Mauser-Milovanovic M1878/80
Waffenfabrik Mauser · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1880
Also known as: Mauser-Koka, Serbian Model 1878/80, Mauzer Milovanovic M.1880, Kokinka
Overview
The Mauser-Milovanovic M1878/80 is a single-shot, bolt-action service rifle adopted by the Kingdom of Serbia in 1880. Developed by Serbian artillery major Kosta 'Koka' Milovanovic as an improvement on the German Mauser Model 1871, it was chambered in the unique 10.15x63mmR Serbian cartridge and manufactured by Waffenfabrik Mauser at Oberndorf. Its defining innovation was Milovanovic's progressive rifling, in which the groove width narrows from breech to muzzle to improve the gas seal and accuracy. The rifle also added a bolt-guide rail above the wrist of the stock, an improved trigger guard and a combined extractor/ejector, with all markings rendered in Cyrillic script.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4500 g (158.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1295 mm (50.98") |
| Barrel Length | 801 mm (31.54") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 510 m/s (1673 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2861 J (2110 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1600 m (1750 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 10.15x63mmR Serbian · primary — also known as 10.15x63R, 10.15mm Serbian Mauser, 10.15x63mmR Mauser-Koka
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Round Manual
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Lever
- Features: Single Shot, Progressive Rifling, Bolt Guide Rail, Extractor Ejector, Cyrillic Markings
Variants
- Mauser-Koka Carbine - Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Royal Serbian Army · adopted 1880 · as M1878/80
Conflicts
- Serbo-Bulgarian War (1885)
- Balkan Wars (1912-1913)
Production
Estimated total produced: 110,000 · Production years: 1881-1884
Contracted from Waffenfabrik Mauser at Oberndorf; approximately 110,000 entered the Serbian arsenal.
Origin
Country of origin: Serbia
Designer: Kosta Milovanovic
Discontinued: 1899
Notes
Known in Serbian as 'Kokinka' after its designer. Roughly 110,000 were delivered, making it one of the rarer Mauser military patterns. A shortened carbine version is commonly referred to as the Mauser-Koka.
Background
Major Kosta Milovanovic's progressive rifling so impressed observers that the Serbian Mauser was nicknamed 'Kokinka' in his honour, and his rifling concept influenced later black-powder military designs.