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1. Steyr Mannlicher M95 Serial Numbers
2. Steyr Mannlicher Serial Numbers

1. Jan 07, 2019 The Mannlicher-Schoenauer was produced by Oesterreichische Waffenfabrik Gesellschaft Steyr beginning in the year 1900 as the Model of 1900 in sporting rifle and carbine versions. Although it was adopted by the Greek military as their standard issue service rifle in 1903, the Mannlicher-Schoenauer saw its greatest success as a hunting rifle.
2. M95 Steyr Rifle Serial Number Lookup The (German: Infanterie Repetier-Gewehr M1895; 'Infantry Repeating-Rifle M1895') was the basic variant. It was chambered for the 8×50mmR Mannlicher cartridge.
3. Steyr daimler puch mannlicher schoenauer model 61 mca.243 win bolt action rifle with scope. Serial number '25XXX'. 22' barrel with rear leaf folding sight and front blade on ramp. Very little used with mint bore. 'stoeger/Austria' stamp and 'Steyr' on floorplate of removable box magazine.

Mannlicher Model 1895 Infantry Rifle
Infanterie Repetier-Gewehr M1895
Gyalogsági Ismétlõ Puska M95

M95 Steyr Rifle Serial Number 1340455 Value Hungarian soldier with a Mannlicher 31.M in World War II. Albania: Approx. 4000 rifles were ordered by the Albanian Revolutionary Committee in 1911. Oct 11, 2019 Mannlicher-Schoenauers and their proprietary cartridges have lived in a world of song and story for over 110 years, and they are still going strong in 2010 as can be discerned by the advent of the.376 Steyr in the 1990s and the addition of the impressive.450 Marlin to the product line in the early 2000s.

Made by Fegyver és Gépgyár Rt.(F.G.GY.), Budapest, 1897-1918. (This rifle was designed by Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher and also manufactured in large quantities by Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft, Steyr, 1896-1918). 2.5 million were made total, approx. 25% in Hungary
Caliber: 8x50mm rimmed. Muzzle velocity 620 m/sec [2030 fps] with M1893 ball cartridge
Action: Straight-pull bolt action, with two lugs on a detachable bolt head engaging the receiver. Integral clip-loaded box magazine, 5 rounds
1272mm [50.1'] overall, 3.78kg [8.3 lbs]
765mm [30.1'] barrel, 4-groove rifling, RH, concentric
Barrel threads: 27mm (1.062') major diameter, 12tpi, 19mm (.750') shank length

Trials in 1892 failed to convince the Austro-Hungarian Army authorities that ultra-small calibers were effective enough to change from 8mm. However, it was equally clear that even the new 1888-pattern rifles were ineffectual compared with the latest European advances, and that their weak bar-locks could not withstand the pressures generated by new high velocity cartridges. In 1895 an improved infantry rifle was adopted, incorporating a straight-pull bolt adapted directly from that of the M1890 Mannlicher Cavalry Carbine. The M1895 differed in several important respects from the earlier service rifles, for example, it had a full-length handguard and a leaf-pattern rear sight. Sling swivels lay on the under-edge of the butt and under the barrel-band, while the nose cap (which carried the stacking hook) had the bayonet lug on its underside. The magazine clip could be ejected by opening the bolt and pressing the catch in the front edge of the trigger guard.
This rifle was the principal Austro-Hungarian rifle of WW1. It withstood a so-called torture test of firing 50,000 rounds through a single rifle without lubrication of any kind.
As shown on the picture on the left, M95 rifles also served during the bloody 3.5 month long 1919 Hungarian Communist Revolution.

Barrel shank marked with 'Bp' + St.Stephen's Crest + year of mfg. The last 2 digits of the year was used, except a few early years (901 as shown) when the last 3 digits were used. The 'Bp[Shield]Date' signifies that a weapon was issued for the first time to the Honvédség, the Hungarian equivalent of the of the Austrian Landwehr.

A 'Bp[DoubleShield]Date' signifies the same thing. The difference between the single shield and the double shield is the change of Monarchy, which took place when Emperor Franz Josef died on November 21, 1916. Weapons which were acceptance marked during the reign of Emporer Franz Josef, were marked with a single shield. Weapons accepted after his death, during the reign of Emperor Karl I, were marked with either the double shield (Honvédség) or double eagles (Landwehr). As a result, all 'double' marked weapons will bear dates of 1916 or later. Occasional late war weapons are found with single marks, but these would have been marked with old acceptance stamps.

