B.S.A. BSA International MK III .22 LR Martini Single Shot Target Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1091
LSB#: 211107MQ05
Make: Birmingham Small Arms
Model: Martini – International MK III
Serial Number: UF238
Year of Manufacture: 1959-1967
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Shot, Martini Action – Lever Actuated Pivoting Block
Markings: The right of the receiver is marked “B.S.A. MARTINI – INTERNATIONAL Mk III”, the left is marked “MADE IN ENGLAND”. The right shoulder of the chamber ring, the top of the breech-block on the right and the right of the barrel have a series of British proofs. The top of the barrel is marked “B.S.A. GUNS LTD ENGLAND CARTRIDGE – 22 LR” and with a stacked rifles trademark, the left is also marked with the serial number. The front of the trigger guard is marked “T”. The left of the the trigger assembly is marked with the serial number and the left of the breech-block “238”. There is no visible import mark.
Barrel Length: 29”
Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel, top of the receiver, and left of the receiver have a series of mounts for sights and/or optics. The front base on the barrel has a Parker Hale globe-style sight installed. The sight can accept interchangeable inserts, but only the installed aperture-post insert is included. The base under the sight is missing one of its mounting screws.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are three-piece smooth walnut. The forend has two panels, each secured to the hanger by three screws with the hanger grooved for mounting of handstop/sling (none included), and the hanger is mounted to the receiver leaving the barrel floating. The buttstock has a contoured pistol grip, roll-over cheekpiece comb and serrated black rubber buttpad with BSA stacked rifles trademark. The stocks have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable dings on the forend panels. The left panel has a hole in the bottom-rear. If the hole were on the top, it would be similar to shell-holder mounts we have seen, but we do not now the purpose of the hole based on its position. There are no chips or cracks. The accessory rail shows wear from what was likely a previously installed hand-stop. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has scattered light wear with a loss at the heel on the right. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with edge-thinning, some scattered minor marks, infrequent spots of minor surface oxidation, and a patch of residue on the barrel near the muzzle. There are two lines of wear behind the front sight base. The screw heads are mostly sharp with some showing tool marking. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-plus 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: None
Our Assessment: This is an excellent smallbore target rifle, made by the famous Birmingham Small Arms company between 1959 and 1967. The Martini action had been used by BSA to create world-renowned smallbore rifles for some time, but the MK III was the first design to incorporate a fully free-floating barrel. It has a longer receiver, distinctive of the MK III, and the breech-block assembly removes quickly and easily for maintenance and cleaning. This example is in Very Good-plus condition with wear in the stocks consistent with storage and trips to the range and showing scattered light wear in the metal surfaces. The bore is still great and the action locks up tight. The rifle comes equipped with a variety of mounts which should accept just about any sights or optics you would want to mount. This great rifle has a lifetime of target shooting left in it. Please see our photos and good luck!