Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1956 Monte Carlo
Oesterreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (Steyr) · Rifle · Discontinued · 1956
Also known as: Mannlicher-Schoenauer Model 1956, M-S 1956 MC, Mannlicher-Schoenauer 1956 Monte Carlo
Overview
The Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1956 Monte Carlo is an Austrian bolt-action sporting rifle built by Steyr on the classic Mannlicher-Schoenauer action with Otto Schoenauer's spool-type rotary magazine. Introduced in 1956, it moved the line toward modern scope use with a half-length walnut stock featuring a raised Monte Carlo cheekpiece and a swept-back bolt handle, and it was chambered for popular hunting cartridges such as the .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester and the traditional 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer. Renowned for its exceptionally smooth cycling and fine handling, it carried the Mannlicher-Schoenauer sporter's reputation for quality into the scoped-rifle era until Steyr ended the line in 1972.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1092 mm (42.99") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4515 J (3330 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3500 m (3828 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
- .270 Winchester — also known as 270 Win, .270 Win
- 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer — also known as 6.5x54mm M-S, 6.5 Greek, 6.5mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Rotary Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Wing Safety
- Features: Rotary Magazine, Half Stock, Monte Carlo Cheekpiece, Swept Back Bolt Handle, Scope Ready, Set Trigger Option
Service history
Operators
- Civilian hunters and sportsmen · adopted 1956
Production
Production years: 1956-1972
Post-war Steyr sporting production; the Mannlicher-Schoenauer line ceased in 1972.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher and Otto Schoenauer
Discontinued: 1972
Notes
The Monte Carlo half-stock configuration was offered alongside the traditional full-stock carbine and was designed to ease the use of telescopic sights. Both single and double set triggers were available. The M1956 was superseded by the Model 1961 MCA (Monte Carlo All-purpose). Specific per-caliber barrel and weight figures vary by configuration; the values here reflect the standard .30-06 half-stock rifle.
Background
The Mannlicher-Schoenauer's butter-smooth rotary-magazine action earned a near-legendary following among hunters worldwide, and the Monte Carlo restyling of the 1950s was Steyr's answer to the rise of the telescopic sight, dressing the old spool-magazine rifle in a scope-friendly high-comb stock.