Österreichische · Rifle
Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1903
Bolt action · 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer · introduced 1903
Also known as Greek Mannlicher, Y:1903, Mannlicher-Schonauer 1903
About the Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1903
The Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1903 is an Austrian bolt-action service rifle chambered in 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer, adopted as the standard infantry rifle of the Greek Army in 1903. Designed by Ferdinand Mannlicher and Otto Schoenauer and built at the Steyr works, it is distinguished by its smooth, fast-cycling bolt and a rotary 'spool' magazine that fed five rounds loaded by stripper clip. Prized for accuracy and reliability, the action later became famous on civilian sporting rifles.
The Mannlicher-Schoenauer's rotary spool magazine fed so smoothly that hunters and explorers - including Ernest Hemingway, who praised its action - adopted civilian versions for big game long after it left military service.
Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1903 specifications
General
- Type
- Rifle
- Action
- Bolt action
- Firing mechanism
- Rotating bolt
- Trigger
- Single stage
- Calibres
- 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer
- Magazine capacity
- 5 rounds
- Magazine
- Rotary magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 725 mm (28.5 in)
- Overall length
- 1225 mm (48.2 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 3.75 kg (8.27 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 4
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Stock
- Wood
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 678 m/s (2224 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 2320 J (1711 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 500 m
History
- Introduced
- 1903
- Discontinued
- 1927
- Production status
- Out of production
- Country of origin
- AT
- Designer
- Ferdinand Mannlicher
Features
- Rotary spool magazine
- Stripper clip loading
- Tangent leaf rear sight
Safety
- Manual safety
The improved M1903/14 was the most common production pattern and remained Greece's standard rifle until the German invasion in 1941.
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