Austrian Steyr Mannlicher M1886 Straight Pull Rifle In 11x58mmR, Antique
SOLD FOR: $765.00
WOA#: WY240516CE003
Make: State Factory ŒW.G. Austria
Model: M1886
Serial Number: 5611J
Year of Manufacture: 1886 – 1888
Caliber: 11x58mmR
Action Type: Bolt Action, 5 Round Clip Fed.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “ŒWG” The side of the barrel shank is marked, “5611J” There are initials engraved in the stock.
Barrel Length: 30.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a chevron set atop a ramped block. The rear sight is a V-notch escalator assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece wood with a endcap/bayonet lug/ stacking rod, barrel band w/ sling loop, barrel band, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, with steel buttplate. There are heavy scratches, pressure dents and gouges in the wood. There is a crack at the receiver. The stock rates in about Poor overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is black and the rifling is worn. There is heavy erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 2/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its metal finish. The finish has turned to a deep patina. There is heavy pitting at the stockline throughout. There is pitting on the barrel. There are scratches, scuffs, and nicks throughout. The sling loops are pitted. The screw heads are worn. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Poor 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Austrian Steyr Mannlicher M1886 Straight Pull Rifle in 11x58mmR is a historically significant firearm that showcases the innovative design work of Ferdinand Mannlicher. Adopted by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the M1886 was one of the earliest rifles to feature a straight-pull bolt-action mechanism, setting it apart from the more common turn-bolt designs of its time. Ferdinand Mannlicher, an influential firearms designer, developed the M1886 as part of his ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and reliability of military rifles. The straight-pull bolt-action system he devised allowed for quicker and more straightforward operation. Instead of rotating the bolt handle to unlock and lock the bolt, the shooter simply pulled the bolt handle straight back to open the action and pushed it forward to chamber a new round. This design reduced the time and effort required to cycle the action, enabling a higher rate of fire compared to traditional bolt-action rifles. The M1886 was chambered for the 11x58mmR cartridge, a black powder round that had been in use with the earlier Werndl-Holub rifles. The rifle’s construction reflected the quality and craftsmanship associated with the Steyr factory, where it was produced. The M1886 featured a robust wooden stock and a long, rifled barrel designed to maximize the ballistic performance of the 11x58mmR cartridge. One of the key advantages of the M1886’s straight-pull action was its simplicity and reliability in harsh field conditions. The fewer moving parts and the straightforward operation made it less prone to jamming and easier to maintain, important factors for soldiers in combat. Despite its innovative design, the M1886 was soon rendered obsolete by the rapid advancements in rifle technology at the turn of the century. The adoption of smokeless powder cartridges and improvements in metallurgy led to the development of more advanced rifles, such as the Steyr Mannlicher M1895, which also featured a straight-pull action but used the more modern 8x50mmR Mannlicher cartridge.
Today, the Austrian Steyr Mannlicher M1886 Straight Pull Rifle in 11x58mmR is a prized collector’s item. It represents a significant period of innovation in firearm design, illustrating the transition from black powder to smokeless powder and the experimentation with different action mechanisms that characterized the late 19th century. Collectors and historians value the M1886 for its historical importance and its role in the evolution of military rifles. -R.E.
