FEG 35M

Fémáru, Fegyver és Gépgyár (FÉG) · Rifle · Discontinued · 1935

Also known as: 35.M, Mannlicher M1935, 35M Mannlicher, Puska 35.M

Overview

The FEG 35M is a Hungarian bolt-action service rifle developed at the Fémáru, Fegyver és Gépgyár (FÉG) arms factory in Budapest during the early 1930s and adopted in 1935. Chambered in 8x56mmR, it uses a Mannlicher-type rotating bolt with dual front locking lugs and a cock-on-close action, feeding from an integral five-round box magazine loaded with en bloc clips. It served as the standard infantry rifle of the Royal Hungarian Army before and during World War II.

Specifications

Weight (empty)4040 g (142.5 oz)
Overall Length1105 mm (43.50")
Barrel Length610 mm (24.02")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeFixed Box
Muzzle Velocity720 m/s (2362 fps)
Muzzle Energy3369 J (2485 ft·lbf)
Effective Range500 m (547 yd)
Maximum Range2000 m (2187 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Estimated total produced: 160,000 · Production years: 1935-1940

Approximately 160,000 rifles produced at the FEG factory in Budapest before production shifted to the 8x57mm IS-chambered 43M.

Origin

Country of origin: Hungary

Designer: Fémáru, Fegyver és Gépgyár (FÉG)

Discontinued: 1940

Notes

The 35M's en bloc clip magazine and protruding clip design drew on Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher's earlier rifles. During the German occupation of Hungary, the design was later modified to chamber the German 8x57mm IS cartridge with a charger-loaded magazine, becoming the 43M (and the related Gewehr 98/40 produced for German use).

Background

After the dissolution of Austria-Hungary following World War I, the newly independent Hungary sought a domestically designed service rifle. The 35M kept the distinctive Mannlicher en bloc clip system of the old Austro-Hungarian M95 while introducing a stronger turn-bolt action chambered for the powerful 8x56mmR cartridge.