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. Steyr Mannlicher M1901 ammo question. (I will post a pic or two and serial number data later). In 1960-61 Stoeger listed a 1960 MC model with the same stock as the 1956. MC models are also observed with MCA series stocks. Pre-WWII Mannlicher-Schoenauers existed in three action lengths, small (1900, 1903), medium (1905, 1908, 1910), and large (1924, 1925). Post WWII actions are of the M1924/25 standard size, or the M1958 magnum.
The Mannlicher-Schönauer 1961-MCA Carbine
By Chuck Hawks
Steyr-Mannlicher M1905 Pistol in 7.65mannlicher. Since the barrel and frame have the original serial number on the left side and the same number on the bottom of. Steyr Mannlicher Model M Serial Numbers Average ratng: 3,8/5 8899 reviews I pulled the stock of my 'new-to-me' Mannlicher with the hope of dating the gun. (I was surprised to find that a comprehensive code of serial numbers and dates did not exist for the commercial sporters, but hoped I'd find an internal date on the gun.).
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.
Free Serial Numbers For Software
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.
Steyr Model 1903 Mannlicher Schoenauer
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.
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.
The Mannlicher-Schönauer Model 1952 Carbine
By the Guns and Shooting Online Staff
'The World's FinestRifle' was introduced in 1903 and manufactured without fundamental changeuntil 1971. The action was designed by Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher and thefamous spool magazine by Otto Schönauer. The Model 1903 military model wasadopted as the standard service rifle of Austria and Greece, chambered for the6.5x54mm M-S cartridge. Model 1903 civilian versions were offered as rifles orcarbines. Rifles came with typical sporting rifle half-stocks and23.5' barrels, while carbines were supplied with slender full lengthstocks and 17.7' barrels. Throughout its long production life Steyr ofAustria owned the rights to manufacture the rifle.
The 1903 Carbine was manufacturedonly in 6.5x54 caliber and became the inspiration for what are today known as'mountain rifles.' Its full length stock gave rise to the term'Mannlicher stock,' which is still used today to describe a sportingrifle with a full length stock.
There were numerous detail changes,including the shape of the buttstock, over the years. These changes accounted for thevarious models, which included the pre Second World War Models 1903, 1905, 1908,1910 and 1924 (High Velocity Sporting Rifle). There was a gap in the productionof Mannlicher-Schoenauer sporting rifles extending from the late 1930's to1950, due to Adolf Hitler and World War II. Post war models included the Model1950, Model 1952, Model 1956-MC, Magnum Rifle and Model 1961-MCA.
The signature Mannlicher-Schoenauercartridge was always the 6.5x54mm, but over the years the rifle was also chambered for manyother cartridges. The early actions were sized to the 6.5x54mm cartridge and were not longenough to accommodate the Mauser '57mm' cartridges (7x57, 8x57, etc.)or the even longer .30-06 Springfield and its descendents. As these became thedominant sporting cartridges around the world, the M-S action was lengthened toaccommodate them, hence the Model 1924, introduced in 1925 as the High Velocity Rifle.
The rifle that is the subject of this article is a Model 1952 Carbine in .270 WinchestercaIiber. In the U.S., Stoeger Arms Corporation was the official Mannlicher-Schoenauer importer and Steyr worked closely with Stoeger to produce rifles suitable for the American market. OurCarbine is marked, reading from front to back, 'Made in Austria / Original / Mannlicher / Schoenauer / Mod. 1952 / Kal. .270' in six lines on the top of the front receiverring. The right side of the front receiver ring is stamped with the serial number, as are the right rear side of the barrel andthe underside of the bolt handle. 'Stoeger Arms Corporation New-York SoleU.S. agents' is stamped in a circle on the bottom of the magazine floorplate, above a small Steyr logo. The left front of the receiver and left rear sideof the barrel show proof marks and the left side of the receiver is stamped,'Steyr - Daimler - Puch A.G., Steyr' followed by the bullseye Steyr logo.
