BSA Martini International I.S.U. MK IV .22 LR Smallbore Target Rifle, 1970s

SOLD FOR: $1,084.92

LSB#: LSB250930VF009

Make: Birmingham Small Arms, imported by Navy Arms

Model: Martini – International I.S.U. MK IV

Serial Number: FG0685

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1970s

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

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

Barrel Length: 28”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Parker-Hale PH1 globe-style sight mounted to a sight block at the muzzle. The sight accepts interchangeable inserts, currently a post insert is installed (no additional inserts included). The left of the receiver has a sight rail with a Parker-Hale PH25C receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation. A Parker-Hale PH62-style (not marked with model designation) 6-position adjustable aperture is installed in the receiver sight. The receiver sight components have matching assembly numbers. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece wood with a beavertail forend, contoured pistol grip stock with roll-over monte carlo comb and cheekpiece, serrated black rubber BSA buttpad and an inlet for an accessory rail in the bottom of the forend. A knurled hand-stop with QD socket is mounted in the rail. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly minor. There is a tiny crack in the top of the wrist at the left-rear corner of the receiver. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has light wear, mostly at the heel and toe, with well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match. There is a Navy Arms import mark through the finish on the left of the receiver. 

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is sharp. There is a little bit of faint frosting and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with edge-thinning, evenly scattered light nicks and small 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. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

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

Our Assessment: This is an excellent smallbore target rifle, made by the famous Birmingham Small Arms company in the 1970s. The Martini action had been used by BSA to create world-renowned smallbore rifles for some time, with the I.S.U. or MK IV being their second-to-last design iteration. This example is in Very Good condition with wear in the stocks consistent with storage and trips to the range and showing light wear in the metal surfaces. The bore is in good shape and the action locks up tight. The rifle is equipped with a set of very nice Parker Hale target sights. The gun should have a lifetime of target shooting left in it. Please see our photos and good luck!

-Bud