This expert-level overview details the Finnish M28 Mosin-Nagant, often called the 'Ski Trooper' rifle. Ian McCollum explains its development as an improvement over the Russian M91, its unique sourcing of parts from international surplus markets, and specific features like SIG barrels and double sling slots. The rifle's complex history, including Austro-Hungarian capture and Italian reparations, is meticulously traced.
The Austro-Hungarian Werndl 1873/77 'Extra Korps' is an upgraded bolt-action rifle weighing 7.3 lbs with a 39.6-inch length, chambered in 11mm. It features a rotating breech block, recessed hammer, and a simple, reinforced action with an improved trigger. Sights include a ladder V-notch rear and barleycorn front, and recoil from the carbine cartridge is manageable.
The Austro-Hungarian Werndl 1867/77 is a single-shot bolt-action rifle chambering the 11mm black powder round. It features a unique rotating breech block and a heavy trigger pull due to its combined hammer and trigger spring. Despite its slow loading and substantial recoil, the rifle offers a satisfying mechanical feel and sound for enthusiasts.
The Austro-Hungarian Gasser 1870 revolver is a historical firearm weighing 3 lbs with a 12.6-inch length, chambered in 11mm Werndl Carbine. It features a heavy but smooth trigger and hammer, high recoil, and a long sight radius. Loading involves 6 rounds with reduced powder, and unloading requires manual cylinder alignment after loosening a thumb screw. Despite its solid feel, it contains many fine, potentially fragile parts.
The Austro-Hungarian Werndl 1867/77 is a 10-pound, 50.4-inch bolt-action rifle firing an 11mm black powder round. Its unique rotating 'tabernacle' breech block requires manual extraction as it lacks an ejector. Despite a heavy single-stage trigger and substantial recoil from the 1877 cartridge, the rifle offers a satisfying mechanical experience.
The Steyr Hahn 1912 is a classic military pistol weighing 2.6 pounds with an 8.5-inch length, chambered in 9mm Steyr. It features an 8-round integral magazine loaded via stripper clips and a unique slide release that also functions for rapid unloading ('fountain mode'). Despite a steep grip and a two-stage trigger with a heavy break, its short recoil rotating lock system and weight contribute to manageable recoil and fast follow-up shots.
This review of the Austro-Hungarian Mannlicher M1886 highlights its robust 52-inch, 10 lb build and straight-pull bolt action. It utilizes a 5-round en-bloc clip for the 11mm Werndl caliber. The action is smooth, though the safety can be stiff, and the trigger has a unique weightless take-up before a heavy break. Recoil is manageable, and the adjustable sights offer a V-notch.
The Mannlicher 88/95 represents a significant wartime update to older Austro-Hungarian rifles, primarily the Model 1888. Facing WWI shortages, many 1888s were re-barreled for smokeless powder and fitted with the 1895 sight system. This unique combination of an early wedge-locking receiver and the later sight pattern defines the 88/95. Its rarity is highlighted by its infrequent appearance in recent imports, making it a prized item for collectors.
The Austro-Hungarian Roth-Krnka M.7 Pistol is a unique striker-fired, short-recoil handgun firing the 8mm Roth-Steyr cartridge. It features a 10-round capacity loaded via stripper clip and a heavy trigger that partially cocks the action, negating the need for a manual safety. Despite its innovative design for the era, the M.7 is described as feeling somewhat 'underbaked' with potential yet to be fully realized.
The Austro-Hungarian Rast & Gasser 1898 revolver features an 8-round capacity and a unique Abadie loading gate system that requires a two-handed operation. Despite its high capacity for the era, the 8mm Gasser caliber is noted as weak, and reload speed is slow. However, its simple maintenance via a hinged side plate and its surprising service life through WWII make it a historically significant piece.
The Austro-Hungarian Army Revolver Model 1870, known as the Gasser, was the empire's first centerfire handgun and served through WWI. This documentary explores its history and technical aspects. The Gasser is noted for its substantial size and weight, indicating a robust design intended for military service.
This video from C&Rsenal's WWI Primer series focuses on the Austro-Hungarian Werndl rifle. It delves into the history, functionality, and includes a live fire demonstration of this World War I firearm. The content aims to educate viewers about the firearms of the conflict as part of a centennial anniversary series. Additional resources and support options for the channel are also provided.
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