mannlicher m1903 - The Firearms Forum

sac550 · 12-05-2003, 06:32 PM

My wife just gave me rifle for my wedding present. However, I have never heard of the rifle and can not tell what caliber it is.
The guy who sold it to her said it was made in 1903 and was worth some money. Can someone give some history on the rifle and tell me what caliber it is, is it worth anything?

stamped on the receiver is "patent Mannlicher Schoenauer M1903" on the left side of the barrel is "oesterr waffenfabr ges steyr" it has a double trigger (dont know how that works). It is a bolt action with a rear peep sight. The action is very smooth. The bluing is in great shape and so is the stock. The serial number is 100xx.

I appreciate any information about this gun that you might know.

LIKTOSHOOT · 12-05-2003, 07:43 PM

Barrel length please. Welcome too!!

LTS

sac550 · 12-05-2003, 07:57 PM

The overall length is approx. 38 inches and the barrel length is approx. 18 3/4

stash247 · 12-05-2003, 08:42 PM

What caliber? I assume, from the previous, this is a full stock carbine; if in 6.5x54, it's a jewel! Worth in the neighborhood of 650/1000 US, depending on condition.
From the photo, the stock is unabused; if the metal is similar, I would like to trade pictures of dead presidents for your wedding present.
Seriously, in 6.5, it's a GREAT rifle; in 8x54MS, the other common caliber, it's still a great rifle, but a handloading project, from jump street.
Take a 30 cal bullet, and put it to the muzzle: in 8mm, it ought to fall right on in; in 6.5mm only part of the nose will enter(6.5mm=ABOUT 25 CAL)
As to the triggers, the front trigger is, after you are on target, pulled til it clicks; this "SETS" the rear, firing, trigger. Properly adjusted, it will let go at two or three ounces of pull. If you do not use/set the front trigger, the rear trigger alone will fire the rifle, at about 4-7 pounds of pull.
Hope this helps.

Xracer · 12-06-2003, 07:20 AM

Hi Sac550.......welcome to TFF.....

.....and are you a lucky guy! The Mannlicher-Schoenauer Model 1903 Carbine is one of the great firearms of all time! It is in the 6.5x54mm M-S caliber.

In my personal opinion, it is the most beautiful shoulder arm ever made.

Blue Book value (hold onto your hat!):

98% - $3,500
95% - $3000
90% - $1200
80% - $600

Would you please post a full length picture of it (so I can drool all over my computer)?

sac550 · 12-06-2003, 03:26 PM

Thanks for all the information. Sounds like I got a great rifle. I can not wait to shoot it.

CountryGunsmith · 12-07-2003, 05:32 PM

Nope.

That stock is just not right for the M1903 Carbine, nor is the barrel length. Of course, the pad is modern...

I dont believe the caliber question has been answered. Please list for us ALL the markings on the receiver (particularly the top of the front ring), and a picture of the LEFT side of the receiver would help date the rifle as well.

Marlin · 12-07-2003, 05:37 PM

Glad to see you on TFF, sac550.

We have a good bunch with knowledge that is unequaled elsewhere. You'll get your questions answered eventually, if not already.

Hope you will join us often and will post often.

LIKTOSHOOT · 12-07-2003, 06:00 PM

Sorry, away for the weekend. Doc is right, more information is needed (markings) many of these rifles were sporterized way back and many think that`s how they came. The action looks to be a 1905 model (dual triggers),but the 1908/10 also had them and ones that followed. This rifle came in many calibers, 6.5x54mm being the front runner.....but also made in 8x56mm,9x56mm,9.5x57mm. Just from my somewhat small minded thinking......the barrel sling mount is a dead giveaway (usally) to a larger caliber-ed rifle. Also keep in mind the stock---as Doc mentioned,The Mannlicher/Schoenauer was a full stocked rifle, meaning the stock runs the full length of the barrel. Never fear,still a very fine rifle!!!

The receiver ring and other places will be marked,let us know what the numbers are and we`ll see what we can come up with.

