A little about me...

I told myself I'd never put an "About Me" page on the site, but a few people have e-mailed recommending it, so, why not? Here's my fifteen seconds of fame...

My name is Jason Atkin. I'm 37 years old, and am from Sacramento, California. I've been very interested in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, and thus the Martini-Henry, since my grandfather introduced me to the movie Zulu many years ago. As a result, I read, study and collect anything related to the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, particularly, Martini-Henrys. My fondness for firearms goes way back, and I've been collecting and shooting firearms for a number of years. The Zulu-War/Martini-Henry addiction dovetailed nicely with this. I'm an animal lover, so I don't hunt, but I totally support the rights of people who do. 

I certainly don't consider myself an "expert" on Martinis, but rather an "enthusiast" and "collector". I don't pretend to know it all, and am constantly striving to learn all I can about these historic weapons. My primary focus, and area of knowledge are the large-frame British military Martini-Henrys. While I own a couple Cadets and Greener Martinis, they are not my specialties.

I currently own twenty-two Martinis of various types and patterns, and am always looking for more. Considering how Martini prices have skyrocketed in the past two years, I may have to start selling my blood and vital organs to support my Martini habit, but it is most definitely a labor of love. I have had to sell some Nagants and SMLEs recently to make room for new acquisitions in the gun safes (have a look at the Classifieds page). Gradually, I see myself only buying Martinis from here on out. Once you've shot one of these old girls, it's hard to go back to a Mosin or Mauser.

I am a veteran of the US Navy. I served proudly from 1991 to 1996. I was a Radioman on the nuclear submarine USS Puffer (SSN-652). Besides antique firearms, my other four main hobbies are:

Oh, introducing.....my cat, Sony