Mannlicher-Schoenauer Y1903/14
Steyr Mannlicher · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1914
Also known as: M1903/14, 1903/14 Greek Mannlicher, Steyr M1903/14
Overview
The Mannlicher-Schoenauer Y1903/14 is a Greek service bolt-action rifle chambered in 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer, produced by Steyr from a second Greek Army contract placed in 1914. It combines the earlier M1903's smooth turn-bolt action and distinctive rotary spool magazine with an added full-length handguard, and fed from five-round stripper clips. Roughly 50,000 were delivered before World War I interrupted deliveries, and the type saw extensive Greek service through the Asia Minor Campaign and World War II.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3770 g (133.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1226 mm (48.27") |
| Barrel Length | 725 mm (28.54") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| 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 | Wood |
| 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, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Full Length Handguard, Rotary Spool Magazine, Stripper Clip Loading, Turn Bolt Action
Variants
- Mannlicher-Schoenauer M1903 - Original
- Mannlicher-Schoenauer Y1903/14/27 - Breda Production
Service history
Operators
- Hellenic Army · adopted 1914 · as Y1903/14
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- Greco-Turkish War (Asia Minor Campaign) (1919-1922)
- Greco-Italian War (1940-1941)
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Greek Civil War (1946-1949)
Production
Estimated total produced: 50,000 · Production years: 1914-1927
Approximately 50,000 built by Steyr on the 1914 Greek contract; later Breda-produced Y1903/14/27 rifles brought total Greek Mannlicher-Schoenauer supply to roughly 105,000
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Ferdinand Mannlicher, Otto Schoenauer
Discontinued: 1927
Notes
The most visible change from the M1903 was the addition of a full-length upper handguard. After 1927 the Italian Breda factory produced further examples marked Y1903/14/27, with roughly 105,000 total supplied to Greece.
Background
The 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer earned a legendary big-game reputation in the hands of hunters like Ernest Hemingway and W.D.M. 'Karamojo' Bell, who used the mild-recoiling, deep-penetrating cartridge on African elephants.