In Austro-Hungarian ordnance practice, the BARREL was the serialized part, not the receiver. (The barrel also carried the Acceptance mark, 'Wn Eagle date'.) On pre-1920 manufactured/assembled M95s, the barrel, receiver and Stock were numbered. This was done in the Germanic method (start at 1A, go to 9999A, then restart at 1B and so on, and repeat each ordnance fiscal year. On 'S' Reworks, (Post 1930), especially the Bulgarian ones, the Bolt was matched to the receiver (with Stamps or mostly Electro-pencilled) and the bands were also numbered with last two digits. Stocks on reworks are usually re-numbered (either on opposite side, or under original serial of stock. Sometimes three sets of stock numbers are evident. (DocAV)
Serial numbers originally appeared on the left side of the receiver and barrel, side by side where they are joined, on the side of the stock parallel with the buttplate and the last two digits were found on a small flat spot on the left side of the top handguard just below the rear sight. Austro-Hungarian bolts were never numbered, due to headspacing the rim of the cartridge, these rifles were not prone to headspace problems such as the Mausers were. No other M95 parts are numbered, but all parts should match by manufacturer code: 'K' for Steyr or 'R' for Budapest.
A second Wn30 to Wn40 stamped over a previous Wn20 or earlier stamp shows the caliber change date. Single Wn30 to Wn40 stamp shows the gun was rebarrelled. 'HV' or other acceptance stamps maybe used, see the Rifle Markings page for more details.

No new receivers were manufactured after 1918, however large stocks of unfinished and ready to assemble receivers were still on hands, and were assembled into complete guns. The receivers carry the end of 1918 suffixes (X, Y, Z) with the acceptance marks Wn-19 (X,Y) or Wn-20 (Y,Z) barrel dates. 1919 accepted rifles fall within the H, I, and J serial number blocks of Steyr manufacture. Most 1919 and 1920 accepted weapons also have Czech proof marks (S lion #).
During 1919-28 the Entente limited infantry weapon manufacturing in Austria and in Hungary to 3600 rifles per year each.

Gun parts were usually marked with an 'R' (Budapest manufacture) or 'K' (Steyr manufacture).
The various stocks were made from walnut, birch, mahogany(?), oak, ash, elm and beech.

Steyr Mannlicher M95 Serial Numbers

Rack numbers on M.95 barrel shanks

Barrel shank stamped 'Hege' for Hege Waffen, Germany

Due to headspacing the rim of the cartridge, these rifles were not prone to headspace problems like the rimless cartridge Mausers were. For correction of the rare headspace problems 3 types of bolt heads were made and marked:
K (Kurz = Rovid = Short),
M (Mittel = Kozepes = Medium),
L (Lang = Hosszu = Long)

Receiver proof marks Hungarian St.Stephan's Crest on the left, Austrian Eagle on the right

German Nitro-Proof marking on the barrel. More info

Bolt diasassembly/assembly instructions

M95 Buttplate Variations (by Prez1981 on Gunboards):

1. Large indentation with an I bar running the entire length. This has been observed on several long rifles, not on original carbines or stutzens. One example it has been observed on is a 1916 dated long rifle, all matching, with Italian capture stamps and marked on the buttplate to the 78th Infantry Regiment.
2. Small indentation. These have only been observed on Steyr made rifles, carbines, and stutzen. I have not encountered this variation on any matching Budapest. Often marked K, but not always.
3. Large indentation. This variation has only been observed on Budapest made rifles, carbines, and stutzen. This variation is encountered from 1898 dated pieces to 1918 dated pieces. Often marked R, but not always.
4. Small indentation, I stamp in middle of indentation. Observed on a II LR marked Steyr made rifle. The buttplate fits normal. An unmarked example was found on a Bulgarian rebuilt Stutzen.

45deg. Rotating 45deg. Rotating
Standard Screws Spanner Screws

Accessories such as Bayonets, Slings, Sniper Scopes, Night Sights, Grenade Launcher Sights, Ammunition and others are discussed on a separate dedicated M95 Accessories page to save bandwith.

