Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1961 MCA

About the Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1961 MCA

The Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1961 MCA (Monte Carlo All-Purpose) is an Austrian bolt-action sporting rifle, the last of the classic Mannlicher-Schoenauer series built by Steyr on Ferdinand von Mannlicher's turnbolt action with Otto Schoenauer's spool-type rotary magazine. Introduced in 1961, the 'All-Purpose' model paired a half-length walnut stock with a raised Monte Carlo cheekpiece and swept-back bolt handle to make the fitting of telescopic sights easier, and it was offered across a broad range of popular hunting cartridges from the traditional 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer to the .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield and several belted magnums. Prized for its exceptionally smooth cycling and fine handling, it carried the line's reputation for craftsmanship until high production costs and the awkward split receiver ended Mannlicher-Schoenauer production in 1972.

The MCA was the swan song of the butter-smooth Mannlicher-Schoenauer rotary-magazine sporter: Steyr dressed the old spool-magazine action in a scope-friendly Monte Carlo stock, but the very split receiver that made the rifle so slick to cycle proved so awkward to drill for modern scope mounts that it helped kill the line in 1972.

Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1961 MCA specifications

The M1961 MCA superseded the M1956 Monte Carlo and was the final development of the Mannlicher-Schoenauer sporter. For the U.S. market it was also chambered in belted magnums such as the .257 Weatherby, .264, .338 and .458 Winchester Magnum, and internationally in cartridges like 6.5x68mm and 8x68mm S. Both single and double set triggers were offered. Specific barrel and weight figures vary by configuration; the values here reflect the standard half-stock .30-06 rifle.