Austro-Hungarian [SA] M-91 in 8x50r
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 6:19 pm
Captured by the Austro-Hungarians during the Great War this Mosin M91 was converted to fire 8x50r. The standard Austro-Hungarian round for the M88 and M95 series of Mannlicher rifles and carbines. The conversion was done by Steyr ( OEWG ) and thus stamped on the barrel above the chamber. The rear sights were also renumbered for the round. Some of the rifles were also re-bored to accommodate the larger bullet. Later on they decided reaming out the first 3-4 inches of the bore would be enough to allow the larger round to squeeze down from .323 to .311 
. This is one of those such rifles. From what I hear most of these have very worn bores due to this. This one must have had very few rounds through it as the lanes are sharp and measure .311. Steyr also gave them new numbers on the barrel and receiver. This one is 2132. At some point Finland acquired these rifles and either restored them back to 7.62x54r by boring the chamber and brazing in a sleeve or used them for parts. Some how this rifle missed that process and is still in the 8x50r chambering. To my knowledge this is the only example known.
Discussion Section
Bought a bunch of 8x50r Austrian ammo and a round chambers and extracts perfectly. Also did a chamber cast of mine. Which proved it was in 8x50r. You can also see where it was reamed a bit before the rifling starts. Which would allow the .323 round to squeeze down to the .311 bore size.
Discussion Section
. This is one of those such rifles. From what I hear most of these have very worn bores due to this. This one must have had very few rounds through it as the lanes are sharp and measure .311. Steyr also gave them new numbers on the barrel and receiver. This one is 2132. At some point Finland acquired these rifles and either restored them back to 7.62x54r by boring the chamber and brazing in a sleeve or used them for parts. Some how this rifle missed that process and is still in the 8x50r chambering. To my knowledge this is the only example known.Discussion Section
Bought a bunch of 8x50r Austrian ammo and a round chambers and extracts perfectly. Also did a chamber cast of mine. Which proved it was in 8x50r. You can also see where it was reamed a bit before the rifling starts. Which would allow the .323 round to squeeze down to the .311 bore size.
Discussion Section