Mannlicher M1890 carbine

The repeating carbine model 1890 a.k.a. Mannlicher model 1890 carbine is a bolt-action rifle, designed by Ferdinand Mannlicher that used a new version of his straight-pull action bolt.[5] It was introduced as an alternative to the Mannlicher M1888 as it was shorter and easier to maneuver with. Three main versions were introduced: Cavalry Carbine, Gendarmerie Carbine[3] and Navy Short Rifle.

Repeating carbine model 1890
Model 1890 cavalry carbine, from the collections of the Swedish Army Museum
TypeBolt action rifle
Place of originAustria-Hungary
Service history
In service1890 — Present
Used byAustria-Hungary
Kingdom of Bulgaria[1]
Emirate of Afghanistan[2]
Kingdom of Hungary
First Austrian Republic
Kingdom of Hungary
Siam
WarsBalkan Wars
World War I
Production history
DesignerFerdinand Mannlicher
Designed1890?
ManufacturerÖsterreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft
Produced1891–1896
No. built115,218
VariantsCavalry carbine, Gendarmerie carbine and Navy short rifle
Specifications
Mass3.3 kilograms (7.3 lb)
Length1,005 millimetres (39.6 in)
Barrel length498 millimetres (19.6 in)

CartridgeM90: 8×52mmR[3]
M90/24:8×57mm IS
M90/30, M90/31: 8×56mmR
ActionStraight-pull bolt action
Muzzle velocity620 m/s (2,034 ft/s) with M1893 ball cartridge[4]
Feed system5-round en bloc clip, integral box magazine
SightsIron sights

Variants

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Detailed parts drawing

Cavalry carbine

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This variant was used by the Austro-Hungarian cavalry. A stacking rod, handguard and bayonet lug are absent.

Stutzen

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This variant features sling swivels on the underside, a stacking rod and bayonet lugs. It was used by the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

Gendarmerie carbine

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The Austro-Hungarian Gendarmarie was also in need of a carbine. It adopted a version which featured a bayonet lug but no stacking rod.

Conversions

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M90/30 was a conversion of these rifles done in the First Austrian Republic. They carry the letter S stamped on the barrel.[6]

M90/31 was a conversion of these rifles done in the Kingdom of Hungary. They carry the letter H stamped on the barrel.[7]

M90/95 was a conversion of these rifles done in Ethiopian Empire. Unlike other conversions, these were done by putting existing M90 carbines in M95 pattern furniture. [8]

Afghan contract

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A small number of these carbines made for the Afghan contract were ordered by Abdur Rahman Khan for the Emirate of Afghanistan.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Philip Jowett (20 March 2012). Armies of the Balkan Wars 1912–13: The priming charge for the Great War. Osprey Publishing. pp. 43–. ISBN 978-1-78096-528-4.
  2. ^ a b "Afghan Contract Mannlicher M1890 Carbines Austro-Hungarian Weapons".
  3. ^ a b Walter, John (2006). Rifles of the World (3rd ed.). 700 E. State Street Iola, WI 54990: Krause Publications. p. 265. ISBN 9780896892415.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  4. ^ Deutsche militärärztliche Zeitschrift: Vierteljährliche Mittellungen aus dem Gebiet des Militär-Sanitäts- und Versorgungswesens. ... . I.-49. Jahrgang. [1872–1920.]. E. S. Mittler & Sohn. 1894. pp. 72–.
  5. ^ Impact of Science on Society. Vol. 26–27. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. 1976. p. 64.
  6. ^ "Mannlicher M90/30 Rifle and Carbine Austro-Hungary".
  7. ^ "Mannlicher M90/31 Austro-Hungarian Weapons".
  8. ^ "Ethiopian M90/95 Hybrid Mannlicher Carbine". 15 September 2020.

Further reading

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