Among the small arms created in the 1890s, the Manlicher rifle is particularly interesting. It was designed by Ferdinand Manlicher in 1895. Naturally, the invention was named after its creator. We can say that the Manlicher rifle had a number of distinctive features, so it looked favorably against the background of other small arms of those times. But let's talk about everything in order.
A bit of history
Manlicher magazine rifle in 1895 was adopted by the Austro-Hungarian army. In those days, it was a very reliable and accurate weapon. Its creator was a gunsmith Ferdinand Manliher, working at one of the weapons factories in the city of Steyr. From 1895 to 1918, about 3 million rifles were made in Budapest and Steyr, as well as various modifications (carbines, sniper rifles). This small arms was called "M95".
After the collapse of Austria-Hungary, weapons remained in service with Austria and Hungary. It is also worth noting that an impressive number of rifles of this type were in Italy. True, this country did not manufacture them and received them exclusively as trophies. Already in 1924, the weapon was remade under the German Mauser cartridge 7.92 mm. A characteristic difference was the shortened trunk and the presence of Mauser clips. In principle, the Manlicher rifle was used everywhere, since it was almost exemplary.
Some more interesting historical facts
In 1930, in Austria, it was decided to remake the rifle under the cartridge 8x56R, since it was more powerful. The main changes affected the barrel, which was significantly shortened, and small arms received a new, modernized sight.
Following Austria, Hungary also took up modernization. It is worth noting that the Hungarian rifles, like the Austrian, were actively used during the Second World War. In 1885, Manlicher developed a packaged box store. A single-row magazine was used in a metal bundle, which remained until the cartridge was completely discharged. By and large, the Manlicher rifle was very convenient to use, but sometimes let the soldier down. This happened for various reasons, which we will say a little later.
Direct shutter
We can say that the direct shutter in comparison with the rotary one had both its advantages and disadvantages. It was a cylindrical body with longitudinal guides with a shutter shank and combat stops. Its inner part had spiral protrusions; they connected with the incoming grooves on the shank.
It is natural that in the tail of the shutter there was a trigger that allowed the hammer to be cocked manually without opening the shutter itself. If we talk about the advantages of such a solution, then it lies in the simplicity of manufacture. However, there were significant drawbacks. The main one is sensitivity to dirt. In addition, a direct lock, unlike a rotary one, cannot provide a large extraction of the sleeve, which was also a drawback. Also, the window for ejecting the pack, which is of impressive size, constantly got dirt and water.
Manlihera carbine: specifications
A distinctive feature of the carbine of the sample of 1895 was a shortened barrel, a modernized sight and a bed. In this case, a standard cartridge and a direct shutter were used, which, as we have already figured out, is not without its drawbacks. It is interesting that such a rifle of the Austro-Hungarian army did not have a bayonet . Manlicher did not foresee this. At the same time, the carbine was loaded just as quickly and conveniently as the infantry version, which gave a significant advantage in battle. In addition, the weapon had a relatively small return and low weight, so it could be carried over the shoulder without significant energy costs. Such a carbine is conveniently recharged on a horse, and the fuse strength is at a high level.
Ideal for cavalry
The Manlicher rifle of 1895 was very popular with cavalrymen. In principle, this cannot be called something surprising. Such popularity was due to the fact that it had such important advantages as rate of fire and high strength. In battle, these are simply irreplaceable qualities. We can say that the Mausers and the “three-rulers” were significantly inferior in many respects to this weapon. As for the shortcomings, then, as noted above, these include increased sensitivity to dust and dirt, as well as the great effort exerted when working with the shutter. However, with proper dexterity, both the first and second flaws were easily eliminated. Scouts, infantry strike groups, and Cossacks very often used the Manlicher, as it was powerful and quick-firing. In skillful hands, such a rifle became a deadly weapon.
Austrian Manlicher: sniper rifle
As you might think, here we will focus on small arms not in the 1900s. This large-caliber sniper rifle was manufactured in Austria by the Steyr arms factory. The weapon was developed in 2004. The main purpose of the weapon is to destroy enemy snipers, as well as to maintain fire on aircraft and lightly armored vehicles. For firing, the ".50 Browning" cartridge is used, as well as the modified .460 Steyr.
It is interesting that this weapon is not magazine-like, like most modern sniper rifles, but single-shot with a longitudinally-sliding shutter. The Picatinny rail allows the use of optics appropriate in a given situation. Bipods are located in front of the bed, they are adjustable in height. To reduce recoil on the back of the stock there is a rubber shock absorber. We can say that this is a very effective “Manliher”. This type of sniper rifle allows targeted fire at a distance of up to 1.5 km.