The Model 1952 was the last M-Swith a straight comb designed for use with open, iron sights. The comb is highand thin with quite a bit of drop at heel, in the European style. The Model1956-MC introduced a high Monte Carlo comb designed for use only withtelescopic sights. The final Mannlicher-Schoenauer, the Model 1961-MCA, wore alower, compromise Monte Carlo stock that was intended to allow the use ofeither the supplied iron sights or a scope. (A full review of a Model 1961-MCACarbine can be found on the Product Reviews index page.) Because of itstraditional style stock, absence of stripper clip receiver cuts, steel safetylever at the right rear of the action (which became a plastic tang safety onthe 1961-MCA), swept back bolt handle (introduced with the Model 1952) and availabilityin modern calibers, some Mannlicher-Schoenauer fans consider the Model 1952 tobe the apex of the sporting rifle series.
The Mannlicher-Schoenauer actionhas been described in previous articles, but we will review it here. The M-S isa cock on opening, controlled feed, turn bolt action with dual front lockinglugs. Bolt rotation is approximately 90-degrees. The extractor is a large clawmounted at the right front of the bolt, while the sliding ejector is mounted atthe front left side of the bolt. The ejector flips the fired case clear of theaction when it contacts the husky bolt stop in the left side of the split rearreceiver ring. The force of ejection depends on how hard and fast the bolt isoperated, so fired cases can be thrown well clear of the action or depositedgently in the hand, as desired.
The M-S controlled feeding system is completelydifferent from the familiar Mauser 98 system also used in Winchester Model 70,Kimber 84 and similar modern rifles. The machined M-S extraction/ejection partsare smaller, tidier and probably stronger, but more expensive to fabricate and fit. Aswith a Model 98 Mauser, cartridges should normally be fed from the magazine,not single loaded directly into the chamber, although the extractor is beveledenough to allow it to over-ride the rim of a chambered cartridge if the bolt isclosed smartly.
The Schoenauer rotary magazine is easily removed, without tools, for cleaning. It holds five .270 Winchester cartridges and is loaded from the top, through the receiver's generous ejection port. Its design positively retains each cartridge in place, preventing the battering of bullet tips due to recoil. Cartridges are fed from directly below the bolt in a straight line for optimum feeding reliability. These magazines are machined for a specific cartridge, in this case .270 Winchester only. A button at the top right side of the receiver's ejection port allows ejecting all of the cartridges from the magazine at once.
The bolt release is a convenientlever at the left rear of the receiver. Bolt disassembly can be accomplishedwithout tools, merely by removing the bolt from the receiver and turning thecocking piece. All screws, even the rear sling swivel screw, are indexed andthis was done throughout the entire production life of M-S rifles and carbines.The barreled action, including the bolt, wears a highly polished, bluedexternal finish, while the interior of the contoured barrel is hand lapped to amirror finish. After 1952, the bolt handle was polished and left in the white.
All models came with a flat'butter knife' bolt handle that was located well forward of thetrigger guard. This was due to the design of the action, which has a split rearreceiver ring through which the bolt handle passed as it was drawn back. Thismostly eliminated the bolt wobble that plagued the Mauser 98 action. However,the split rear receiver ring was to cause trouble later, when the use oftelescopic sights became widespread, as it prevented the use of conventionalscope mounts on top of the receiver. Scoped M-S Rifles and Carbines are usuallyfitted with side mounts or, later, the specially designed Redfield top mount.
The buyer had the option of anexternally adjustable double set trigger or an internally adjustable singletrigger. (Stock removal is required to adjust the single trigger.) The double set triggerwas the more popular option. The single and double set trigger models camewith different trigger guards. Our Model 1952 came with a single stage triggerthat was set to release at a clean four pounds, so we left it alone.
Like all M-S rifles, there is awing safety at the back of the bolt that blocks the striker. In addition, theModel 1952 has a scope friendly, two position 'shotgun' safety at theright rear of the receiver. The bolt's wing safety locks the bolt closed whenin the safe position; the receiver safety does not, allowing the magazine to beemptied with the safety on.
The front receiver ring and the topof the striker wear very fine stippling to break-up light reflections thatmight interfere with using the open sights. Both the front and rear sights aredovetail mounted, allowing great latitude for drift windage adjustment. Indexmarks allow centering both the front and rear sights. There is a second, hinged, taller rear sightblade, which is all the elevation adjustment provided.The taller of the two rear sight leaves is marked '300,' supposedly indicatingyards, but no load is specified.