LTS

Smokin Guns · 12-07-2003, 07:02 PM

Welcome to ya sac550! Don't know "Sheet" 'bout them rifles, but i'll learn with ya!...

sac550 · 12-07-2003, 07:40 PM

The only other marking that I can find is what looks like the letters "pv" on the left side of the barrel, right where the barrel sits in the stock. I also noticed the letter "G" stamped on the right side of the bolt, or on the top when the action is open.

Thanks again for the information.

CountryGunsmith · 12-07-2003, 08:36 PM

OK. The picture is a little dark and there is a receiver sight in place, but the bolt release definitely looks pre-1924. The serial number is far too high to have been made in 1903, though. We REALLY need to know the caliber....

One thing, it has been extensively modified. Definitely affects the value (downward) but it is still a fine rifle.

Please, the caliber?

LIKTOSHOOT · 12-07-2003, 08:56 PM

And since the 03 did not come with double set triggers or the butter knife handle....but double set M98 triggers will fit on the Greek M-S model (G?). If no numbers are present on the receiver ring or inside the receiver (left side with bolt removed) or dual numbers on any of the other parts (last two or three of the serial number) This would be a custom rifle built on a 1903 receiver.

LTS

sac550 · 12-07-2003, 08:59 PM

here is another picture of the bolt if that helps.

sac550 · 12-07-2003, 09:08 PM

don't see any numbers inside the receiver when I removed the bolt. The number 10083 appears in two places on the right side of the barrel. One is hidden by the stock. I just figured it was the serial number?? The only other number is m1903, stamped on top of the receiver. I did not remove the stock all the way.

sac550 · 12-07-2003, 09:11 PM

let me try this again

sac550 · 12-07-2003, 09:33 PM

ok, I just took the stock off and there are several sets of numbers. directly under both of the sets of number 10083 is the number 16868. on the right side is a number of "c 6.5 19".
On the bottom of the receiver is "-15" further up on the barrel is "+15". Don't know if that helps...

Thanks,

Greg

Sacramento, CA

stash247 · 12-07-2003, 10:13 PM

It's a 6.5x56 MS, and I want it! Let's move this thread to the marketplace!

Mark · 07-01-2006, 11:41 AM

The 1903 MS rifles DID come with butterknife bolt handle and double set triggers.
To activate the set trigger, you pull the rear trigger to "set" the front. The front trigger then only needs ounces of pressure to fire the rifle. You can also fire the rifle by only squeezing the front trigger. This takes 4 lbs or so, and the rifle will fire.

According to the information provided, (numbers stamped on the barrel) the rifle is a 6.5X54 MS. This information is still sketchy, the rifle should be taken to a gunsmith to be sure.

The stock has been cut down and refinished. The checkering does not look as factory standard. There has also been a recoil pad added. The job does look professional.

The rear peep sight has been added, with the stock cut to accommodate this installation.

It is hard to tell from the photographs, but the rifle may have been reblued at one time. The word Steyr seems to be a little faint around the edges.

These rifles are hard to come by in original condition, this would not be a rifle sought after by collectors, but would be a classy hunting rifle.
Have fun with this.
Mark

seawship · 10-19-2006, 08:09 PM

I inherited a similar rifle from my grandfather... markings as follows:

Oesterr Waffenfabr.-Ges. Steyr Schoenauer Kal 8x60 Magnum and a symbol comprised of NPv and the Austrian (?) crest. The number 5004 is stamped on several places.

What can you tell me? Appreciate your help!

