Mannlicher Model 1888

History

Mannlicher Bolt Action Rifle Model 1886 was the first rifle of its kind adopted by the Austro-Hungarian army. However, the honeymoon period was short-lived, as the arrival of the French Lebel 8mm rifle in 1886 - equipped with a new revolutionary smokeless powder cartridge - immediately rendered all existing rifle types obsolete. Thus, work began on the Model 1886 11mm model, which housed a new 8mm smokeless compact, resulting in the Mannlicher Model 1888. The early form still used the black compact (8x50R - 8mm Live Compact M.88) and was followed by another cartridge classified as "semi-smokeless" (8x52R - 8mm Sharp M. 88) .90), it was not until 1893 that the Austrians perfected the indigenous smokeless powder cartridge (8x50R - 8mm sharp cartridge M.93). Many existing Model 1886 rifles were subsequently converted to the new Model 1888, and as each cartridge type became available, the sights were updated accordingly.

This Mannlicher design is believed to be the first active rifle in the world to combine the benefits of a smokeless cartridge with an integrated box magazine.

The Type 1888 borrowed heavily from the existing Type 1886 frame before adopting a straight-pull bolt action design - the two designs were largely similar on the outside. The boxing magazine remains intact and is fed by a five-round magazine. As with the Model 1886, the magazine is located outside the trigger group, creating a noticeable small gap between the two. Of course, the smaller caliber ammo forced a redesign of all internals, including the magazine case itself, which is now closer to the frame and has a thinner profile - key to trying to differentiate the previous Model 1888 from the newer ones Feature 1886.

The frame is a one-piece wooden element that combines the stock, grip, receiver and long-barreled handguard in a traditional fashion. The barrel has a wraparound design as usual, protruding a short distance in front of the nose cap.

Overall, aside from the new movement, the Type 1888 largely mimics the performance of the Type 1886 in previous years. A bracket is provided for close use of the bayonet.

In practice, the 1888 series has proven to be a viable weapon. However, when the original design proved weak in the field, work began on a new rotary lever lock. This resulted in the improved Model 1890 "Cavalry Carbine", which later became the more advanced Model 1895 military rifle. As the above types of cartridges became available for the Type 1886 series, the actual effective range of the rifle increased accordingly, making it a more practical long-range weapon.

The Type 1888 series will be distinguished by two main forms in its M1888 designation and M1888/90 designation.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes