Austrian M95 Steyr-Mannlicher Rifle

Austrian M95 Steyr-Mannlicher Rifle

M95 'straight-pull' Mannlicher rifle does not exhibit any visible date or military issue stamp markings, marked "STEYR / M95" on the receiver, along with the "S" marking indicating that it was converted to chamber the 8x56mmR M30 ammunition, adopted by the Austrian Republic in 1930 and Kingdom of Hungary in 1934 as the more powerful replacement for the 8x50mmR Mannlicher cartridge.  Frame and barrel have serial number "1468", mismatched where visible on the bolt and wood stock components.  Stock has normal surplus rifle dings and dents but remains in good overall condition.  Bore is good with strong rifling.

The Austro-Hungarian M95 Steyr-Mannlicher rifle, adopted in 1895, signaled a dramatic advancement in military weaponry with its straight-pull bolt-action mechanism—distinctly increasing rate of fire over traditional turn-bolt systems. Originally chambered in 8x50mmR, the rifle armed Austro-Hungarian forces throughout the First World War and became one of the most recognizable service rifles of the empire. In the 1930s, large numbers of these rifles were upgraded for the more powerful spitzer-type 8x56mmR M30 cartridge; examples so converted are marked with an “S” on the barrel shank—a detail indicating their compatibility with modernized ammunition and increased ballistic performance. Emblematic of its robust design and adaptability, the M95 continued to see active service through the Second World War with Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, and other successor states—used both as a frontline and reserve weapon well into the mid-twentieth century.

$300 - $400