I acquired a non functioning Martini stalking rifle and I'm hopeful that someone on this forum might have a similar rifle or have some knowledge regarding this action.
The barrel and action have the following markings:
Barrel-W Weisgerber, St. Wendel, AW, Crown over BGU, 172,28, 8.11, 718, 1096
Front of action #1096
Breach block DRGM
I interpret the markings to show that the rifle was proofed in August 1911 and was originally chambered for the 8.15X46R cartridge. It was made or retailed by Herr Weisgerber , who was from St Wendel. The serial number is 1096. A chamber cast confirmed the caliber, although the chamber has a thicker rim than the standard 8.15 X 46R.
The rifle stock showed signs of extensive use but no major damage. The lever was bent and the triggers were inoperative. On the plus side the numbers on the barrel and action matched and the bore is in excellent shape.
On disassembly the Martini proved to be a pseudo-Martini. It employed a striker action that was located behind the breach block which contained a separate firing pin. The triggers were intact but the sear was locked into the striker notch and was repaired by correcting the engagement angle. The lever was bent back into its original shape and everything seemed to function until a cartridge was test fired. On firing the action locked shut and most probably explains the bent lever. After disassembly to remove the spent cartridge, the strange action mechanism was finally appreciated.
The striker is cocked my the rotation of the breach block and the breach block can't rotate with the firing pin buried in the primer.
A friend pointed out that the Germans didn't make rifles that didn't work and the rifle shows evidence of extensive use. I think that the current mechanism may be an unsuccessful attempt to replace broken or missing parts which might also explain the poor striker-sear engagement angle.
Does any one recognize this action? It looks similar to the Buchel Martini pictured on page 347 in Alte Scheibenwaffen Vol. #1
Does anyone have a similar rifle or have any idea as to how these actions were originally designed to cock the striker ?
Any history on W Weisgerber from St Wendel?
Otto
[img]http://[IMG]http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/otn/Buchel/Buchel1_zpsf727019b.jpg[/img][/img]
[img]http://[IMG]http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/otn/Buchel/Buchel2_zpsfaf51c80.jpg[/img][/img]
Action in fired position:
[img]http://[IMG]http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/otn/Buchel/Buchel3_zps58516f31.jpg[/img][/img]
Action in striker cocking position:
[img]http://[IMG]http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss291/otn/Buchel/Buchel4_zpsd470c9b5.jpg[/img][/img]