Mannlicher Model 1895 Cavalry Carbine
Kavaliere Repetier-Carabiner M1895
Lovassági Karabély M.95

The M1895 rifle was successful enough to inspire an update to the Mannlicher M90 carbine/short rifle, two patterns of which were made starting in 1896. They had full-length stocks and hand guards. Swivels appeared on the left side of the barrel band and on the left side of the butt-wrist. The Cavalry Carbine version of the M1895 rifle, can be distinguished from the Stutzen (Short) Rifle by the following:
1. sling swivels on left side of stock only;
2. no provision for bayonet lug;
3. no stacking hook.

The original unaltered M95 Repetier Karabiner, which lack both a bayonet lug and stacking hook, have a screw that enters the barrel band from right to left, with the screw head showing on the right side of the band. ALL other front bands produced for the other M95 variations have a screw that is inserted from left to right with the screw head showing on the left side of the barrel band. An original matching M.95 Karabiner is rare, may worth up to $US 1000. The Budapest Karabélys are even more rare.

Weapon designations based on original sling swivel and barrel band configuration:

2 configurations with 125mm (5') average distance between the front and rear bands:
- M95 Repetierstutzen: Stutzen with bottom mounted swivels
- M95 Repetier-Karabinerstutzen: with side sling bar & bottom swivel on rear band, side & bottom swivels on buttstock
3 configurations with 180mm (7') average distance between the front and rear bands:
- M95 RepetierKarabiner: Side-mounted swivels, no bayonet lug
- M95 Repetierkarabiner mit Stutzenring: Stutzen nosecap - bayonet lug and stacking hook
- M95 Repetier-Stutzenkarabiner: Stutzen nosecap, side & bottom swivels on rear band, side & bottom swivels on buttstock side swivel on rear band
There are other original minor variations:
- Carbine with bayonet lug, without stacking hook
- A rotating rear swivel
- Front band with an experimental folding Reidl bayonet
Note: Many weapons were rebuilt, cut down, parts intermixed, originally configured guns are very difficult to find.

Fake RepetierKarabiners: Nearly all of the original RepetierKarabiners had their front bands replaced with the standard Stutzen type band with bayonet lug and stacking hook prior to WW1, believed to be occurred in 1907-1909. An original, matching RepetierKarabiner is extremely rare, its worth over US$750. Unfortunately many RepetierKarabiner front bands are being faked. The key to identify an original, unaltered M95 RepetierKarabiner is the screw that holds the front barrel band/nosecap in place on the stock. The original carbine bands, which lack both a bayonet lug and stacking hook, have a screw that enters the barrel band from right to left, with the screw head showing on the RIGHT SIDE of the barrel band. ALL other top bands produced for the other M95 variations have a screw that is inserted from left to right with the screw head showing on the LEFT SIDE of the barrel band. This can't be faked by simply removing the bayonet lug and stacking due to the small, flat, 'platform' which is raised above the surface and contains the thread grooves on the barrel band. Original bands were not serialized, it's impossible to know if a band is original to a particular carbine. (JPS)

During 1907-1909 some carbines were given additional swivels under the buttstock and under the front band, so that they could be used interchangeably for mounted or foot use. However, probably by Bulgaria in the 1930's or after WW2, a number of the butt-swivel additions were removed and their 'hole' filled in wooden plugs. According to some sources these are called post-WW2 'Police Carbines' (for 'Internal Security') and usually come with the side-mounted fixed front sling loops, with bottom swivels removed and replaced with a spacer washer. See more info at Bulgarian M95's.

Mannlicher Model 1895 Short Rifle
RepetierStutzen M1895. Extra-Korps-Gewehr M95
Kurtály Puska M.95

Photo courtesy of Dennis Kroh (Empire Arms)

Made by Fegyver és Gépgyár Rt (F.G.GY.), Budapest, 1897-1918.
(Originally this rifle was designed and manufactured in large quantities by Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft, Steyr, 1897-1918)
Caliber: 8x50mm rimmed. Muzzle velocity 580 m/sec [1900 fps] with M1893 ball cartridge.
Action: Straight-pull bolt action, with two lugs on a detachable bolt head engaging the receiver. Integral clip-loaded box magazine, 5 rounds.
1003mm [39.5'] overall, 3.09kg [6.8 lbs]. 500mm [19.7'] barrel, 4-groove rifling, RH, concentric.

