Mannlicher M1886
The Repeating Rifle Model 1886 commonly known as Mannlicher Model 1886 was a late 19th-century Austrian straight-pull bolt-action rifle, adopted in 1886.[1] It used a wedge-lock straight pull action bolt. It was the first straight-pull bolt-action service rifle of any nation.[citation needed]
| Repeating Rifle Model 1886 | |
|---|---|
A sample from the Swedish Army Museum. Note that the magazine extends past the trigger guard, unlike on the Model 1888. | |
| Type | Bolt-action rifle |
| Place of origin | Austria-Hungary |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1886–1918[citation needed] |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Ferdinand Mannlicher |
| Designed | 1886 |
| Manufacturer | Œ.W.G. |
| Produced | 1886–1887 |
| No. built | 100,000 |
| Variants | Carbine M1886, M1886-88 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4.52 kg (10.0 lb) |
| Length | 132.6 cm (52.2 in) |
| Barrel length | 80.6 cm (31.7 in) |
| Cartridge | M86: 11×58mmR M86-88: 8×52mmR |
| Action | Straight-pull bolt action |
| Muzzle velocity | 440 m/s (1,444 ft/s) (M1877 ball cartridge) |
| Maximum firing range | 2300 paces 1,725 m (1,886 yd) |
| Feed system | 5-round en bloc clip, internal box magazine |
| Sights | Quadrant sight graduated 300–1500 paces (225-1125m), long range volley sight adjustable 1600–2300 paces (1200-1725m) |
History
The M1886 itself was an improvement of the Mannlicher Model 1885 Trials Rifle that was a prototype, meant to replace the by then obsolete M1867 Werndl-Holub drum-breech single-shot rifle. It was the first of the Austro-Hungarian service rifles to introduce the feature of the clip dropping out of the bottom of the magazine when the last round is chambered.[2]
Conversions
Between 1888–1892 95% of the M1886 rifles were converted (rebarreled) to 8×52mmR Mannlicher under the designation M1886-88.[2] Rifles in original (11mm) caliber with Austrian acceptance marks are a rare find.
Service history
The rifle was quickly made obsolete by the introduction of the Lebel Model 1886 rifle with its new smokeless cartridge. As such it was quickly replaced in Austrian service by its successor the M1888. The rifle still had a long life, however, and turned up in Spain in the hands of republican troops during the Spanish Civil War in the hands of members of the British Battalion at Madrigueras where they were used for training before being replaced on the eve of the Battle of Jarama by more modern rifles such as the Mosin-Nagant.[3]
Controversies
According to an unconfirmed theory Ferdinand Mannlicher could adapt in his rifle some construction details from Orville Robinson's straight-pull magazine rifle with a hinging wedge breechblock. In 1876 Mannlicher visited the Centennial Exposition to study firearms design, and he researched plans and models at the patent office in Philadelphia.[4] He may have been exposed there to Orvill Robinson's project which was patented in the US (but not in Europe)[5] (and produced, until his company was bought and shut down by W.R.A.). However, it is unknown if Mannlicher has even seen any Robinson's project[6]
Users
- Austria-Hungary
- Chile
- Republic of China[7]
- China[7]
- Honduras:Surplus rifles were bought from German dealers, they were still in use in the 1930s[8]
- Spain[3]
See also
References
- ^ John Walter (25 March 2006). Rifles of the World. Krause Publications. pp. 264–265. ISBN 0-89689-241-7. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
- ^ a b "Mannlicher M1886 Rifle and Carbine Austro-Hungarian Weapons".
- ^ a b Dr Matthew Hughes The British battalion of the international brigades and the Spanish civil war, 1936–39 The RUSI Journal Volume 143 Issue 2 pp59-74
- ^ . www.austro-hungarian-army.co.uk. Archived from the original on 22 August 2003. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
- ^ U.S. Patent 103504A
- ^ "James D. Julia: Orvill Robinson's Innovative Rifles". 4 March 2016.
- ^ a b Chinese Warlord Armies 1911-30 by Philip Jowett, page 22.
- ^ "The military rifle cartridges of Honduras from Cortez to zelaya. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
- ^ "Austro-Hungarian Army in WWI".