Hungarian FEG 35M Mannlicher 8x56mmR Bolt Action Rifle w/Bayonet C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,900
WOA#: WY231026EH002
Make: FEG
Model: 35M
Serial Number: C-48278
Year of Manufacture: 1940
Caliber: 8x56mmR
Action Type: Bolt action, internal en bloc clip fed 5 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel shank is marked “C-48278”. The top of the receiver is marked “BUDAPEST”, “35M”. The top and right sides of the barrel shank are marked with acceptance and proof marks. The ‘fire’ side of the safety is marked “Ny”. The ‘safe’ side is marked “Z”. The top of the stock, to the right of the barrel shank, is marked “R”. The top of the rear sight base is marked with a few small proof marks. The buttplate is marked “C-48278”. The bayonet is marked with the Hungarian coat of arms and “D-49956”. The scabbard is marked with the Hungarian coat of arms.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded blade on a base affixed to the barrel by a sleeve. The rear sight is a v-notch blade on an adjustable escalator.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, nose cap with bayonet stud, barrel band with sling loop and swivel, stock collar with sling loop, underside sling swivel, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate is heavily worn at the heel and along the edges, with spots of surface rust and impact marks throughout. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are long and large drag marks on both sides of the forend. The top of the buttstock has a few larger compression marks and some small chips out of the wood. The right side of the buttstock has a few spots of dried residue and a compression mark with white residue. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is dull. There is moderate erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is wear to the finish along the edges of the receiver. The rear sight base has surface rust and a large scratch on the left side. The barrel band is heavily worn, with scratches throughout and a heavy amount of large impact marks along the edges. The nose cap has some impact marks along the edges and heavy wear at the bottom of the bayonet stud. The finish on the sling loops and swivels has developed into a patina. The magazine is heavily worn along the edges and there is a large drag mark on the left side. The cocking piece has spots of surface rust and there is erosion on the top rear section of the bolt body. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with the correct model of bayonet and 2x two-cell en bloc clip pouches.
Our Assessment: Following the First World War, the newly independent Kingdom of Hungary had a vast inventory of the M95 rifle and its variants. During the interwar period the rifles were updated with the newer 8x56mmR spitzer cartridge and most were shortened to carbine length. After an assessment of the M95’s performance in the First World War, Hungary determined that it needed a newer, more reliable rifle. FEG did this by combining the Schlegelmilch action, most notably found on the Gewehr 88 and Dutch Mannlicher rifles, with favorable aspects of the M95 to make the 35M rifle. The 35M was one of the primary service rifles of the Kingdom of Hungary during the Second World War and it was gradually phased out postwar after Hungary became a Soviet satellite state.
This example was made in 1940 by FEG. There is a considerable amount of wear to the exterior surfaces, with the stock having numerous compression and drag marks. The metal surfaces still retain a lot of their finish, but the barrel band and nose cap have taken a lot of hits over the past 83 years. The bore is gray as well, though there is more than enough rifling to make it a competent shooter. It comes with a correct pattern bayonet, which is quite rare. The bayonet, which is a cavalry variant due to the secondary sight on the muzzle ring, comes with its scabbard that has retained nearly all of its original green finish. It also comes with 2x two-cell en bloc clip pouches. This is a not often seen rifle in good shape that would fit great into any Hungarian or Second World War collection. Please see our photos.
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