What is Manlicher Carcano?
Often you can come across a term such as "Manlicher Carcano." Many are beginning to think that this is another modification of the small arms M95, but this is somewhat wrong. Here we are talking about a unitary cartridge, which was used by the Italian military during the 1st and 2nd world wars.
He proved to be very effective at distances of 200-300 meters. Power related to intermediate cartridges. Also, Manlicher Carcano was used by the Finns in the war against the USSR. Subsequently, the Finnish troops were armed with small arms "Karkano", which had nothing to do with Manlicher. President Kennedy was shot dead with the help of the Manlicher Carcano. The rifle for this cartridge was never created, however, several models were redone. In modern museums, you can find bullets of an obsolete type, having a blunt animated part. They were replaced by pointed ones, which were considered more effective and penetrative.
Hunting rifles "Manlicher"
The company "Steyr" exists to this day. Extensive experience has allowed to produce weapons for various purposes. Here you can find traumatic pistols, sniper rifles, carbines and hunting rifles. We are interested in just the last point, which we will talk about. First of all, I would like to mention the so-called classics, which include the SBS 96 Classic. This weapon is equipped with a rotary longitudinally-sliding shutter, which allows it to quickly and efficiently recharge. It is interesting that as a protection against dirt and dust, a groove milled on the shutter is used. However, as practice shows, in natural conditions it does not clog. Two-position magazine for 4 rounds. The fifth bullet can be sent directly to the barrel. This is quite enough for hunting.
The shooting of the rifled "Manlicher"
Russian experts carried out the shooting. Testing was carried out not only at the shooting range, but also directly on the hunt. In the autumn-winter period, the rifled SBS 96 Classic rifle proved to be on the good side. High power and accuracy of a carbine are noted. During the hunt, wild boar (from a distance of 90 meters) and elk were caught. Used 13-gram bullets "Con Point".
As for the shortcomings, it is only one and that is insignificant. There is a minus in the rubber butt pad, which dampens the return with insufficient efficiency. Professional hunters and experts talk about the "omnivorous" rifle. The results with the used cartridges of different types were more than good. In general, we can say that the Manliher is a hunting rifle, which is ideal for Russian hunting. The carbine is lightweight, durable and comfortable, though with a very sensitive impact. But you will cease to notice this disadvantage after a few shots.
Austrian rifle "Manlicher": the price of weapons
Naturally, it is almost impossible to find samples of 1895 or even 1886 on sale. This is real antiques, which if you can buy, then for a very large amount of money. But the company "Steyr" successfully produces its own weapons today. Rifles are used around the world by hunters, intelligence agencies and the armed forces. However, for an ordinary person it is an expensive pleasure.
So, the rifle SM12 300VM will cost you 200-220 thousand rubles. In return, you will receive a very high-quality product with a magazine for 3 rounds. The bed is made of class 4 walnut (high strength), which is very important during active use, and has a rubber butt pad. A budget option is the SBS 96 ProHunter. Such a carbine will cost about 170,000 rubles. To soften the recoil, a recoil pad of complex design is used. There is also a receiver that allows you to install optics on the rifle. In general, it is worth counting on costs from 150 to 250 thousand rubles. Believe me, this is a reasonable price for Manliher. The rifle, the price of which may be higher, is exceptionally high quality and has a pleasant appearance.
Use in the East
As noted above, Manlicher was widely used around the world. The imperial Russian army was no exception. After passing under the control of Fort Port Arthur, the Russian troops, as trophies from the Qing army, got a large number of 1886 Manlicher rifles. Under them was used a cartridge with smoke powder, and the bolt was straight, as in other rifles of those years.
In 1904, the project of the so-called artisanal machine gun was realized. Its essence was that about 5-8 Manliher rifles were used on a wooden frame, which were used for volley fire at the enemy. Such a system was named "Shmetillo" in honor of the creator.
Bayonet to rifle
As standard, a bayonet with a towed blade was used. Its main advantage was its light weight - 280 grams. Moreover, its length was about 260 mm, and penetration is very high. This made it possible to quickly and efficiently disable the enemy. It is also worth noting that the bayonet for the Manlicher rifle was worn separately and was installed only if it was necessary to conduct close combat.
Extremely light bayonet, the reliability of the rifle, its high slaughter power and rate of fire - all these advantages have made it much easier to make a Mauser in wartime. For this simple reason, in 1916, these rifles began to be supplied to Austria-Hungary. For the most part, this was due to the fact that Germany had the necessary resources for the manufacture of this weapon and could supply it in large numbers to the allied forces. "Manliherovtsy" were popular for quite some time, in addition, officers liked the rifles and successfully used them during the Second World War.