Vickers Ltd. .22LR Falling Block
Would appreciate any info on a Vickers Ltd. .22LR falling block rifle made in Westminister, London. Roll-stamped as shown in the photo. The stamping on the muzzle reads "Parker/Field". Another stamping reads "P.Pat 13034". SN V3961-1.
The hand stop is laminated from thin leather pieces (obviously an add-on). Note the interesting peep sight with choice of apertures. The item just forward of the sling base is a compartment for the globe sight inserts.
Why such a large milled section on the barrel? Looks a bit oversized for a sight but what else could it be for??
Any ideas as to year of mfg?
It has a heavy barrel and is extremely accurate at 50 yds.
The hand stop is laminated from thin leather pieces (obviously an add-on). Note the interesting peep sight with choice of apertures. The item just forward of the sling base is a compartment for the globe sight inserts.
Why such a large milled section on the barrel? Looks a bit oversized for a sight but what else could it be for??
Any ideas as to year of mfg?
It has a heavy barrel and is extremely accurate at 50 yds.
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My reference notes that after the First World War, Vickers made small numbers of Martini Action target rifles. 0 -
Thanks for the info. 0 -
Hello I like your Rifle and the cut in the barrel is for the rear sight that came on the gun when new The one I had the name was stamped but yours looks like the writeing was engraved. 0 -
I'd bet the muzzle reads Parker Rifled.
There are several Martini sites on the web. You can get a list on several, including british militaria.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross0 -
I'll pass this info to the owner. I'm curious about that "Parker/Field" or "Rifled" stamping. Thanks, all. 0 -
Prior to WW II, Vickers made two models of martini action target rifles which were mainly used in competition against BSA small frame martinis in British shooting clubs. These clubs were very popular from Victorian times, up to about WW II. Since the "politically socialistically correct" came to power and flushed Britain down the toilet, the clubs have almost disappeared.
The Vickers models were the "Empire", which you have, and which was made with a 27" or 30" medium weight barrel and a straight grip stock.
The "Jubilee" was made with a heavier 28" barrel, and a heavier pistol grip stock with a beaver-tail type forend.
I used to own an "Empire" model, Serial Number V1189-3, which I stupidly sold in a moment of weakness years ago.
If I remember correctly, they were made with a one-piece receiver/barrel unit, and the barrel was fitted with a Parker-Hale .22 rifled liner, and marked "Parker Rifled" on the crown.
They came fitted with Vickers made "Perfection", fully windage and elevation adjustable, rear peep-sights as standard, with a Parker-Hale No.2 front sight.
On mine, the rear sight was made to slide down in V-grooves milled into the rear sides of the receiver, and would return to it's original position by means of a set screw.
It was made to be removable so that the bore could be cleaned from the breech end once the sight was off, and the detachable action was removed down from the receiver. The action was removed by backing out the eyehole-headed bolt in the front of the action, lowering the action lever, and pivoting the front of the action down and out of the receiver.
I am not knocking your rifle, but would suggest that the BSA rear sight in your photos is a replacement for the Vickers made one, and that as these were built as peep-sighted target rifles, the slot milled into the barrel top was done after the rifle was made, maybe to allow a scope base, or a leaf-type rear sight.
They are unique and accurate rifles, and I still regret selling mine.
Regards, DaveF.0 -
I'm not so sure about the leather hand stop being an add on. Here is one on a Vickers Thad Scott is selling. 0 -
Dave,
You've provided the definitive background of my friend's rifle. Thanks for taking the time to post the info. Much appreciated.
joel_black. Thanks for the photo. I sure was wrong on that leather laminated hand stop! Sure is different from my Anschutz stops.
Ed0
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