Mod. 1903 Mannlicher-Schoenauer

[CptCurl]

Let's have a little variety. I haven't seen a Mannlicher-Schoenauer carbine posted on the Smith & Wesson forum, so here goes. Your late summer jolt!

This is an adaptation of a thread I posted on another forum in Sept. 2010. Here is a Model 1903 Mannlicher-Schoenauer I bought back in 2010.

Most of you will know, the Model 1903 is the wonderful little gun chambered for the 6.5x54 M-S round.

These are not particularly good photography. I took these pics outside and suffered a lot of glare. Anyway, here's a look:

This rifle, proofed in 1908, was a special order with a 55cm (21 5/8") barrel. It is virtually mint, aside from the rubs on the buttplate, and may be unfired since proof. The bolt shows almost no rubs. It's so cherry it's scary.

I have a full compliment of loading dies, brass, and bullets. So far I haven't even loaded ammo. I suppose I'll shoot it, but I'll have to build up my courage.

The rifle came to me from William Larkin Moore & Sons. I have the greatest respect for that company and the Moore family. I have done business with them for 20 years or so. Every transaction has been perfect. This rifle was described conservatively, and my impression when it arrived was that its condition is better than I expected.

The M1903 M-S is a rifle that created many legends. I wish this 106 year old rifle could talk.

Curl

 

[Walter Rego]

That is a beautiful rifle and i have wanted one like that all my life. I had a Model 1908 takedown rifle in 9x56 MS caliber. It had the original cleaning rod sections in the butt trap and had a pistol grip trap with spare front sight blade. There was a folding tang sight inlet into the stock behind the bolt that folded up and down when you worked the bolt or you could lock it down and use the folding leaf sights on the barrel. I never did find ammo for it and didn't want to spend a fortune for loading & forming dies plus 9mm rifle bullets weren't exactly common either so I sold it.

 

[tennexplorer]

The very picture of elegance. You photography is very good. It would be great if it could talk.

 

[lebomm]

Like Walter, I've wanted one of these since about age 13, when I built one from a (Revell, I think) plastic model kit. SWEET little rifle and that 6.5x54mm would be a new shooter's darling.
Please shoot it and tell us all about it.

Larry

 

[gaucho1]

Pure Art......

Thank You for the fine pictures

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Pure class. Love the styling, have always loved Mannlicher-style carbines. I have a Ruger 77 RSI in .308, which in no way compares to your M/S, but it's close enough for a poor boy, I guess.

 

[perrazi]

those are great rifles. one of the real classics. typical high quality from the prewar days. both wars.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Wow! Looks like you opened a time capsule. I restored my dad's 1927 Breda M/S. The 6.5x54 cartridge is a wonderful but neglected round. The rifle shoots respectably at 100 yards. It is not the trophy you have but it is very dear to me. The designs of both the action and the magazine were very impressive, even by today's standards. I wish ammo was more available as I don't reload. I truly envy your find.
DaNang class of 72

 

[Paul Tummers]

Beautiful!! When I would have been the owner of this little gem, I would need all the courage I could get for NOT shooting it!!

 

[5-Shot]

Thanks Cpt, That's my grail gun. You are a fortunate man.

Ed

 

[Texas Star]

We've done Mannlichers here before. Member Gator Baiter has at least one.

Mine was a M-1908 in 8X56mm M-S caliber. I found some DWM ammo, but the supply ran out and the importer brought in no more. One box of Western brand loads from the 1930's came with the carbine.

Like Larry above, I built a model from a Revell kit, and my idol, Dr. Roy C. Andrews, used them in Asia on his famed scientific expeditions.

I loved a TV show, Ramar of the Jungle, where the hero used a M-S carbine. And I think Jungle Jim had one in some of the comic books.

I see that Cpt. Curl's has the half round pistol grip. Mine had the steel cap, which I prefer. But both look good.

I used to see them in, The Shooter's Bible and drool.

 

[Pisgah]

Be still, my heart! I have lusted after a 1903 carbine for decades, but availability and a healthy condition of the wallet have never coincided -- yet. I continue to live by my state's motto -- "Dum spiro spero" -- "While I breathe, I hope!"

 

[gregintenn]

I may quit opening your threads!

Man, that thing is beautiful!!!!!!!!!

 

[2152hq]

Very nice. Can't get much cleaner that that!
Interesting, the Lyman 36 swing arm rear sight. Quite a little marvel in itself. I have one on one of my 1908M/Ss.
I do prefer the standard sights or a bolt peep over them as neither requires a cut-out to the wood. But that's just my personal like and means nothing.

Those #36 sights alone are quite sought after. Even a few custom made ones produced not somany years back to feed the market. Same with the cleaning rods,,usually gone from under the trap butt and sought after.

Great caliber the 6.5. I load it and the 8 and 9.5 M/S. Never had a 9x56M/S for some reason,but certainly wouldn't refuse one!
I have to get going and complete some loads for a 256 Gibbs Magnum cal Sporter built on a M1903 Greek M/S bbld action. Plain gun, well used but classic British look by Geo Gibbs. An old Aldis Bros 'scope in QD mts tops it off. One of my better finds at a show lying un-loved for $400 IIRC

 

[Paul Tummers]

I have a question; Are those stocks made from one piece of wood or are they composed from 2 pieces to cut the grain to avoid warping ?

 

[CptCurl]

I have a question; Are those stocks made from one piece of wood or are they composed from 2 pieces to cut the grain to avoid warping ?

The stock is one piece.

As I recall, the SAKO L461 with its full-length stock was two pieces joined under the barrel band.

Curl

 

[Paul Tummers]

That looks a challenge to me- stocking a full-stock rifle with a slender barrel in such a way the wood movement due to humidity changing does not affect the POI!

 

[CptCurl]

I see that Cpt. Curl's has the half round pistol grip. Mine had the steel cap, which I prefer. But both look good.

Yeah, the round knob pistol grip is seen on the earliest examples. The steel cap came later, after WW1. I like the steel cap also, but I can't say I prefer it to the round knob.

I just love the way the checkering is laid out on these early ones. The little triangular panel just behind the top tang was discontinued fairly early.

And it really is art the way they went slinking around the knob.

I wish we had production rifles like this in today's market.

Curl

 

[kwill1911]

The classic M-S caliber is 6.5 X 54. I think 6.5 X 55 is a Swedish round. Can you confirm the caliber of yours? It is a beautiful rifle. I have a near identical carbine in 6.5 X 54. Karamojo Bill killed many an elephant with one.

 

[Paul Tummers]

Yeah, the round knob pistol grip is seen on the earliest examples. The steel cap came later, after WW1. I like the steel cap also, but I can't say I prefer it to the round knob.

I just love the way the checkering is laid out on these early ones. The little triangular panel just behind the top tang was discontinued fairly early.

And it really is art the way they went slinking around the knob.

I wish we had production rifles like this in today's market.

Curl

Yes, me too but then, who can pay for them? Something for a selected public, thus commercially the company would be doomed to be banc-rupt within a year.
We can be happy, there are still craftsmen around to make a rifle to ones likings!