Kropatschek Torpedo Boats Gewehr M1893
Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (OEWG, Steyr) · Rifle · Discontinued · 1893
Also known as: Kropatschek M1893 Navy Rifle, Torpedo-Boot Gewehr M1893
Overview
The Kropatschek Torpedo Boats Gewehr M1893 is an Austro-Hungarian 8mm bolt-action tubular-magazine rifle issued to the crews of the Austro-Hungarian Navy's torpedo boats. A naval-service member of Alfred von Kropatschek's rifle family, it chambers the 8x50mmR Mannlicher cartridge and feeds from an under-barrel tubular magazine holding eight rounds. It was built by the Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (Steyr).
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4300 g (151.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1320 mm (51.97") |
| 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 | 609 m/s (1998 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2930 J (2161 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2200 m (2406 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 8x50mmR Mannlicher · primary — also known as 8mm Mannlicher M1893, 8x50R Austrian Mannlicher, Patrone M93
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Bolt Safety
- Features: Nickel Plated Tubular Magazine, Under Barrel Tube Magazine, Naval Service Pattern
Service history
Operators
- Austro-Hungarian Navy · adopted 1893
Production
Production years: 1893-c.1898
Limited naval-issue variant; exact production figures not documented
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Alfred von Kropatschek
Notes
Naval pattern of the Kropatschek repeating rifle adopted for torpedo boat crews. Detailed variant-specific measurements are sparse; the listed dimensions reflect the general Kropatschek service-rifle pattern.
Background
While most Kropatschek rifles armed infantry and colonial troops, the M1893 was set aside for a very specific job: arming the sailors crammed aboard Austria-Hungary's small torpedo boats, where a compact repeating rifle mattered more than long-range volley fire.