Krnka Model 1869
Tula Arms Plant · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1869
Also known as: M1867 Russian Krnka, Krnka M1869, 6-line rifle mod. 1869, Krynka
Overview
The Krnka Model 1869 is a single-shot, breech-loading rifle adopted by the Imperial Russian Army. Designed by the Czech gunsmith Sylvester Krnka, it converted the earlier muzzle-loading Model 1857 'Six-Line' rifle musket to fire a self-contained 15.24x40mmR centerfire metallic cartridge. The conversion retained the original barrel, stock, and back-action lock while adding a bronze receiver and a hinged steel breech block that lifts upward to allow loading. It was the principal infantry arm of Russian troops during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4500 g (158.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1300 mm (51.18") |
| Barrel Length | 910 mm (35.83") |
| Action Type | Hinged Breechblock |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 305 m/s (1001 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1116 J (823 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 850 m (930 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Bronze |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 15.24x40mmR Krnka · primary — also known as 15.24x40R, 6-line Krnka, .60 caliber Krnka, 6-line centerfire
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Lifting Breech Block, Back Action Lock, Bronze Receiver, Conversion Of Muzzleloader
Service history
Operators
- Imperial Russian Army · adopted 1869 · as 6-line rifle mod. 1869 (Krnka system)
- Principality of Bulgaria
- Principality of Serbia
- Principality of Montenegro
Conflicts
- Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878)
- Russian conquest of Central Asia (1869-1885)
Production
Estimated total produced: 620,000 · Production years: 1869-1870s
Roughly 620,000 or more Krnka conversions produced at Russian state armories and private contractors before replacement by the Berdan rifle.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Sylvester Krnka
Discontinued: 1880
Notes
Adopted by order of Tsar Alexander II in March 1869 after Krnka's design beat the competing conversion system of Naval Lieutenant Baranov. Its 15.24x40mmR round was among the first centerfire cartridges mass-produced in Russia. Conversions were carried out at the Tula, Sestroretsk, Kiev and Izhevsk armories as well as private firms including Nobel.
Background
Sylvester Krnka travelled to St. Petersburg in January 1869 with two example rifles to compete against the domestic Baranov conversion. Within months the Tsar adopted his hinged-block design, and Krnka stayed on at the St. Petersburg ammunition plant, developing Russia's first mass cartridge-production technology alongside Baron Hahn.