I am considering a MH MKIV long lever, partially due to the fact that you don't need a firearms license to have one in Canada if chambered over .34 Caliber. I don't like the idea of having to cobble together smokeless blackpowder equivalent loads with the old barrel on it, and fiddling with wadding. Cleaning BP fouling is not my idea of fun, especially with a gun you can only clean from the muzzle. So, would it be possible( although darned expensive) to have a modern replacement bbl chambered for .577/450 fitted, original profile. Only problem I see is that even if the action and bbl was strong enough, the load was meant for blackpowder only, would the brass be strong enough, is it even practical. I understand during WWI, at least one Jacketed spitzer type load was developed for the MH for anti zeppelin use. I contacted one authority on the subject, and asked the gentleman if rebarreled with a modern barrel and Neidner firing pin, would it be okay for smokeless, the guy said it would be about comparable to a Ruger #1. Does this jive? Any information from the Martini Henry gods would be greatly appreciated. Best Wishes for the New Year!