The M1895 Stutzen or Extra-Corps-Gewehr, otherwise similar to the 1895-type Cavalry Carbine, had swivels on the underside of the butt and barrel band. The M1895 'Stutzen' is frequently confused with the M95 carbine. It apparently was designed for use by special troops, i.e. Engineer, Signal, etc., and not for Cavalry, since it is fitted with a bayonet stud and has sling swivels fitted to the underside as well as the side. This weapon also has a stacking hook which screws into the upper band. The standard Stutzen M1895-type knife bayonet (360mm overall, 248mm blade length), was the same as shown for the rifle above.

The 1st front sight above is for the original 8x50R Stutzen/Carbine. The 2nd (taller) sight is for the more powerful 8x56R military conversions. The 3rd (tallest) sight is for the 8x56R close range/police use. (Not everybody agrees with the 3rd usage, however so far no other explanations were provided for the tallest sights)

Standard Stutzen leaf sight graduated 300-2400 schritt

The Mannlicher-Schönauer 1961-MCA Carbine

By Chuck Hawks

The world famous line of Mannlicher-Schönauer hunting riflesand carbines, designed by Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher and Otto Schönauer,began with the Model 1903 and were produced until 1971. Throughout this time,the exclusive rights to manufacture and sell Mannlicher-Schönauer rifles wereowned by Steyr, the prestigious Austrian gun making concern.

The eventual demise of what had been called 'TheWorld's Finest Rifle' was brought about by a rapid rise in the cost ofmanufacture during the 1960's, particularly the cost of the hours of hand laborrequired to manufacture these rifles. In addition, the proliferation oftelescopic sights after the end of the Second World War negatively affected thepopularity of Mannlicher-Schönauer rifles. Although both Steyr and Stoeger,their US importer, made every effort to downplay it in their advertising, thefact is that these rifles can be awkward to scope. The position of the bolt handleand the split rear receiver ring that help to make the action operate so smoothlyalso prevent the use of conventional, top mounted, scope bases.

The Mannlicher-Schönauer bolt action repeaters wereimproved, without changing the basic design, many times during their long productionlife. Recognized models include the Model 1903, Model 1905, Model 1908, Model1910, Model 1924 (High Velocity Sporting Rifle), Model 1950, Model 1952, Model1956-MC, Magnum Rifle and Model 1961-MCA. In addition, there were variations ofall of these and special European models. Through it all, the two most significantfeatures remained the Mannlicher turn-bolt action and the Schönauer rotary drummagazine. (Hence the name, 'Mannlicher-Schönauer.') From 1903 untilcivilian production was interrupted prior to the beginning of WW II, the German Mauser Model 98 andthe Austrian Mannlicher-Schönauer were the preeminent bolt action hunting rifles in the world.

The most typical of Mannlicher-Schönauers is the famouscarbine with its signature full length stock (see photo above) and carbineswere built from 1903 onward. Steyr Mannlicher still offers this style ofcarbine today, although built on an entirely different action.

The Model 1956-MC had a high, Monte Carlo comb intended for use with telescopic sights that effectively prevented the use of the supplied iron sights. This high comb drew complaints from traditionalists. A much more modest Monte Carlo comb, designed for use with both iron and telescopic sights, was introduced in the final Model 1961-MCA, the Carbine version of which is the subject of this article. (MCA stands for 'Monte Carlo All-purpose.')

Another minor change was moving the auxiliary safety from the right rear of the receiver to a slider on the top tang. The 1961-MCA was drilled and tapped for Redfield SR-MS scope bases (finally!). Otherwise, the1956 and 1961 models were identical. Even the change in the Model 1961-MCA safety was not immediate and early Model 1961-MCA rifles retained the old style safety. 1961-MCA Carbines were madeuntil the production of all Mannlicher-Schönauer rifles was discontinued in 1971.

The Model 1961-MCA Carbine was initially chambered for avariety of cartridges, including .243 Winchester, 6.5x54mm M-S, 7x57 Mauser,.270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield and .358 Winchester. Thelatter is probably the rarest caliber. By 1971 the caliber selection had been reduced to .270 and .30-06.

