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THE VICKERS MINIATURE RIFLE SURVEY

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DO YOU OWN OR HAVE ACCESS TO ONE OF THESE RIFLES?

THEN PLEASE TAKE PART IN THE HARC-MCRRS SURVEY

Please be aware that the submission form is monitored; it does not immediately or automatically add data to the survey table.

This ensures that only genuine data is added after vetting by the moderator, which may take some days.

RETURN TO VICKERS MARTINI RIFLES PAGE

 

For further information regarding the age of British rifles, view the page on DATING YOUR RIFLE

Unfortunately, the Vickers Armstrong Company did not apply obvious date markings to their rifles,

and there is no available information on the specific years of production that relate to any serial number series.

In an attempt to make some sense of such data as may help,

we have started a survey similar to that run for a number of years

to collate the equivalent data for the War Office 1906 Pattern Miniature Rifle.

The only reliable dating of one of these rifles is by dint of the Proof Houses' coded date stamping.

This may be either under the barrel, sight of which will require the removal of the wood furniture,

or, usually with later rifles, alongside the other proof and inspection marks on top of the barrel ahead of the receiver.

Sadly, many rifles have not had this mark applied. Details of the codes are on site here.

Much date information that can be acquired here will partly be as a result of guesstimation, of course.

But this is better than being totally uninformed.

The build up of serial number data between rifles that have confirmed dates will afford reasonable estimation.

It is interesting to note that Mark I and II rifles have appeared with very high serial numbers that have yet to be explained chronologically.

If you have any information that may provide more accurate figures, then please do not hesitate to contact us at

Miniature-Calibre-Rifles@Rifleman.org.uk

If all this leaves you confused, it's no wonder; but that provides the very best reason for gathering data.

Be aware that these data may not always be perfectly reliable, as entry errors can appear,

So, if you have at some time made a submission, and return to the survey,

we would be grateful if you would double-check your data after carefully re-reading the table.

If you are able, and wish to help, please go to the SURVEY FORM below our slowly-building scrolling data table.

 

Maker

S/no Prefix
Serial Number
S/no Suffix

Rifle Model

Action Locking Screw
Cocking Indicator
Barrel Marking (LITERAL)
Barrel Length
Date or code letter if proof mark present
(may be under barrel)
Estimated Date
Calibre Marking
Patent No. if present

Under-lever

Butt-plate type

Butt type

Woodwork configuration
Chequering
Barrel Tangent Rear-Sight
Rear Sight
Fore-sight
'Scope blocks
 
Comment here.

 
VICKERS
V
1102
-3
Mk.I
BEDDING SLING-EYE
PRESENT

.22" CARTRIDGE LONG RIFLE
F
1927-28
NONE
3/8" STANDARD
ALLOY- RIBBED
LOW COMB
STRAIGHT - ROUNDED
NONE
YES
FOLDING
SMALL TUNNEL
NONE
This has the lowest reported V-serial number.
VICKERS
V
1134
-1
Mk.I

BEDDING SLING-EYE

NO SLOT

.22" CARTRIDGE LONG RIFLE
26.25"
TBA
1927-28
13034
3/8" STANDARD
ALLOY
LOW COMB
STRAIGHT - ROUNDED
FORE-END ONLY
YES
FOLDING
SMALL TUNNEL
NONE
VICKERS
V
1311
-2
Mk.I
BEDDING SLING-EYE
PRESENT

.22" CARTRIDGE LONG RIFLE
TBA
TBA
pre 1927 ?
NONE
3/8" STANDARD
ALLOY- RIBBED
LOW COMB
STRAIGHT - FLUTED
NONE
YES
FOLDING
SMALL TUNNEL
NONE
It also has an unusual "VSM" stamp above the serial number - presumably realting to Vickers Sewing Machines. The wood furniture has a shorter fore-end than the later target rifles, and tends towards sporting model style.
VICKERS
V
1621
-2
Mk.I
BEDDING SLING-EYE
Not Reported
Not Reported
TBA
TBA
pre 1927 ?
Not Reported
13034
3/8" STANDARD
ALLOY- RIBBED
LOW COMB
Not Reported
NONE
NONE
FOLDING
SMALL TUNNEL
NONE
 Apparently stil both shoots and ejects well.
VICKERS
V
3724
-1
Mk.I

BEDDING SLING-EYE

PRESENT

.22" CARTRIDGE LONG RIFLE
26.25"
"K" 1931-32
<<<
22 (LHS)
NONE
3/8" STANDARD
CHEQUERED WOOD
LOW COMB
STRAIGHT - FLUTED
NONE
YES
FOLDING
SMALL TUNNEL
YES
Under barrel marks "29" over "X" ;"F" ; and date code mark "K" as given. The barrel has been sleeved, and the crown is marked "AGP" "PARKERIFLED". The rifle is fitted with a Parker-Hale "Targetscope". The 1931 date for a Mk.1 rifle seems something of an anomaly, although it could have been a re-proof on sleevingr.
VICKERS
V
4040
-1
Mk.I
BEDDING SLING-EYE
NO SLOT

NONE
  


22L-62" (LHS)
13034
3/8" STANDARD
ALLOY
LOW COMB
STRAIGHT - ROUNDED
NONE
NONE
FOLDING
P-H FS22
NONE
                                             
VICKERS
V
4161
NONE
Mk.II
BEDDING SLING-EYE
SLOT - NO LEVER

NONE
  


22L-62" (LHS)
NONE
3/8" STANDARD
ALLOY- RIBBED
LOW COMB
STRAIGHT - FLUTED
NONE
NONE
PERFECTION
P-H FS20
NONE
Sole under barrel mark "69" near rear bedding hole;
VICKERS
V
5249
-2
Mk.I
BEDDING SLING-EYE
PRESENT

.22" CARTRIDGE LONG RIFLE
TBA
TBA
  


22L-62" (LHS)
13034
3/8" STANDARD
ALLOY- RIBBED
LOW COMB
STRAIGHT - FLUTED
NONE
YES
FOLDING
BARLEYCORN
NONE
 The patent no. is separate on the barrel's reinforce, rather than being part of the rolled stamping of the barrel marking. The wood furniture has a shorter fore-end than the later target rifles, and tends towards the sporting model stlye
VICKERS
L
4182
NONE
Mk.II
BEDDING SLING-EYE
SLOT - NO LEVER
30.5"
TBA
  


22L-62" (LHS)
NONE
7/16" slight rearward curl
MISSING
CUSTOM
BULGED CUSTOM
FORE-END ONLY
NONE
PERFECTION
AGP MODEL 2
NONE
 Barrel is sleeved, and is marked PARKERIFLED A.G.P the later proof date mark probably relates to the 1950s- sleeving). Perfection rear sight does not have the quick release. There is a stamp under the barrel that appears to read "3 4 66". The stock has a pronounced pistol grip and shadow-line cheekpiece, and is probably of the special order Dewar typeavailable with the grade 1 rifleswith the 30" barrel.
VICKERS
L
4529
NONE
Mk.II
BEDDING SLING-EYE
SLOT - NO LEVER
30.5"
NONE
  
22L-62" (LHS)
NONE
3/8" STANDARD
CHEQUERED WOOD

(ADDED)
STRAIGHT - FLUTED
NONE
NONE
PERFECTION
FS22 type unmarked
NONE
The shorter barrel has been sleeved, akin to Parkerifling. Under barrel marks "50008" ; "V" over "43" - No Patent no. - Proof mark '.22L .62" NP' on LHS - Parker-Hale Bakelite moulded grip added to under-lever.
VICKERS
E
1999
NONE
EMPIRE
BUTTERFLY KEY- RHS
NONE - NO SLOT
REPORTED AS HAVING NO BARREL MARKING
30.5"
NONE
<<<
.22L .62" NP (LHS)
419459
5/8" medium forward curl
NONE
HIGH COMB
STRAIGHT - ROUNDED
NONE
NONE
PERFECTION
AGP MODEL 21
NONE
 Unusually, the action of this "E" serial numbered rifle also carries an "S" prefix to the otherwise matching 1999 serial number on the action. The butt has been extended to 15.5" with a non-standard rubber pad.
VICKERS
E
2149
NONE
EMPIRE
BUTTERFLY KEY- RHS
NONE - NO SLOT
VICKERS ARMSTRONGS LONDON ENGLAND
EMPIRE MODEL PATENT No.419459
30.25"
"F" 1927-28
<<<
.22 .62" NP (LHS)
419459
5/8" medium forward curl
CHEQUERED WOOD
HIGH COMB
STRAIGHT - ROUNDED
NONE
NONE
PERFECTION
AGP MODEL 2
NONE
Forward of reinforce on RHS - later proof marks ".22LR .610"" over "BNP 8 TONS PER SQ" "; Date stamp of crossed swords with "F" to the left, and "B" for Birmingham to the right - see "DATE YOUR RIFLE"; Under barrel marks "C5" over "BH" and "5 6034" in line with "V" over "43". A split stock wrist has been cleverly repaired with a centrally splined 3-ply plywood spine that is all but invisible, and probably stronger than the original.
VICKERS
L
1544
NONE
CHAMPION
BUTTERFLY SLING-EYE
SLOT - NO LEVER
30.675"
"F" 1927-28
<<<

22L-62" (LHS)
NONE
7/16" large forward curl
RED RUBBEROID
CUSTOM
BULGED CUSTOM
FORE-END ONLY
NONE
PERFECTION
AGP MODEL 2
NONE
Pistol-grip stock. Forward of reinforce on RHS - later proof marks ".22LR .610"" over "BNP 8 TONS PER SQ" "; Date stamp of crossed swords with "F" to the left, and "B" for Birmingham to the right - see "DATE YOUR RIFLE"; Under barrel marks "C5" over "CN" over "28", and "32213" in line with "V" over "43". The pistol-grip stock has awide butt smoothly relieved for the cheek. The action has atrigger adjustable via two screws accessed thorugh holes in the trigger guard.
VICKERS P-H
V
4136
-1
WALKER
BUTTERFLY SLING-EYE
SLOT - NO LEVER
TBC
"P" 1935-36
<<<
NONE
7/16" large forward curl
RED RUBBEROID
CUSTOM
SPECIAL ONE-OFF
NONE
NONE
PERFECTION
AGP MODEL 2
NONE
Pistol-grip stock. This is the unique presentation rifle for Tom Walker to celebrate a record perfect 600 ex 600 competition score. Commissioned by Vickers Armstrongs and built by Parker-Hale in 1935.
VICKERS
S
1002
NONE
JUBILEE
BUTTERFLY KEY- RHS
NONE - NO SLOT
NONE REPORTED
26.5"
     
22L-610"
NONE
 
Forward curl
Not reported
HIGH COMB
PISTOL GRIP
NONE
NONE
PERFECTION
Other
NONE
 This rifle has no barrel step. straight taper from receiver forward
VICKERS
S
1030
NONE
JUBILEE
BUTTERFLY KEY- RHS
NONE - NO SLOT
VICKERS ARMSTRONGS LONDON ENGLAND
JUBILEE MODEL PATENT No.419459
29"
 
419459
7/16" forward curl
RUBBEROID
HIGH COMB
STRAIGHT - ROUNDED
WRIST & FORE-END
NONE
PERFECTION
FS22
NONE
Pistol-grip stock
VICKERS
S
1140
NONE
JUBILEE
BUTTERFLY KEY- RHS
NONE - NO SLOT
VICKERS ARMSTRONGS LONDON ENGLAND
JUBILEE MODEL PATENT No.419459
29"
"S" 1938-39
  
419459
7/16" short rearward curl
BLACK COMPOSITE "VA"
HIGH COMB
STRAIGHT - ROUNDED
NONE
NONE
PERFECTION
AGP MODEL 2
NONE
Pistol-grip stock. Non-matching action serial no. S-1068; multi-hole accessory rail let into fore-end. Bedding bolts are closer than usual - front bolt is only 6⅛" forward of the rear bolt ahead of the action.
VICKERS
E (S)*
1569
NONE
EMPIRE
BUTTERFLY KEY- RHS
NONE - NO SLOT
VICKERS ARMSTRONGS LONDON ENGLAND
EMPIRE MODEL PATENT No.419459
30.5"
NONE
  
