Bulgarian Mannlicher M1888
Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (OEWG), Steyr · Rifle · Discontinued · 1903
Also known as: Mannlicher M1888 (Bulgarian), Bulgarian Mannlicher Model 1888, M1888/90 Bulgarian
Overview
The Bulgarian Mannlicher M1888 is a straight-pull bolt-action service rifle adopted by the Kingdom of Bulgaria, derived from the Austro-Hungarian Mannlicher M1888 built by OEWG of Steyr. Bulgaria purchased roughly 140,000 M1888, M1888/90 and M1890 Mannlichers, many of them rechambered for the more powerful 8x52mmR Mannlicher cartridge. It feeds from a fixed box magazine loaded with a five-round en bloc clip and is identifiable by Bulgarian Lion or crowned-F acceptance stamps over the OEWG receiver markings. The rifle saw extensive Bulgarian service through the Balkan Wars and the First World War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1280 mm (50.39") |
| Barrel Length | 765 mm (30.12") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | En Bloc Clip |
| Muzzle Velocity | 620 m/s (2034 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3075 J (2268 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2200 m (2406 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 8x52mmR Mannlicher · primary — also known as 8mm Mannlicher M1890, 8x52R Mannlicher, 8x52R Bulgarian
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: En Bloc Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Straight Pull Bolt, En Bloc Clip Loading, Fixed Box Magazine, Tangent Leaf Sights
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Bulgarian Army · adopted 1903 · as M1888
- Austro-Hungarian Army · adopted 1888 · as Repetier-Gewehr M1888
Conflicts
- First Balkan War (1912-1913)
- Second Balkan War (1913)
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Estimated total produced: 140,000 · Production years: 1888-1903
Approximate total of M1888, M1888/90 and M1890 Mannlichers sold to Bulgaria by OEWG Steyr; many later rechambered to 8x52mmR Mannlicher.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Bulgarian-marked examples retain OEWG Steyr receiver stamps but add a small Bulgarian Lion or a crown-over-F proof. The 8x52mmR conversion (M1890 pattern ammunition) replaced the original blackpowder 8x50mmR loading.
Background
Bulgaria was among the first foreign customers for the Steyr straight-pull Mannlicher, fielding it as a primary infantry rifle through the Balkan Wars before the Mannlicher M95 became its main service arm.