Austrian Troop Training: Erma EL-24 .22 Kit for the Steyr M95 Carbine

Published on February 11, 2023
Duration: 13:54

This guide details the installation and use of the Erma EL-24 .22 LR conversion kit for the Steyr M95 rifle, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The kit allows for inexpensive training by replacing the original bolt and adding a .22 barrel insert, converting the action to a manual turn-bolt. It's noted that the kit was adapted from Erma's Mauser 98 conversion and was used by the Austrian Army to reduce training costs and recoil.

Quick Summary

The Erma EL-24 .22 LR conversion kit for the Steyr M95 rifle allows for economical training by firing inexpensive .22 LR rounds. It replaces the original bolt with a .22 caliber version and includes a barrel insert, converting the action to a manual turn-bolt. This reduces recoil and noise, aiding recruits in learning marksmanship fundamentals.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & 'Commercial'
  2. 00:47Range Demonstration
  3. 01:58Historical Context & Rationale
  4. 03:47Technical Design & Mauser Influence
  5. 06:17Mechanical Operation
  6. 08:31Disassembly & Internal Components
  7. 10:07Barrel Insert & Installation
  8. 11:59Production History & Rarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Erma EL-24 .22 Conversion Kit?

The Erma EL-24 is a conversion kit designed for the Austrian Steyr M95 rifle and carbine. It allows the firearm to shoot inexpensive .22 LR ammunition, making it ideal for training by reducing recoil and the cost of practice.

How does the Erma EL-24 kit work with the Steyr M95?

The kit replaces the original bolt with a .22 caliber bolt and includes a barrel insert that fits inside the M95's original 8mm barrel. It converts the M95's straight-pull action into a manual turn-bolt system for simpler operation with rimfire cartridges.

Why was the Erma EL-24 kit used by the Austrian Army?

The Austrian Army adopted the kit primarily to lower the high cost of service ammunition (8x56mm) and to provide a less intimidating training platform for recruits, allowing them to focus on marksmanship fundamentals without heavy recoil.

What are the key components of the Erma EL-24 conversion?

The kit typically includes a dedicated .22 LR bolt assembly, a barrel insert that fits into the original barrel, and potentially a modified safety flag. It utilizes the rifle's existing sear mechanism.

Is the Erma EL-24 kit rare?

Yes, the Erma EL-24 kit is considered rare. While 1,500 were ordered by Austria, only 905 were delivered before historical events interrupted production, making surviving examples valuable to collectors.

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