Kilbourn Hornet
Action Type: Falling block, Single Shot, Lever break
Barrel Length: 24″, W. S. Barnett marked.
Sights / Optics: The barrel has no provision for iron sights. The top-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present). There are two sight blocks screwed to the barrel with external-adjustment rings holding a J.W. Fecker scope with fine crosshair reticle. The scope has scattered wear, mostly on the objective bell, and some light oxidation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a flat-bottom beavertail forend, raised, contoured rollover montecarlo comb, perch belly, and brass Swiss-style buttplate. The stocks have only a few scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear and minor discoloration. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished, the barrel is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and a little stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout with some light wear on the right side of the frame. There are a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as altered and refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The installed scope is included.
Our Assessment: This custom W.W. Greener small-frame Martini rifle is a remarkable transformation of a classic early 20th-century trainer into a precision single-shot sporting arm. Originally built on a smaller version of the Martini falling block action, this rifle would originally have been chambered for a smaller caliber cartridge from .22-.32. It has since been rebarreled with a 24″ Barnett barrel and chambered in .22 Kilbourn Hornet. Lysle Kilbourn was a prominent New York gunsmith who created this wildcat from the .22 Hornet by moving the shoulder forward to increase case capacity and achieve higher velocities and greater energies than the original .22 Hornet. The cartridge still has a dedicated following among varmint hunters and when married with a small Martini action it makes for a very cool rifle.
For collectors or enthusiasts of unique custom rifles, this Greener Martini conversion offers both historical intrigue and practical use. Its blend of classic British action and American wildcat chambering makes it a distinctive and capable single-shot rifle. Whether enjoyed at the bench, in the field, or as a conversation piece in a collection, this rifle represents an excellent example of skilled craftsmanship applied to a time-tested platform. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud