The British Army's primary rifle from 1871 to 1888. The Martini falling-block action combined with Alexander Henry's rifled barrel created a powerful, fast-loading single-shot. Used in the Zulu War (1879), Afghan Wars, and countless colonial campaigns. At Rorke's Drift (1879), 150 British soldiers defended against 4,000 Zulu warriors with Martini-Henrys, winning 11 Victoria Crosses — the most ever in a single engagement. Type: Carbine Action: Falling Block Caliber: .577/450 Martini-Henry Capacity: 1 Year introduced: 1875, United Kingdom Weight: 144 oz Overall length: 49" Status: Discontinued Military use: Yes Intended use: military