12-05-2003, 06:32 PM	#1
sac550 Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 8	mannlicher m1903 My wife just gave me rifle for my wedding present. However, I have never heard of the rifle and can not tell what caliber it is. The guy who sold it to her said it was made in 1903 and was worth some money. Can someone give some history on the rifle and tell me what caliber it is, is it worth anything? stamped on the receiver is "patent Mannlicher Schoenauer M1903" on the left side of the barrel is "oesterr waffenfabr ges steyr" it has a double trigger (dont know how that works). It is a bolt action with a rear peep sight. The action is very smooth. The bluing is in great shape and so is the stock. The serial number is 100xx. I appreciate any information about this gun that you might know. Attached Images -->

12-05-2003, 08:42 PM	#4
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	What caliber? I assume, from the previous, this is a full stock carbine; if in 6.5x54, it's a jewel! Worth in the neighborhood of 650/1000 US, depending on condition. From the photo, the stock is unabused; if the metal is similar, I would like to trade pictures of dead presidents for your wedding present. Seriously, in 6.5, it's a GREAT rifle; in 8x54MS, the other common caliber, it's still a great rifle, but a handloading project, from jump street. Take a 30 cal bullet, and put it to the muzzle: in 8mm, it ought to fall right on in; in 6.5mm only part of the nose will enter(6.5mm=ABOUT 25 CAL) As to the triggers, the front trigger is, after you are on target, pulled til it clicks; this "SETS" the rear, firing, trigger. Properly adjusted, it will let go at two or three ounces of pull. If you do not use/set the front trigger, the rear trigger alone will fire the rifle, at about 4-7 pounds of pull. Hope this helps. __________________ Don't start no s*t and there won't be none, Terry Last edited by stash247; 12-05-2003 at 08:50 PM..*

12-06-2003, 03:26 PM	#6
sac550 Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 8	Thanks for all the information. Sounds like I got a great rifle. I can not wait to shoot it. Attached Images

12-07-2003, 05:32 PM	#7
CountryGunsmith Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Deep Piney Woods of East Texas Posts: 5,116	Nope. That stock is just not right for the M1903 Carbine, nor is the barrel length. Of course, the pad is modern... I dont believe the caliber question has been answered. Please list for us ALL the markings on the receiver (particularly the top of the front ring), and a picture of the LEFT side of the receiver would help date the rifle as well. __________________ The autonomic nervous system provides for involuntary muscle function - the work of breathing, digestion, and so forth. On some folks, that's a pure waste of ingenuity.

12-07-2003, 05:37 PM	#8
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Glad to see you on TFF, sac550. We have a good bunch with knowledge that is unequaled elsewhere. You'll get your questions answered eventually, if not already. Hope you will join us often and will post often. Attached Images __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.* Last edited by Marlin; 12-07-2003 at 05:38 PM..

12-05-2003, 07:43 PM	#2
LIKTOSHOOT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,367	Barrel length please. Welcome too!! LTS

12-05-2003, 07:57 PM	#3
sac550 Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 8	The overall length is approx. 38 inches and the barrel length is approx. 18 3/4

12-06-2003, 07:20 AM	#5
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	Hi Sac550.......welcome to TFF..... .....and are you a lucky guy! The Mannlicher-Schoenauer Model 1903 Carbine is one of the great firearms of all time! It is in the 6.5x54mm M-S caliber. In my personal opinion, it is the most beautiful shoulder arm ever made. Blue Book value (hold onto your hat!): 98% - $3,500 95% - $3000 90% - $1200 80% - $600 Would you please post a full length picture of it (so I can drool all over my computer)?

12-07-2003, 06:00 PM	#9
LIKTOSHOOT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,367	Sorry, away for the weekend. Doc is right, more information is needed (markings) many of these rifles were sporterized way back and many think that`s how they came. The action looks to be a 1905 model (dual triggers),but the 1908/10 also had them and ones that followed. This rifle came in many calibers, 6.5x54mm being the front runner.....but also made in 8x56mm,9x56mm,9.5x57mm. Just from my somewhat small minded thinking......the barrel sling mount is a dead giveaway (usally) to a larger caliber-ed rifle. Also keep in mind the stock---as Doc mentioned,The Mannlicher/Schoenauer was a full stocked rifle, meaning the stock runs the full length of the barrel. Never fear,still a very fine rifle!!! The receiver ring and other places will be marked,let us know what the numbers are and we`ll see what we can come up with. LTS

