Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1903
Steyr Mannlicher · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1903
Also known as: Greek Mannlicher, Y:1903, Mannlicher-Schonauer 1903
Overview
The Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1903 is an Austrian bolt-action service rifle chambered in 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer, adopted as the standard infantry rifle of the Greek Army in 1903. Designed by Ferdinand Mannlicher and Otto Schoenauer and built at the Steyr works, it is distinguished by its smooth, fast-cycling bolt and a rotary 'spool' magazine that fed five rounds loaded by stripper clip. Prized for accuracy and reliability, the action later became famous on civilian sporting rifles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3750 g (132.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1225 mm (48.23") |
| Barrel Length | 725 mm (28.54") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 678 m/s (2224 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2320 J (1711 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 12 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer · primary — also known as 6.5x54mm MS, 6.5x54mm Greek Mannlicher
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Rotary Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Rotary Spool Magazine, Stripper Clip Loading, Tangent Leaf Rear Sight
Variants
- Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1903/14 — Improved
- Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1903 Carbine — Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Greek Army · adopted 1903 · as M1903
- Austro-Hungarian Army
Conflicts
- Balkan Wars (1912-1913)
- World War I (1914-1918)
- Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1903-1927
Produced by Steyr in Austria for the Greek government; later batches assembled by Breda in Italy as the M1903/14
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Ferdinand Mannlicher
Discontinued: 1927
Notes
The improved M1903/14 was the most common production pattern and remained Greece's standard rifle until the German invasion in 1941.
Background
The Mannlicher-Schoenauer's rotary spool magazine fed so smoothly that hunters and explorers - including Ernest Hemingway, who praised its action - adopted civilian versions for big game long after it left military service.