Mannlicher M1888/90
Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (OEWG), Steyr · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1890
Also known as: Repetiergewehr M1888/90, Infanteriegewehr M1888/90, Steyr M1888/90
Overview
The Mannlicher M1888/90 is an Austro-Hungarian straight-pull bolt-action service rifle, an upgrade of the M1888 reworked in 1890 to fire semi-smokeless 8x50mmR Mannlicher ammunition. The conversion reinforced the barrel and fitted revised rear sights graduated for the higher velocity and pressure of the new cartridge. It retained the distinctive Mannlicher straight-pull action and an integral five-round box magazine loaded by an en-bloc clip, allowing a trained soldier to fire roughly six aimed rounds per minute.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1280 mm (50.39") |
| Barrel Length | 765 mm (30.12") |
| Action Type | Straight Pull |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Fixed Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 620 m/s (2034 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3037 J (2240 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3500 m (3828 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 6 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 8x50mmR Mannlicher · primary — also known as 8mm Mannlicher, 8x50R Austrian, 8x50R M93
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: En Bloc Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Straight Pull Bolt, En Bloc Clip Loading, Reinforced Barrel, Upgraded Rear Sight
Variants
- Mannlicher M1888 - Predecessor
- Mannlicher M1890 - New Production
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Austro-Hungarian Army · adopted 1890 · as Repetiergewehr M1888/90
- Kingdom of Bulgaria
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- Balkan Wars (1912-1913)
Production
Production years: 1890-1896
Produced by OEWG Steyr; many were conversions of earlier M1888 rifles rather than new builds.
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher
Discontinued: 1896
Notes
Existing M1888 rifles were upgraded to M1888/90 standard by attaching side plates to the rear sight with new graduations; rifles built new from 1890 with the updated sights were designated M1890.
Background
The /90 suffix marks the 1890 modification that adapted the black-powder M1888 to semi-smokeless ammunition, a stopgap before the definitive M1895 straight-pull rifle replaced the whole family in Austro-Hungarian service.