Vickers Empire Falling block in Benchrest Stock

[chopper duke]

I picked this up not too terribly long ago mostly because it's the only one like it I've seen. Ever. It's a great shooter, much more accurate than me, and a lot of fun. I've been using Federal Auto Match bulk as it's what I have that I don't mind plinking with. Okay, enough jibber jabber.

Pics:

​

 

[steve123]

That's different! Great looking rifle and quite unique.

 

[chopper duke]

That's different! Great looking rifle and quite unique.

Thanks man! The stock is a 100% one-off custom. Unlike semi or bolt actions where the barrel floats, the falling block action floats and the stock is secured to the barrel. Definitely different.

 

[woogie_man]

How far are you shooting her? Really unique rifle though, what is the year of mfg?

 

[chopper duke]

How far are you shooting her? Really unique rifle though, what is the year of mfg?

Right now, 50 yards as that's the furthest I have to shoot at that's close by. Not sure on year, only know it's between the First and Second World War.

 

[chopper duke]

Here are a few more pics:

​

 

[chopper duke]

Action pics!

Closed, un-cocked:

Open:

Closed, cocked:

 

[Kebo57]

The Vickers is an adaptation of the BSA Martini. If you are into single shots and don't already have the DeHaas books, there is info in one of them about this rifle. If I remember correctly some were even re-worked by H.M. Pope for use as target rifles.

 

[pinsandpitons]

Thanks for posting this! Very pretty and new to my eyes.

 

[chopper duke]

The Vickers is an adaptation of the BSA Martini. If you are into single shots and don't already have the DeHaas books, there is info in one of them about this rifle. If I remember correctly some were even re-worked by H.M. Pope for use as target rifles.

Correct. Vickers teamed with Armstrong for a little while and produced some rim-fire guns between the first and second world war before Vickers went onto make machine guns and artillery. From the best I can ascertain, this is an earlier version, from around the '20s I believe.

I'd like to find one of those books, especially if it has more info. It's been pretty tough finding any decent information about these.

Thanks for posting this! Very pretty and new to my eyes.

Thanks!