Mannlicher-Schoenauer Model 1900
Steyr Mannlicher · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1900
Also known as: Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1900, Mannlicher-Schoenauer 1900 trials rifle
Overview
The Mannlicher-Schoenauer Model 1900 is a bolt-action rifle designed by Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher and Otto Schoenauer and built by Steyr in Austria. It introduced the pairing of Mannlicher's turning-bolt action with Schoenauer's smooth-feeding rotary spool magazine, chambered for the then-new 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer cartridge. Patented in 1900, the rifle was submitted to contemporary military rifle trials, most notably in Romania, and served as the direct predecessor to the refined Model 1903 that Greece adopted as its standard service rifle. The five-round rotary magazine fed reliably regardless of the rifle's orientation, avoiding the double-feed and nose-dive problems of period box magazines.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3800 g (134.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1230 mm (48.43") |
| Barrel Length | 725 mm (28.54") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 680 m/s (2231 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2334 J (1721 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 | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer · primary — also known as 6.5x54mm MS, 6.5x54mm Greek Mannlicher
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Rotary Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Safety
- Features: Rotary Magazine, Split Bridge Receiver, Stripper Clip Guide, Turning Bolt Action
Service history
Operators
- Kingdom of Romania (trials) · adopted 1900
Production
Production years: 1900-1903
Trials/pre-production quantities only; the design was refined into the Model 1903 which entered mass production.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Ferdinand Mannlicher / Otto Schoenauer
Discontinued: 1903
Notes
The Model 1900 was primarily a trials and pre-production pattern rather than a widely fielded service rifle; most physical dimensions closely match the production Model 1903 that superseded it. Standalone specifications specific to the 1900 pattern are sparse in reference sources, so several figures are inferred from the closely related 1903 rifle.
Background
The Model 1900's rotary magazine impressed trials boards and civilian shooters alike; the same action went on to become one of the most celebrated sporting rifles of the 20th century, favoured by big-game hunters such as ivory hunter W.D.M. 'Karamojo' Bell.