Werndl-Holub M1867
Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (Steyr) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1867
Also known as: Werndl rifle, Infanteriegewehr M1867, M1867/77
Overview
The Werndl-Holub M1867 was the Austro-Hungarian Empire's first standard metallic-cartridge service rifle, designed by Josef Werndl and Karel Holub. Its distinctive feature was a rotating cylindrical breechblock (the 'Tabernakelverschluss' or drum breech) turned by a thumb-lever on the right of the receiver, giving a strong, well-sealed action. Originally chambered for an 11x42mmR rimfire cartridge, the design was reengineered in 1877 to the more powerful 11x58mmR centerfire round. Its commercial success built Steyr into one of Europe's largest arms makers.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4500 g (158.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1305 mm (51.38") |
| Barrel Length | 840 mm (33.07") |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 440 m/s (1444 fps) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 9 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 11x42mmR Werndl · primary — also known as 11mm Werndl M1867, 11x42R rimfire
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Rotating Breechblock, Tabernakelverschluss Drum Breech, Back Action Lock, External Hammer, Metallic Cartridge
Variants
- Werndl-Holub M1867/77 — Centerfire Upgrade
- Werndl-Holub M1867 Cavalry Carbine — Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Austro-Hungarian Army · adopted 1867 · as Infanteriegewehr M1867
Conflicts
- Occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1878)
Production
Estimated total produced: 600,000 · Production years: 1867-1886
Manufactured by Werndl's Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft at Steyr; figure approximate across rifle and carbine variants
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Josef Werndl
Discontinued: 1886
Notes
Initial M1867 rifles used 11x42mmR rimfire; the M1867/77 upgrade adopted the 11x58mmR centerfire cartridge. Variants included infantry rifles, short rifles, and cavalry carbines.
Background
Josef Werndl's M1867 contract transformed his Steyr workshop into the vast Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft, eventually the largest arms factory in Europe and the ancestor of today's Steyr Arms.