Barrel length was 20' in all calibers except 6.5x54, which was supplied with an 18-1/4' barrel. MCACarbines had a removable side plate to accommodate Steyr or other side mounts for scopes. Open ironsights were provided. The external metal finish was a highly polished blue withthe bolt left in the white. Approximate weight was 7-1/2 pounds.

The standard trigger mechanism was an adjustable, single stage 'shotgun' type, butthe optional double-set trigger was more popular. Other available optionsincluded upgraded wood, stock carving, engraving and inlays. In 1966-1967 theMSRP for a standard grade MCA Carbine was $219.95 with single trigger or$229.95 with the optional double-set trigger.

The Alpine Carbine was a fancier version of the standard Carbine that filled the gap between it and the custom built Premier Grade. It was available in calibers .243 and .30-06 only. The Alpine Carbine came with an engraved bolt handle and deep relief stock carving in an oak leaf pattern in place of conventional checkering. The walnut stockwas specially selected. In all other respects, the Alpine Carbine was identicalto the standard Carbine. The 1967 MSRP was $405 with single trigger or $415with a double-set trigger.

The Mannlicher-Schönauer bolt action was unique and quite different inexecution than the usual Mauser based design, although the two shared important functionalattributes. It was a controlled round feeding design with an open top receiver. The front locking, cock on openingbolt incorporated dual locking lugs spaced for a 90 degree bolt rotation andthe root of the 'butterknife' bolt handle served as a third 'safety' locking lug The barreledaction was bedded in a one-piece stock.

The extractor is a spring-loaded claw assembly inletted into the bolt in front of the lower (when the bolt is closed) locking lug. The ejector rides over the upper locking lug in a dovetail at the front of the bolt and is activated by the force with which it hits the bolt stop (which is part of the bolt release at the left rear of the receiver) at the end of the bolt's rearward travel. This unique extraction/ejection system does not require splitting the locking lug, as does a Mauser ejector.

The unique spooned bolt handle was mounted in the middleof the bolt, rather than at the rear. When the bolt was drawn rearward, the bolthandle passed through a slot in the rear receiver ring. This prevented thebinding and bolt wobble common to Mauser pattern actions when the bolt is fullyrearward and partially explains why the Mannlicher action was so silkysmooth. The split rear receiver also made scope mounting more difficult, butthat was not a consideration in 1903. The Mannlicher bolt could be disassembledwithout tools in less than 10 seconds.

The magazine could be removed from the bottom of therifle by using a bullet tip to depress the recessed magazine release located near the front of the floorplate; then rotate the floorplate 90-degrees and pull the magazine from the bottom of the rifle. The entire Mannlicher-Schoenauer operating system could be taken apart for cleaning or repair in a flash.

Cartridges were fed from a detachable Schönauer rotary drummagazine, perhaps the best magazine system ever designed for a bolt actionrifle. This five-round magazine held the cartridges individually and separatefrom each other. Cartridges were positively retained in the magazine to preventdamaging the bullet tips. The magazine was filled by pressing the cartridgesinto the magazine from the top and loading was easier than with an internal boxmagazine. The magazine's rotating cartridge platform carried the cartridgesconcentrically around a central drum. The top cartridge in the magazine wasplaced directly under the bolt and exactly in line with the chamber for slick,positive feeding.

All of the cartridges in the magazine could be unloadedwithout cycling them through the action by depressing a button located in theupper right receiver wall, just to the right of the bolt. When this button waspressed, the cartridges remaining in the magazine were ejected out the top of the action.

Another benefit of the Schönauer rotary magazine is that itdid not have a follower to drag on the underside of the bolt when themagazine is empty. This is what allowed the rifle's fully open bolt to close and lock merely by holding the trigger backand swinging the muzzle down, a neat trick that no other bolt action rifle could duplicate.

Steyr Mannlicher Serial Numbers

The standard trigger was a single-stage mechanism adjustedat the factory for a crisp 4.5 pound pull. It was user adjustable if you preferred alighter or heavier release.

Most M-S Carbines were sold with the optional double-settrigger. (In 1966 this cost an extra $10.) This mechanism had two triggers, likea double-barreled shotgun. However, only the front trigger fired the rifle. You couldsimply ignore the rear trigger and pull the front trigger to fire the rifle. Used in this manner, the front trigger pull was heavy (around nine pounds) and hadnoticeable (but smooth) creep before let-off, much like some of today's lawyer inspired triggers.

