32 ? Cal Schmidt & Habermann Take-down Martini - cased

[buckstix]

32 ? Cal Schmidt & Habermann Take-down Martini - cased

I collect Small Frame Martini rifles, and also collect Schuetzen rifles. ..... so .....

About a month ago, I found this for auction and I tagged it with a opening bid, (half the low estimate) because I wanted to see how high it would go.
Much to my surprise, no one else bid. I will have it in hand in a couple of weeks and I'm anxious to see what caliber it turns out to be. I'm hoping for 8.15x48R because many of my Schuetzen rifles are in this caliber and I have plenty brass and bullets.

As always, your comments are welcome.

http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/32MARTINI-SHUT-000.jpg

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

When you get it, could we have some better pictures please
Gumpy

 

[F. Vaccaro]

That’s beautiful.

 

[zephyr]

32-20 ?

 

[buckstix]

32-20 ?

not likely ... its a German rifle.... probably 8.15x46R

 

[buckstix]

I finally got this little rifle in hand today. But first I must comment about the very, very, bad customer service from Morphy Auctions. This was purchased Dec. 11, and paid immediately via credit card. They charged 42% above the hammer, and it took over a month to get it. I bought 4 items at 4 different auctions that weekend, and the other 3 arrived weeks ago.

Now, I'm still trying to identify the caliber. Its not 8.15x46R. Chamber cast is shown. Any suggestions would be welcome. Any info about the proof marks would also be welcome. There were no other markings found.

Overall condition is remarkable. Nearly 100% case colors remain. A 100% mint bore. A very unique and positive take-down system. Original Key for the double lock mahogany case. And 2 extra firing pins. As soon as I figure out the cartridge, I will load and post a range report.

http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/details.jpg

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

Hers the specs on 32-20

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

If I’m not mistaken isn’t there also a 32-40 ?

 

[buckstix]

I am still not sure exactly what the cartridge is, but I made a few rounds from 303 brass. The picture shows - 3 formed brass at the left, a 38 special cartridge in the center, and 2 loaded rounds at the right. This scaled down cartridge is perfect for this scaled down Schuetzen rifle.

http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/32-cart.jpg

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Those cartridge dimensions ring a bell, I just can’t quite remember what it is, I will think on it and try to remember, I’m sure I’ve seen it over on the German rifle collectors site.

Gumpy

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Just a random thought but have you slugged the barrel to make sure it’s not a taper bore, I keep thinking 8.3x36 but can’t find my reference books( they are in a box)
Gumpy

 

[buckstix]

I formed the 5 cases shown above, by shortening 303 brass, and triple annealing the body and neck area to make them dead soft. I then coated them with Corbin bullet swage lube, and gently tapped them into the rifle's chamber to reduce them to a press-fit size of the chamber. Finally I sanded each case by spinning them in the lathe, until they were reduced to the point where they would easily slip in-and-out of the rifle's chamber. I loaded these 5 cartridges with 13g 4227 and a 90g 32 cal. bullet. Expected velocity is 1700 fps. I also ordered a set of 8x38R Tesching dies from C&H. I hope these will work. Test target to follow

 

[buckstix]

Hello,

I received the 8x38R Tesching dies from C&H today. This was the closest cartridge to my chamber cast. I used the dies to form another 5 cases. The head of the formed cases was slightly smaller, and there was a more defined shoulder than the chamber cast. Even with these slight variations, the loaded cartridges fired perfectly. The 90g Hornady semi-wadcutter bullets punched a nice sharp hole. I will continue to try different loads, but this test load looks like it would make a great target or small game load.

http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/8X38-TARG-SM.jpg

 

[forshoes]

Great to see another "forgotten" firearm back to doing what it was designed for.