Mannlicher M1888
Steyr Mannlicher · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1888
Also known as: Repetier-Gewehr M.1888, M1888-90, Model 1888 Mannlicher
Overview
The Mannlicher M1888 was an Austro-Hungarian straight-pull bolt-action rifle, a development of the earlier M1886 reworked around an 8mm rimmed cartridge. Designed by Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher and built by Steyr, it retained the wedge-block straight-pull action and the five-round en-bloc clip feed. It served as the standard Austro-Hungarian infantry rifle until the rotating-bolt M1895 replaced it.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4400 g (155.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1280 mm (50.39") |
| Barrel Length | 765 mm (30.12") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | En Bloc Clip |
| Muzzle Velocity | 620 m/s (2034 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3037 J (2240 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
- 8x50mmR Mannlicher · primary — also known as 8mm Mannlicher, 8x50R Austrian, 8x50R M93
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: En Bloc Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Wing Safety
- Features: Straight Pull Bolt, Wedge Block Locking, En Bloc Clip Feed, Smokeless Powder
Variants
- Mannlicher M1888-90 — Smokeless Upgrade
Service history
Operators
- Austro-Hungarian Army · adopted 1888 · as Repetier-Gewehr M.1888
- Bulgarian Army
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Production years: 1888-1895
Produced by OEWG Steyr; many later converted to the M1888-90 smokeless standard
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher
Discontinued: 1895
Notes
Originally issued with black-powder 8x52mmR, large numbers were updated to the smokeless 8x50mmR cartridge as the M1888-90. It bridged the M1886 and the definitive M1895 'Stutzen' family.
Background
The M1888 refined Mannlicher's pioneering straight-pull action just as smokeless powder arrived, and the rifle ended up straddling two eras - issued first with black powder, then hastily rechambered for smokeless ammunition as the M1888-90.