1867 Werndl Military Rifle

Published on January 29, 2017
Duration: 13:11

This comprehensive review of the 1867 Werndl Military Rifle, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, details its historical adoption by the Austro-Hungarian military as their first purpose-built breech-loader. The video highlights the rifle's unique rotating drum breech mechanism, its original 11x42mm black powder cartridge, and subsequent 1878 updates with a more powerful 11x58mm round. McCollum's high authority level is evident through his detailed mechanical demonstrations and deep knowledge of obscure historical firearms trials and markings.

Quick Summary

The 1867 Werndl rifle was the first purpose-built breech-loader adopted by the Austro-Hungarian military, designed by Josef Werndl and Karl Holub. It featured a unique rotating drum breech and fired an 11x42mm rimmed cartridge, later updated to an 11x58mm round in the 1878 variant. Its success laid the foundation for Steyr's global prominence.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the 1867 Werndl Rifle
  2. 00:52Historical Context and Trials
  3. 02:08Original Cartridge Specifications
  4. 02:32Carbine and Revolver Compatibility
  5. 03:21Mechanical Operation of the Drum Breech
  6. 05:291878 Updates and New Cartridge
  7. 06:19Sights and Markings
  8. 08:10Legacy and the Steyr Company
  9. 08:50The Verdigre Home Guard Story

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 1867 Werndl rifle historically significant?

The 1867 Werndl is significant as the first purpose-built breech-loading rifle adopted by the Austro-Hungarian military, marking a crucial transition from muzzle-loaders to metallic cartridges and establishing Steyr as a major firearms manufacturer.

How does the rotating drum breech of the 1867 Werndl operate?

The rotating drum breech operates by setting the side-mounted hammer to half-cock, then rotating the drum using a finger tab. A spring-assisted mechanism opens the breech and activates an extractor to eject spent casings.

What were the primary cartridges used by the 1867 Werndl rifle?

The original 1867 pattern fired an 11x42mm rimmed black powder cartridge. A carbine version used a shorter 11x36mm case, and the later 1878 update utilized a more powerful 11x58mm cartridge.

Who designed the 1867 Werndl rifle?

The 1867 Werndl rifle was designed by Josef Werndl and Karl Holub. Its successful adoption and production significantly contributed to the growth and infrastructure of the Steyr factory.

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