.22 .62" NP (LHS)
419459
7/16" short rearward curl
RED RUBBEROID
CUSTOM
BULGED CUSTOM
FORE-END ONLY
NONE
PERFECTION
FS22 type unmarked
YES
Pistol-grip stock. Although this rifle has matching serial numbers, the s/no over the barrel reinforce has the expected "E" prefix for an Empire model, but the action is stamped "S.1569". It has the custom ordered Champion stock. Under barrel marks: "C" over "33"; "13289"; "C" over "35"; and the usual "V" over "43".
VICKERS
S
2253
NONE
JUBILEE
BUTTERFLY KEY- RHS
NONE - NO SLOT
VICKERS ARMSTRONGS LONDON ENGLAND
JUBILEE MODEL PATENT No.419459
29"
 
419459
7/16" short rearward curl
Not reported
HIGH COMB
STRAIGHT - ROUNDED
NONE
NONE
PERFECTION
AGP MODEL 2
NONE
Pistol-grip stock
VICKERS
E
2452
NONE
EMPIRE
BUTTERFLY KEY- RHS
NONE - NO SLOT
REPORTED AS NOT HAVING BARREL MARKINGS
29.25"
NONE
  
22L-62" (LHS)
419459
TBA - rearward curl
RUBBEROID
CUSTOM ?
PISTOL GRIP
NONE
NONE
PERFECTION
FS22
NONE
Pistol-grip stock, probably custom. Underlever appears shaped to custom pistol-grip.
VICKERS
E
2536
NONE
EMPIRE
BUTTERFLY KEY- RHS
NONE - NO SLOT
VICKERS ARMSTRONGS LONDON ENGLAND
EMPIRE MODEL PATENT No.419459
30.6"
NONE
  
22L-62" (LHS)
419459
7/16" short rearward curl
RED RUBBEROID
HIGH COMB
STRAIGHT - ROUNDED
NONE
NONE
PERFECTION
UNKNOWN
NONE
Pistol-grip stock. Butt has a cheek-piece. The under-lever continues straight past the pistol-grip
VICKERS
E
2555
NONE
EMPIRE
BUTTERFLY KEY- RHS
NONE - NO SLOT
VICKERS ARMSTRONGS LONDON ENGLAND
EMPIRE MODEL PATENT No.419459
E
30.5"
NONE
  
.22 .62" (RHS)
419459
5/8" short rearward curl
CHEQUERED WOOD
HIGH COMB
STRAIGHT - ROUNDED
NONE
NONE
PERFECTION
FS22
NONE
Pistol-grip stock. Butt has a cheek-piece. Stock may be a special - possibly teak. Perfection rear-sight is unusually marked "PH8" on rear over cleaning rod hole -(Parker-Hale Model No.8)
VICKERS
NONE
4330
NONE
CHAMPION
BEDDING SLING-EYE
SLOT - NO LEVER
NONE
28.625"
NONE
N/A
OTHER - NOT ADVISED
NONE
"WIDER TYPE" ADVISED
RUBBEROID - SEE END NOTES
OTHER - NOT ADVISED
SHAPED - BULGED
FORE-END ONLY
YES
PERFECTION
OTHER - SEE END NOTES
NONE
 
Optional Heavy Barrel.  Deep Fore-end type.  Watson Front Sight and Watson Rear aperture on Perfection sight. 22  .62" barrel stamp.  Light brown-gray color hard smooth recoil pad.  Hollowed cheek rest.  Action, stock, block have same serial number.  Graying case color present on block.  Most likely non-club rifle.  United States location.
VICKERS
V
31880
NONE
Mk.I
                  
LOW COMB
STRAIGHT - ROUNDED
NONE
          
VICKERS
L
39635
NONE
Mk.II
                                   This serial no. is way above the usual range. Little more is known, other than that the '35' stamps are of a different size to the '396'.
                                             

N.B. We are not recording the various proofing inspectors' marks that are usually in line with the calibre stamping.

 

Should you be willing to add your rifle's details to the Vickers Rifle survey,

please enter those details in the appropriate text and check boxes below and then click SUBMIT.

The origin of all such information will NOT be publicised, ONLY the rifle details will be added to the database.

Please note that data are not automatically added to the database, as it is necessary to first check for errors or anomalies.

Thus a delay in the appearance of your data is inevitable.

If no email address is given, then any suspected errors cannot be checked with you, or anomalies verified.

