Steyr Mannlicher Schoenauer Model M1903 Blue 17 ¾” Bolt Action Repeating Carbine, MFD 1903-1925 C&R

SOLD FOR: 1,012.00
LSB#:
150818AW26

Make: Oesterreich Waffenfabrik Gesellschaft Steyr in Steyr, Austria

Model: Mannlicher Schoenauer M1903 Sporting Carbine

Serial Number: 14434

Year of Manufacture: 1903-1925

Caliber: 6.5 x 54mm Mannlicher Schoenauer

Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal 5-Round Rotary Magazine and Single Trigger

Markings: The top of the chamber ring is checkered and marked “PATENT / MANNLICHER / SCHOENAUER / M1903”. The right side of the barrel is marked “14434”, “72”, “065” and “21”. The right side of the receiver is marked “14434”, “72”, “21” and the Vienna proof mark. The underside of the barrel is marked “+1”, Circle “V” and the Vienna proof. The underside of the receiver is marked “G” and “-1”. The left side of the barrel is marked with the Vienna final firing proof and the Vienna “NPv” proof. The underside of the bolt handle is marked “14434”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 17 ¾”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver beaded blade dovetailed into a finely checkered ramped base on the barrel. The rear sight is an express sight dovetailed into a band on the barrel. The sight has two leafs, each of which has a flat topped “U” groove. The front leaf is fixed and the rear leaf is hinged at the base and folds. The front face of folding leaf is marked “300”. The back surfaces of the two leafs are finely checkered to reduce glare. A quick release scope base is screwed to the left side of the receiver, supporting two 1” rings. A spring loaded aperture sight is mounted into the tang which pops up when a latch is released on the right side of the tang.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The one piece checkered walnut pistol grip stock features a straight comb with a sharp front edge, a right handed cheek piece and three quarter length forend. A sling swivel stud is mounted at the butt and on the forend. A cluster of strong compression marks is visible on the left side of the stock at the ejection port and a deep mark can be seen on the left side of the grip. Wear is evident in the checkering and a dusting of handling marks is apparent on the wooden surfaces. The LOP measures 14 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the serrated steel butt plate which has a hinged trap door which opens to reveal three individual holes in the stock for storage of cleaning equipment and two spare cartridges. The butt plate shows shallow erosion, finish thinning and shallow oxidation. The buttplate is in about Very Good condition. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is shallow and dull. There is erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. Only traces of finish remains on the receiver. The remaining finish and bare metal have developed a natural patina. A spot of surface erosion is apparent on the top of the barrel. Handling marks and spots of finish thinning are present on the barrel along with a coating of freckling. The screw heads are mildly distressed. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: This rifle is equipped with a single trigger which was standard on the commercial version. It has a rotary magazine with a checkered plunger on the right side of the port that can be depressed to release all the cartridges in the magazine without having to work them through the action. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: From http://www.chuckhawks.com/m-s_carbine.htm: “The Mannlicher-Schoenauer rifle dates to 1903 when the 6.5x54mm cartridge and both military and civilian rifles to shoot it were introduced. Austria and Greece adopted the 1903 military rifle and the 6.5×54 cartridge that same year. The 1903 Mannlicher rifles and carbines were the last designs of Ferdinand Ritter Von Mannlicher, who died the next year, and his friend Otto Schönauer who designed the exceptional rotary drum magazine intrinsic to all Mannlicher-Schoenauer rifles. Mannlicher-Schoenauer rifles and carbines were exclusively manufactured at Oesterreich Waffenfabrik Gesellschaft Steyr in Steyr, Austria. The 6.5x54mm cartridge became widely known for its high sectional density and great penetrating ability. It was used successfully in the early 1900’s to hunt elephants and lions in Africa by Walter Dalrymple Maitland “Karamojo” Bell, Daniel Fraser of Edinburgh, Scotland, Ernest Hemingway and the African guide and professional hunter Phillip Percival. This is a Mannlicher Schoenauer Model 1903 Sporting Carbine in 6.5mmx54 M-S. It is in Very Good condition with 60% of its original finish. Traces of finish remain on the receiver and the finish on the barrel shows thinning and handling marks, a coating of freckling and a spot of surface erosion. The design of this model is interesting, having a rotary magazine that can be unloaded in seconds by simply pushing a checkered button on the right side of the port. This carbine was made with typical Austrian quality and attention to detail, which includes fine checkering on the front sight ramp, receiver ring, the rear faces of the rear sight leafs and the top of the bolt. The carbine is equipped with both 2 leaf Express Sights, a spring loaded tang aperture sight and is fitted with a scope mount attached to the left side of the receiver. This is an interesting and well designed Austrian rifle which is attractive and unusual.

Steyr Mannlicher Schoenauer Model M1903 Blue 17 ¾” Bolt Action Repeating Carbine, MFD 1903-1925 C&R
Steyr Mannlicher Schoenauer Model M1903 Blue 17 ¾” Bolt Action Repeating Carbine, MFD 1903-1925 C&R