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WW1 Era Austrian Steyr Mannlicher Model 1886 11x58mmR Obsolete Calibre Straight Pull Bolt Action Service Rifle With Post WW1 Bulgarian Military Stock Mark. Sn 21758 - 21758 The Steyr Mannlicher Model 1886 was one of the last black powder service rifles issued, and therefore is one of the most developed. Designed by the formidable Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Model 1886 was the foundation for generations of later Austrian small arms, some of which are still in use today. Chambered for the obsolete 11x58mmR cartridge, the Steyr is a simple, straight pull bolt action rifle. The bolt is locked by way of a sliding wedge to the rear and is loaded by an en bloc clip that simply drops out of the bottom of the rifle when the last round is loaded. With elevating rear ladder sights and an ingenious long range volley sight on the right middle barrel band, the Steyr is a comprehensively designed and formidable service rifle. It was designed to replace the ageing M1867 Wernl-Holub rifle (a similar enough action to the Snider Enfield), and was at its invention at the very forefront of small arms technology. continue in use with Austria-Hungary certainly until the First World War, and was documented in use by regular forces in the Spanish Civil War, with irregular use probably beyond. Many of these later model Steyr straight pull rifles have turned up in recent conflicts, and it is a testament to the original design that descendants of this rifle are still fit for use a century and a half after it’s invention. It is interesting to note that whilst service rifles of other European armies, such as the British Lee Enfield system or the German Mauser went through further decades of alteration and refinement, the Steyr Mannlicher system remained largely unchanged. This is a very good example of the model 1886. The wood furniture of this weapon has knocks bumps and bruises to be expected with age and use, but all wood is original and intact with no cracks. The metal work is undamaged with even aged patina. The breech is stamped with the combined 'OEWG' (Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft 'Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company' Steyr mark. The rifle is serial number 5279 and has other un-matching numbers. The wood is impressed with 5 pointed star within shield mark which indicates later post WW1 issue to Bulgarian troops. The rifle has a 32" barrel and is 52" overall length. It has bayonet bar, sling swivels, steel butt plate, block and blade fore sight, adjustable elevating rear sight and long range sight on the middle right barrel band. The weapon’s straight pull bolt action, firing mechanism and bolt safety catch work crisply. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique obsolete calibre rifle no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 21758
£595.00
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