There is then a possibility that the data may not be used.

To those who have nothing better to do with their time, it is pointless attempting to corrupt these data by submitting garbage.

 
SELECT BUTTON or ENTER DETAILS BELOW
ADVISORY POINTS & USEFUL REFERENCE LINKS

VICKERS

 This survey is for their .22RF target rifles only
Usually on RHS of barrel forward of receiver, and repeated internally on side of action block.

Usually a Letter prefix such as L; E; S; or V;
Some models do not have a prefix; Enter "NONE"

Suffixes such as "-1"; "-2" and "-3", are understood to define production quality; e.g. First, Second and Third. Most models do not have a suffix; Please enter "NONE"
Rifle Type:



Your rifle will be single shot. If otherwise please specify in the comments box.
Rifle Model:



Mark III
Other

Mark I and Mk.III rifles have the fold down aperture rear-sight at pivoted in lugs on the rer of the action body.

Mark II rifles have the "Perfection" rear-sight fixed at the rear of the action body.
Action Locking screw:




If "other", please specify in comments box
Barrel Marking:

----
---.......--.22" CARTRIDGE LONG RIFLE



-- VICKERS ARMSTRONGS LONDON ENGLAND
__-----EMPIRE MODEL PATENT No.419459



The first option is seen on the Mark.I rifle.

The more usual marking is the second -

_ ____"MADE BY VICKERS_ARMSTRONGS LTD"
_ ____"ENGLAND SPECIAL .22 LONG RIFLE"

The third option seen on the Empire model. Rarely is there no mark at all.
If some other mark, please specify in comments box.
- Enter barrel length in decimal inches
Patent No:



Other
None

This is sometimes stamped on the barrel.

If 'Other' please specify in comments box,

otherwise tick "None".
- Enter actual year if identified, or year letter, or "None"
 Under barrel date mark if present, or date is known - or enter None. Often none.
Barrel proof mark:

- on LHS with inspector's mark
- on RHS
- on RHS

 If "other", please check, and specify in comments box
Cocking indicator:

- on RHS
- on RHS
at all

 If "other", please specify in comments box
Under-lever type:






The standard rifles have levers 3/8" wide at the bottom of the loop. The Empire straight stocked have a wider 5/8" lever of standard shape akin to other Martini rifles, or, if with pistol-grip butts, forward or rearward curls. The Champion models are usually as the Empires with wider, deeper, pistol gripped stocks, with approximately 1/2" wide levers.
Butt type:






The early rifles had very low combs, and the factory added material to raise those remaining in stock. The joint can be seen. Later high comb stocks were one-piece. Some stocks had Monte Carlo cheek-pieces, usually with special orders for Champion or Empire models.
Butt-plate type:





Some rifles have no separate butt-plate, and the butt-stock wood is itself chequered. Others have horizontally ribbed steel, alloy or laminated rubberoid butt-plates.

Those with red rubberoid recoil pads seem mostly to be the Champion models.
Woodwork type:

- fluted top edge

Earlier rifles have a long fluted finger-hold at the top of the fore-end. rifles with side-locking actions are mostly rounded fore-ends.

Champion or Empire models can have wider and deeper fore-ends, usually chequered.
Wood chequering:





Some Mark I rifles were chequered, as were certain Empire and Jubilee models.

Champion or Empire models can have wider and deeper fore-ends, usually chequered.
Rear-sight



If "Other", please specify in comments box
Rear-sight




If "Other", please specify in comments box
Fore-sight

equivalent)


 
'scope blocks




If 'scope blocks in place and a telescope is fitted please specify in comments
Please add any other notable features in brief.
Not mandatory; but will validate data and make queries possible
All data sections must be completed prior to submission
 

Please note that data are not automatically added to the database as it is necessary to first check for errors or anomalies.

Thus a delay in the appearance of your data is inevitable.

If no email address is given, then any errors cannot be checked or anomalies verified. The data may then not be used.

RETURN TO VICKERS MARTINI RIFLES PAGE

If you have any other query, then please email the editor at: Miniature-Calibre-Rifles@rifleman.org.uk

Please direct any queries relating to the Leagues to: HARC-MRL@rifleman.org.uk

 

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