Kropatschek M1886
Steyr Mannlicher · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1886
Also known as: Espingarda Mo. 1886, Mauser-Kropatschek, Portuguese Kropatschek
Overview
The Kropatschek M1886 was a tubular-magazine bolt-action rifle designed by Austrian officer Alfred von Kropatschek and adopted as Portugal's standard infantry rifle. Built by Steyr, it fed eight rounds of 8x60mmR from an under-barrel tube via a cartridge elevator, with a magazine cut-off allowing single-loading. Kropatschek's tube-magazine system was a direct forerunner of the French Lebel rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4300 g (151.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1321 mm (52.01") |
| Barrel Length | 820 mm (32.28") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 530 m/s (1739 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2135 J (1575 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 8x60mmR Kropatschek · primary — also known as 8mm Kropatschek, 8x60R Portuguese, 8mm Portuguese
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Magazine Cutoff, Bolt Safety
- Features: Tubular Magazine, Nickel Plated Steel Magazine Tube, Magazine Cutoff Lever, Cartridge Elevator
Variants
- Kropatschek M1886/89 Carbine — Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Portuguese Army · adopted 1886 · as Espingarda Mauser-Kropatschek Mo. 1886
- French Navy · adopted 1878 · as Fusil Modele 1878 Marine
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
Production
Production years: 1886-1898
Produced by OEWG Steyr for the Portuguese government; carbine variants made under the M1886/89 designation
Origin
Country of origin: Portugal
Designer: Alfred von Kropatschek
Discontinued: 1898
Notes
Kropatschek's earlier 11mm designs were adopted by the French Navy in 1878; the Portuguese 1886 model used the smaller 8mm cartridge. Many Portuguese Kropatscheks remained in colonial and reserve service through World War I and were used in the Spanish Civil War.
Background
Kropatschek's tube-magazine rifle was the conceptual blueprint for the French Lebel that triggered the smokeless-powder arms race, yet it found its longest service not in Europe but as Portugal's frontline rifle and on into the Spanish Civil War decades later.