BSA Martini International
Birmingham Small Arms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1950
Also known as: BSA International, Martini International Match Rifle
Overview
The BSA Martini International is a single-shot .22 Long Rifle target rifle built on a falling-block Martini action, manufactured by the Birmingham Small Arms Company. Introduced in 1950 and influenced by the Freeland-style match rifles of the United States, it was developed specifically for international smallbore prone and three-position competition. It pairs a heavy fully floating barrel with a figured walnut target stock featuring a cheekpiece, adjustable buttplate, and an adjustable handstop on a fore-end sling rail, and was typically fitted with Parker-Hale aperture sights. Produced through five marks until 1985, it was a mainstay of British and international match shooting from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6350 g (224.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1180 mm (46.46") |
| Barrel Length | 737 mm (29.02") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | None |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Loaded Action Indicator
- Features: Fully Floating Barrel, Adjustable Buttplate, Cheekpiece, Adjustable Handstop, Sling Rail, Aperture Sights
Variants
- BSA Martini International Mk II — Early Model
- BSA Martini International Mk III — Improved Model
- BSA Martini International Mk V — Heavy Barrel
Service history
Operators
- British Olympic and ISSF shooting teams
Production
Production years: 1950-1985
Manufactured across five marks (Mk I-Mk V); Mk III announced 1961, Mk IV (ISU) circa 1970, Mk V heavy barrel 1976-1985
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Discontinued: 1985
Notes
The Martini falling-block action gives a very short, rigid lock time well suited to precision rimfire target work. Production spanned Mk I through Mk V, with the Mk IV (ISU) introduced around 1970 and the heavy-barrel Mk V from 1976. Lightweight and left-handed versions were also offered. The quoted weight reflects the heavy-barrel target configuration.
Background
John Hall used a prototype Mk III to win the Lord Roberts Trophy in 1963 and competed with the rifle at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, helping cement the Martini International's reputation in British smallbore target shooting.