Like many European sighting systems, a greatdeal of innocent ignorance on the part of the shooter is assumed by this vaguerange marking. We discovered at the rifle range that the lower rear sight leafput the 145 grain bullet from the Federal Fusion Light (low recoil) cartridges (MV2200 fps) that we were testing about 1.0' below the point of aim at 50yards, which is tolerable. The high (300) blade printed about 5.5' high at50 yards with this load.
Unlike almost all modern rifles,Mannlicher-Schoenauers were supplied with European walnut stocks that do notneed slenderizing. The forend and pistol grip are oval in cross section andpetite in circumference. The three panel, hand checkering is cut at around 20lines per inch and wraps around the forearm. The hand finished stockincorporates a shadow line cheek piece, fluted comb and a moderately curved pistol grip with a black cap. 1.0' sling swivels are supplied. Our test rifle'soriginal black butt plate was replaced by a ventilated, white line recoilpad for a rather short 13-1/4' length of pull. We used a PachmayrDecelerator slip-on pad to increase the length of pull to 14-3/8' duringour time at the range.
Specifications
·Type: Bolt action repeater
·Model: 1952 Carbine
·Caliber: .270 Winchester
·Magazine capacity: 5 cartridges
·Barrel length: 20'; hand lapped bore
·Trigger: Single stage, adjustable; 4 lb. pull
·Metal finish: High polished bluing
·Sights: Dual leaf 'U' notch rear, rampmounted silver front bead; removable side plate for side scope mounts
·Safety: Dual,
·Stock: Full length stock of European walnut w/cheekpiece; hand checkered with high luster oil finish
·Weight: Approx. 7 lbs. (empty)
·Overall length: 40.5'
·MSRP (1955): Standard grade $205.75; Deluxegrade $245.75; Super Deluxe grade $345.75
The standard grade M-S Carbine was generallyequivalent to a deluxe grade modern rifle. Special stock dimensions to ordercould be supplied on the standard Model 1952 for an additional charge of $35. Notwithout reason was the Mannlicher-Schoenauer known as the 'Gentleman'sRifle' and the 'World's Finest Rifle.' However, true high grade Mannlicher-Schoenauerrifles and carbines were available with factory engraving and stock carving inDeluxe, Super Deluxe and Custom grades (the latter to customer suppliedpatterns, including gold and silver inlays at extra cost). The Super Deluxegrade included essentially 100% engraving coverage on the receiver, magazinefloor plate, bolt handle and trigger guard.
The retail prices for these fine Mannlicher-Schoenauerrifles seem absurdly low by today's inflated standards. However, it should beremembered that in 1955 the Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in .270 calibercarried an MSRP of $120.95 and a Remington Model 721A was only $79.00. Thingswere different in the years immediately following the Korean War! TheThirty-Third Edition of Fjestad's BlueBook of Gun Values (the current edition as of this writing) quotes the usedprice of a Model 1952 Carbine as $2000 in 100% condition and $1300 in 95%condition.
The rapid increase in the cost ofmanufacturing Mannlicher-Schoenauer rifles throughout the 1950's and 1960'seventually drove the retail price above what the average shooter could affordand sales declined. After 1971, Steyr could no longer afford to produce traditionalMannlicher-Schoenauer rifles. Steyr still makes Mannlicher rifles, but they nolonger use the Schoenauer spool magazine or the action designed by FerdinandRitter von Mannlicher. They are good rifles with many modern improvements, butthey are not the same. (You can read a review of a modern Steyr Mannlicher FullStock Carbine on the Product Review Page.)
Anyone who has used a classicM-S rifle understands the appeal of this fine firearm. Its bolt action isthe smoothest ever made. It is the only bolt action we know of thatwill close and lock itself if themuzzle of an empty rifle with a open bolt is swung down to point at theground while the trigger is held back. This is partly because of theoutstanding workmanship put into these rifles and partly because the Schoenauerspool magazine does not drag against the bolt, as does the follower in the boxmagazine of a Mauser style rifle. Shooting one of these M-S rifles brings back echoesof an earlier, more gracious age.
Note: The review of this rifle, including shooting results, can be found on the Product Reviews page.