The sole purpose of the rear trigger was to set the fronttrigger for an exceptionally light release. If desired, the shooter could pull the back trigger until it clicked to 'set'the front trigger; then the rifle could be fired by a very light touch on the fronttrigger. There was a small regulating screw located between the triggers to adjustthe 'set' trigger pull between zero and three ounces!

Firing the rifle unset the trigger. If the rifle was not fired after the front trigger had been set, the trigger could be un-set by holding the rear trigger all the way back and lightly pulling the front trigger until all of the the take-up was removed, then releasing the rear trigger and finally releasing the front trigger. This returned the front trigger to a normal (unset) pull. To unset the front trigger in this way, do not pull the front trigger past the take-up stage or the rifle will fire. Stoeger warned its customers that this last 'trick' should be practiced on an empty chamber until it was thoroughly understood.

Alternatively, put either safety in the 'safe' position and press the front trigger. This unsets the trigger without firing the rifle.

A third method is to open the bolt part way and press the set front trigger. This also serves to unset the trigger. Note that any of these methods unsets the front trigger, but the striker is still cocked and the rifle can still be fired by pulling the unset front trigger.

MCA Carbines came with two completely independent safeties. The first was a traditional wing safety at the rear end of thebolt that locked the striker. Unfortunately, a low mounted scope could block the rotation of this safety, preventing its use. The second safety was intended for use withlow-mounted telescopic sights and blocked the trigger. This was engaged by a slider mounted on the top tang.

The barrel incorporated an integral sleeve that extended back and enclosedthe head of the bolt. This was a strong design intended to protect theshooter. The controlled feed bolt face was not recessed to enclose the cartridge head. The lands andgrooves inside the barrel were lapped to a mirror finish at the factory.Externally, the barrel tapered all the way to the muzzle and incorporated three visible steps.

Iron sights were standard on all M-S rifles. These consistedof a hooded, silver bead, ramp front sight and a two-leaf, open rear sight with a 'U' shaped notch. The shorter leaf was supposed to be regulated for 100-200 yards and the taller (folding) leaf for 300 yards. Both sights weremounted in standard dovetails and could be drifted laterally to adjust forwindage. There was no elevation adjustment beyond the different heights of therear blades--in effect two elevation steps. The top of the front receiver ring,as well as the front sight ramp, were carefully stippled to reduce glare.

Carbines were supplied with traditional'Mannlicher' full length stocks. The purpose of the full length stockwas to protect the barrel and prevent its contacting a hard surface when therifle was fired over an impromptu rest. It also gave the rifle a verydistinctive and racy appearance and this style of stock became known generically as a'Mannlicher stock.' Steyr still produces a Classic Mannlicher Full Stock Carbine, but it is not based on theMannlicher-Schönauer action. (See the Product Review page for a review of the modern Steyr Mannlicher carbine).

M-S stocks were typically made from select, European thin-shell walnut. There werebordered, hand checkered panels on both sides of the pistol grip andwrap-around checkering on the forend. The pistol grip cap and buttplate of theModel 1961-MCA were black plastic and both were set-off by white line spacers.The forend cap at the muzzle was blued steel.

The MCA stock design incorporated a moderate Monte Carlo comb. This was sloped slightly forward to move the comb away from the face during recoil. On the left side of the buttstock was a European style, shadow line cheekpiece. The pistol grip had a smooth, natural curve. Unlike most production rifles, the M-S stock was commendably slender at pistol grip and forend. Both were oval shaped in cross-section. Deluxe, quiet, 1' sling swivels were included.

The Mannlicher 1961-MCA Carbine fed cartridges smoothlyand reliably from its Schönauer spool magazine. It was also unusually easyto load and unload. These little carbines were well balanced, easy to carry,fast to point and accurate. Their short length and elegant stock designdefinitely contributed to their lasting appeal. For many years, Steyr advertisedthe Mannlicher-Schönauer as the 'World's Finest Rifle.' Although they are basically a 110 year old design that has beenout of production for over 40 years, legions of admirers think they still are.

Note: A full length review of a Mannlicher-Schönauer 1961-MCA carbine can be found on the Product Reviews page.