Steyr Mannlicher M1901
Steyr Mannlicher · Pistol · Discontinued · 1901
Also known as: Mannlicher Model 1901, Steyr-Mannlicher 1901
Overview
The Mannlicher Model 1901 was an elegant, slim self-loading pistol designed by Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher and produced by Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (Steyr). It used a fixed barrel with a reciprocating breech (catalogued as a delayed blowback but functionally a simple blowback) firing the relatively mild 7.63mm Mannlicher cartridge, whose low power allowed an unlocked breech to be used safely. The 8-round magazine was an integral, non-detachable box top-loaded via a stripper clip, and the slide could be held open for safe loading.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 940 g (33.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 246 mm (9.69") |
| Barrel Length | 160 mm (6.30") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 326 m/s (1070 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 292 J (215 ft·lbf) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.63mm Mannlicher · primary — also known as 7.65mm Mannlicher, 7.65x21mm Mannlicher, 7.63x21mm Mannlicher
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Clip Fed Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Lever
- Features: Fixed Barrel, Internal Clip Loaded Magazine, Stripper Clip Loading, Slide Hold Open, Low Recoil
Service history
Operators
- Austro-Hungarian forces
- Paraguay
Production
Estimated total produced: 4,000 · Production years: 1901-1903
Largely commercial production; superseded by the higher-capacity M1905.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher
Discontinued: 1903
Notes
Some references describe the M1901 mechanism as blow-forward, but accessible sources (Forgotten Weapons, GAT Daily) confirm a fixed-barrel blowback; blow-forward applies to the earlier Mannlicher M1894. Lost the 1904-1905 Austro-Hungarian pistol trials. Muzzle energy calculated from bullet mass and velocity.
Background
Internally the M1901 is essentially a single-action revolver lockwork bolted to a blowback slide, hidden beneath the left grip panel. Its 7.63mm round was barely hotter than a .32 ACP, which is exactly why an unlocked breech could safely handle it.