Model 1886 Kropatschek Infantry Rifle

Portuguese M1886 Kropatschek by Steyr

At the risk of repeating myself;  This is one of the early heavy duty black powder, bolt action rifles akin to the Japanese Murata and the Mauser 71/84.  Although designed for the black powder cartridge, it was later found that this sturdy rifle was capable of handling the newly developing smokeless powder cartridges.  A strong bolt action which could either be loaded individually or with the flick of a switch, fed from the full length tubular magazine below the barrel.  Used by many countries and involved in numerous scrapes around the world, but most notably by the Portuguese, these rifles were durable, accurate and robust.  From the stables of Steyr-Daimler-Puch and Steyr Mannlicher it was a build that would not let the numerous users down.

Chambered in 8 x 60mm R,  this example is the Infantry rifle and measures a nominal 52″ in overall length.  The round blued barrel is 32.1/4″ long and the trigger Pull is measures 13.1/4″ to centre.  The bolt, with its short straight arm, is finished in the white but is from a different rifle numbered throughout “PP428”.  The rifle is marked “0783” on the RHS flat of the breech and the RH side-plate.  On disassembly for cleaning, the stock is numbered on the inside with the same number, as is the magazine tube.   The top flat of the barrel has a Portuguese Crown stamped in between the rear sight and the registration mark at the crest of the receiver.  Horizontally, along the LHS outer wall of the blued receiver are the following, clear undisturbed markings;-“CE.W.F.G. STEYR / 1886”  Centrally, the Royal Cypher of Portugal over “L.Io”  King Luis 1st or as he liked to be known “King Luis The Popular.”  Lastly; “M1886.”  In numbering terms, this rifle is really displaying the characteristics of a bring-back from the victors side.

Situated just behind the closed down bolt handle is the feed selection switch which governs whether the rifle feeds from the magazine or not.  This acts on a cartridge lifter under the bolt which literally lifts the next round from the spring fed magazine up to be pushed in by closing of the bolt.  The bolt has a Mauser type flag safety to the rear.  The rear RHS of the action wall acts as the bolt stop when closed.  Spurred trigger guard with most finish absent.  Cleaning rod in position held alongside the left of the barrel.  Two barrel bands and endcap.  Front band incorporating bayonet lug.  Rear sights of the ladder type graduated from 400 to 1700 meters.  As is quite often the case the hand guard is absent.  Simple dovetailed inverted V front sight.  Numerous small cartouches between trigger guard and rear sling.

Bluing on action around the markings, just starting to thin. Barrel and muzzle are thinning and turning to plum brown but appear to be original.  Other parts like the furniture have lost all their finish, including the steel shaped butt-plate.  Cartouches are present upon each side of the butt but not instantly recognisable.  The one on the LHS appears to be the Royal Cypher of King Luis of Portugal.  Action mechanically fine – apparently.  Very good bore, with strong rifling and good depth slightly soft edges from use.  No pitting or misting, bright and clean.  Twin sling swivels.  The woodwork shows all the signs of a hard life in various military campaigns 9 who knows where this has been, the Portuguese have popped up all over the place especially Africa within the last few centuries!)  Small chip to toe under butt-plate. Unusually the handguard is present with the rifle – often missing.

No licence Required to own as Section 58 – off ticket.

£ 985.

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