Mauser-Koka M1880

Mauser Werke · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1880

Also known as: Mauser-Milovanovic, Mauser-Koka, Kokinka, Serbian Model 1878/80, M1878/80

Overview

The Mauser-Koka M1880 is a single-shot, bolt-action service rifle adopted by the Kingdom of Serbia in 1880. Developed by Serbian major Kosta 'Koka' Milovanovic as an improved derivative of the Mauser Model 1871, it chambered the unique 10.15x63mmR Serbian black-powder cartridge and introduced Milovanovic's progressive rifling, in which the groove width narrows from breech to muzzle to improve ballistics. The rifle also added a bolt guide rail above the wrist, a coil spring on the safety lever, and an improved extractor and ejector. Early production came from the Mauser works at Oberndorf, with later manufacture at the Military Technical Institute in Kragujevac.

Specifications

Weight (empty)4500 g (158.7 oz)
Overall Length1295 mm (50.98")
Barrel Length801 mm (31.54")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismInternal Hammer
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity1 rounds
Magazine TypeInternal
Muzzle Velocity510 m/s (1673 fps)
Muzzle Energy2913 J (2149 ft·lbf)
Effective Range500 m (547 yd)
Maximum Range1600 m (1750 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Estimated total produced: 110,000 · Production years: 1880-1882

Approximately 100,000-110,000 rifles produced; initial batches at Mauser Oberndorf (1880-1882) before licensed production moved to Kragujevac, Serbia.

Origin

Country of origin: Serbia

Designer: Kosta Milovanovic

Discontinued: 1907

Notes

Officially the Serbian Model 1878/80. From 1907 roughly half of the surviving rifles were converted in Kragujevac to fire the 7x57mm Mauser cartridge from a five-round box magazine, using barrels purchased from Steyr.

Background

Named for its designer Kosta 'Koka' Milovanovic, the rifle is affectionately known in Serbian as the 'Kokinka.' Its progressive rifling was an early Serbian innovation aimed at squeezing more accuracy and velocity from a black-powder cartridge.