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What is the Mannlicher M1895?

The Mannlicher M1895 was the main rifle used by the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I. It was first introduced in 1895 and was designed by a man named Ferdinand Mannlicher. Millions of these guns were made by factories in cities called Steyr and Budapest.

Where was this rifle used in battle?

Soldiers carried this rifle into many dangerous battles during World War I. It was used heavily across the Eastern Front and high up in the cold Italian Alps. The gun was built to handle the rough challenges of fighting in different types of terrain.

Did the rifle have any weaknesses?

While the rifle was fast, its moving parts were very delicate. The gun was sensitive to dirt, dust, and thick mud found in the trenches. These conditions often caused the rifle to jam, which made it hard for soldiers to keep fighting during long battles.

What is the historical legacy of the M1895?

Because millions were produced, this rifle had a very long life. Many of these weapons were kept in storage and used by armies long after World War I ended. Some soldiers even carried them into combat again during World War II.

Home Library Other AlliedMannlicher M1895

Bolt-action Rifle

Mannlicher M1895

This fast-operating straight-pull rifle was the primary service weapon carried by Austro-Hungarian soldiers in World War I.

Other Allied Introduced 1895 Steyr-Mannlicher and FEGRole: Standard infantry rifle

Specifications

Weight

8.3 pounds

Length

50 inches

Caliber

8x50mmR

Magazine Capacity

5 rounds

Firing Range

500 yards

History

Designed by Ferdinand Mannlicher, this rifle entered service for the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1895. Unlike standard turn-bolt rifles, it used a straight-pull action. Soldiers only needed to pull the handle straight back and push it forward to chamber a new bullet.

This simple motion allowed infantrymen to fire much faster than troops armed with traditional bolt-action guns. However, the mechanism was sensitive to dirt and mud, making it hard to use in rough trench warfare.

Millions of these rifles were made in Steyr and Budapest. They saw heavy combat across the Eastern Front and Italian Alps during World War I, and many remained in service through World War II.