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.

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.
TypeBolt-action rifle
Place of originAustria-Hungary
Service history
In service1886–1918?
Used bySee Users
Production history
DesignerFerdinand Mannlicher
Designed1886
ManufacturerŒ.W.G.
Produced1886–1887
No. built100,000
VariantsCarbine M1886, M1886-88
Specifications
Mass4.52 kg (10.0 lb)
Length132.6 cm (52.2 in)
Barrel length80.6 cm (31.7 in)
CartridgeM86: 11×58mmR
M86-88: 8×52mmR
ActionStraight-pull bolt action
Muzzle velocity440 m/s (1,444 ft/s) (M1877 ball cartridge)
Maximum firing range2300 paces 1,725 m (1,886 yd)
Feed system5-round en bloc clip, internal box magazine
SightsQuadrant sight graduated 300–1500 paces (225-1125m), long range volley sight adjustable 1600–2300 paces (1200-1725m)

History
Drawing of Mannlicher M1886 rifle, without the en-bloc clip necessary for proper operation.

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 Austrio-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]

Users

See also

References
  1. John Walter (25 March 2006). Rifles of the World. Krause Publications. pp. 264–265. ISBN 0-89689-241-7. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  2. http://www.hungariae.com/Mann86.htm
  3. 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
  4. Chinese Warlord Armies 1911-30 by Philip Jowett, page 22.
  5. 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
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