Mannlicher 31M
Fémáru, Fegyver és Gépgyár (FÉG) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1931
Also known as: 31.M, M95/31, Mannlicher 95/31, 8mm 31M
Overview
The Mannlicher 31M is a Hungarian straight-pull bolt-action service rifle, produced by rechambering existing Steyr-Mannlicher M1895 rifles from the original 8x50mmR cartridge to the more powerful 8x56mmR round adopted in 1930. Carried out by the FÉG factory in Budapest between 1931 and 1935, the conversion retained Ferdinand von Mannlicher's distinctive straight-pull action and en-bloc clip feed while adding new metric ladder sights and a front-sight protector. Converted rifles were stamped with the letter 'H' (Hegyes Töltény, 'pointed bullet') on the chamber to mark the new ammunition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1005 mm (39.57") |
| Barrel Length | 500 mm (19.69") |
| Action Type | Straight Pull |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | En Bloc Clip |
| Muzzle Velocity | 730 m/s (2395 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3465 J (2556 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 8x56mmR Mannlicher · primary — also known as 8x56R Hungarian, 8x56R M30 S, 31.M cartridge
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: En Bloc Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Straight Pull Bolt, En Bloc Clip Loading, Metric Ladder Sights, Front Sight Protector
Variants
- Mannlicher 95/31 Stutzen - Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Royal Hungarian Army · adopted 1931 · as 31.M
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1931-1935
Produced as conversions of existing Steyr-Mannlicher M1895 rifles rather than new-build arms
Origin
Country of origin: Hungary
Designer: Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher
Discontinued: 1935
Notes
The 31M conversion increased muzzle velocity from roughly 620 m/s to 730 m/s. It served as a stopgap until the purpose-built FÉG 35M turn-bolt rifle entered production. Many former Austro-Hungarian M95 rifles and Stutzen carbines passed through the same program.
Background
When Hungary adopted the hard-hitting 8x56mmR cartridge in 1930, its arsenals were full of old 8x50mmR M95 rifles inherited from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Rather than scrap them, the FÉG works in Budapest simply rebored and resighted the guns, stamping a small 'H' on each chamber so a soldier could tell at a glance which cartridge his rifle would safely fire.