12-07-2003, 07:02 PM	#10
Smokin Guns Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: "Gun Culture Members Clubhouse"... Posts: 4,463	Welcome to ya sac550! Don't know "Sheet" 'bout them rifles, but i'll learn with ya!... __________________

12-07-2003, 07:40 PM	#11
sac550 Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 8	The only other marking that I can find is what looks like the letters "pv" on the left side of the barrel, right where the barrel sits in the stock. I also noticed the letter "G" stamped on the right side of the bolt, or on the top when the action is open. Thanks again for the information. Attached Images

12-07-2003, 08:36 PM	#12
CountryGunsmith Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Deep Piney Woods of East Texas Posts: 5,116	OK. The picture is a little dark and there is a receiver sight in place, but the bolt release definitely looks pre-1924. The serial number is far too high to have been made in 1903, though. We REALLY need to know the caliber.... One thing, it has been extensively modified. Definitely affects the value (downward) but it is still a fine rifle. Please, the caliber? __________________ The autonomic nervous system provides for involuntary muscle function - the work of breathing, digestion, and so forth. On some folks, that's a pure waste of ingenuity.

12-07-2003, 08:56 PM	#13
LIKTOSHOOT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,367	And since the 03 did not come with double set triggers or the butter knife handle....but double set M98 triggers will fit on the Greek M-S model (G?). If no numbers are present on the receiver ring or inside the receiver (left side with bolt removed) or dual numbers on any of the other parts (last two or three of the serial number) This would be a custom rifle built on a 1903 receiver. LTS

12-07-2003, 08:59 PM	#14
sac550 Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 8	here is another picture of the bolt if that helps.

12-07-2003, 09:08 PM	#15
sac550 Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 8	don't see any numbers inside the receiver when I removed the bolt. The number 10083 appears in two places on the right side of the barrel. One is hidden by the stock. I just figured it was the serial number?? The only other number is m1903, stamped on top of the receiver. I did not remove the stock all the way.

12-07-2003, 09:11 PM	#16
sac550 Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 8	let me try this again Attached Images

12-07-2003, 09:33 PM	#17
sac550 Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 8	ok, I just took the stock off and there are several sets of numbers. directly under both of the sets of number 10083 is the number 16868. on the right side is a number of "c 6.5 19". On the bottom of the receiver is "-15" further up on the barrel is "+15". Don't know if that helps... Thanks, Greg Sacramento, CA

12-07-2003, 10:13 PM	#18
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	It's a 6.5x56 MS, and I want it! Let's move this thread to the marketplace! __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

07-01-2006, 11:41 AM	#19
Mark V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 314	Re: mannlicher m1903 The 1903 MS rifles DID come with butterknife bolt handle and double set triggers. To activate the set trigger, you pull the rear trigger to "set" the front. The front trigger then only needs ounces of pressure to fire the rifle. You can also fire the rifle by only squeezing the front trigger. This takes 4 lbs or so, and the rifle will fire. According to the information provided, (numbers stamped on the barrel) the rifle is a 6.5X54 MS. This information is still sketchy, the rifle should be taken to a gunsmith to be sure. The stock has been cut down and refinished. The checkering does not look as factory standard. There has also been a recoil pad added. The job does look professional. The rear peep sight has been added, with the stock cut to accommodate this installation. It is hard to tell from the photographs, but the rifle may have been reblued at one time. The word Steyr seems to be a little faint around the edges. These rifles are hard to come by in original condition, this would not be a rifle sought after by collectors, but would be a classy hunting rifle. Have fun with this. Mark

10-19-2006, 08:09 PM	#20
seawship Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The Woodlands, TX Posts: 2	Re: mannlicher m1903 I inherited a similar rifle from my grandfather... markings as follows: Oesterr Waffenfabr.-Ges. Steyr Schoenauer Kal 8x60 Magnum and a symbol comprised of NPv and the Austrian (?) crest. The number 5004 is stamped on several places. What can you tell me? Appreciate your help!