Kropatschek M1886
Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (OEWG, Steyr) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1886
Also known as: Mauser-Kropatschek M1886, Espingarda m/1886, Portuguese Kropatschek, Steyr-Kropatschek 1886
Overview
The Kropatschek M1886 is an Austrian-designed bolt-action service rifle chambered for the 8x60mmR Portuguese (8mm Guedes) cartridge, adopted by Portugal in 1886 as the Espingarda de Infantaria m/1886. Designed by Alfred von Kropatschek and built by Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (OEWG) at Steyr in Austria, it married a turning-bolt action to a Kropatschek-pattern tubular magazine running through the forestock, holding eight rounds with a magazine cutoff that let the soldier hold the tube in reserve and load single cartridges. The same tube-magazine layout was shared with the German Gewehr 1871/84 and Japanese Murata Type 22, and it directly influenced the French Lebel Mle 1886. Although designed around a black-powder cartridge, the robust action proved strong enough to handle later smokeless loadings. Portugal kept the Kropatschek in front-line and then colonial service for decades, with examples seeing use through the First World War and surviving in colonial hands as late as the 1960s.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4570 g (161.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1322 mm (52.05") |
| Barrel Length | 820 mm (32.28") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 535 m/s (1755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2203 J (1625 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 Portuguese · primary — also known as 8mm Guedes, 8x60mmR Guedes, 8mm Portuguese Kropatschek, 8x56mmR Kropatschek
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine, Single Round Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Magazine Cutoff, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Tubular Magazine In Forestock, Nickel Plated Steel Magazine Tube, Magazine Cutoff, Ramp And Leaf Rear Sight, Blade Front Sight, Full Length Wooden Stock, Side Mounted Cleaning Rod, Sling Swivels, Bayonet Lug, Straight Bolt Handle
Variants
- Kropatschek M1886 Short Rifle — Short Rifle
- Kropatschek M1886 Carbine — Carbine
- Kropatschek M1886/89 — Modernized Pattern
Service history
Operators
- Portuguese Army · adopted 1886 · as Espingarda de Infantaria 8 mm m/1886
- Portuguese Colonial Forces · adopted 1886
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- Portuguese Colonial Campaigns (1886-1961)
Production
Estimated total produced: 57,800 · Production years: 1885-1894
Approximately 49,000 infantry rifles, 4,800 short rifles and 4,000 carbines produced by OEWG Steyr in Austria for Portugal.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Alfred von Kropatschek
Discontinued: 1894
Notes
The original black-powder 8x60mmR Guedes cartridge was later supplemented by the smokeless 8x56mmR Kropatschek loading, which used the same bullet in a shortened case. Roughly 49,000 infantry rifles, 4,800 short rifles and 4,000 carbines were produced by OEWG Steyr between 1885 and 1894. The improved M1886/89 pattern extended the rear sight graduations.
Background
The Kropatschek's tubular magazine sat squarely on the threshold between the old black-powder world and the smokeless age: conceived for a black-powder cartridge, its action turned out tough enough to digest the new nitro powders that would soon make tube magazines obsolete. Portugal's adoption gave the small nation one of the more modern repeating rifles in Europe for a brief moment, and the design's lineage runs straight into the more famous French Lebel that followed it.