Mannlicher Model 1886

History

The

Mannlicher Model 1886 was the first single-magazine service rifle for the Austro-Hungarian Army. The design of the weapon is credited to Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher and replaces the forthcoming single-shot Styer Werndl service rifle of 1867.

The chamber of the Model 1886 accommodates the 11mm Mannlicher cartridge (via a five-round "clip") fed from an integral magazine, which allows repeated firing without reloading. After the widespread introduction of the smokeless powder cartridge (led by the French Lebel series), it was eventually replaced by the Mannlicher Model 1888.

The 1886 model was originally the 1885 model and was tested under the direction of an established committee of the Austro-Hungarian government. Some minor changes in its design eventually led to the designation of the Type 1886, which was officially adopted on June 20, 1886. The 11mm cartridge was chosen for the Model 1886 stock as European powers at the time appreciated the large caliber approach.

Serial production was soon followed, and the Model 1886 was recognized as the standard service rifle of the Austrian Armed Forces.

The Model 1886 features a one-piece wooden stock that integrates the forend, receiver, grip and shoulder rest. The curved trigger assembly is protected by an elongated trigger ring. The one-piece magazine protrudes and there is a noticeable gap between the trigger rings. The main internal working parts are concentrated in the upper part of the receiver, including the bolt lever, firing pin and firing chamber. The rear sighting device was placed in the central part of the receiver in front of the ejection port.

The barrel extends from a gap in the wood to the muzzle, with a small portion of the barrel assembly protruding above the wood. There are two straps in the handguard area and a nose cap behind and under the muzzle.

Like several Mauser designs of the period, the Mannlicher Model 1886 used a stacking rod (not to be confused with the bayonet lug) on ??the nose cap. As a bolt action rifle, the Model 1886 requires the operator to straighten the bolt handle. This allows for semi-repetitive shots as quickly as the operator can handle the bolts and preserve the ammo inventory.

Bayonet mounts exist - service rifle mounts required for the period.

Unfortunately for Austria-Hungary and their new Type 1886 rifles, the introduction of 8mm Lebel bolt-action rifles and smokeless powder ammunition from France made rifles like the Type 1886 almost obsolete in a short period of time. disuse. The Austrian government was then forced to convert almost all of their existing Type 1886s to 8mm caliber, resulting in the Mannlicher Type 1888.

A newly manufactured Type 1888 was also added, while production of the Type 1886 was soon discontinued.

Due to the close relationship between some European powers and this part of the world, many variants of the Type 1886 were shipped to various parties in South America - Chile was a known recipient of this type and was labelled as such. As many as 93,000 Model 1886 models were eventually built.

Specification

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