Morris tube for Martini-Henry 577-450

[paul mercer]

Browsing in an shop selling antique arms and armour i came across a Morris tube for a .22 rimfire cartridge for an MH carbine in the middle of a collection of old sword sticks.
I did wonder if selling or buying this item should have required an FAC as it looked as if it was perfectly capable of being used. Unfortunately it was sold soon after, but has anyone any idea of how old it might be or has anyone ever used one?

[1066]

I'm no expert but if it was for .22lr, as a rifled tube and chamber, I would think it would need to be on an FAC. If an obsolete calibre or smoothbore then maybe not.

Some interesting reading on the tubes.

https://www.rifleman.org.uk/Morris_Aiming_Tube.html

[channel12]

In all probability the Morris tube was chambered in 297/230 Morris short and not .22LR. Using a rimfire cartridge would mean relocating the MH firing pin each time you used the tube which would negate the purpose of it, ie to be able to use a sub calibre round for training in indoor ranges with a standard issue rifle. As mentioned it's an obsolescent cartridge so a non FAC item.

https://cartridgecollector.net/cartridg ... ris-short/

[paul mercer]

Thanks very much for all the info, I found the whole article fascinating, I believe the 297/230 cartridge was originally designed for Rook rifles and as you say is an obsolete calibre.
The knowledge that is available on this Forum is fantastic!