Guns International #: 102746159
Seller's Inventory #: CBP22-206
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Guns International #: 102746159
Category - Steyr Rifles
- Military Rifles - Non-US
1886 Vintage Portuguese Military Steyr Kropatschek Model 1886/89 "Colonial" Rifle in 8x60mmR
** 1st Year Production Rifle **
Description: Designed by Alfred Von Kropatschek in 1886, the Kropatschek Model 1886 was a bolt-action repeater with a tubular magazine mounted under the barrel that was chambered in a black powder 8mm rimmed cartridge known as the 8x60mmR. Kropatschek used some battel-tested features from the Mauser 71/84 when designing the rifle, and the end result was a well-made and reliable battle rifle. Portugal was among the countries interested in the rifle, and after the Portuguese military put 6000 of the rifles thru field trials successfully it was accepted for adoption and 40,000 were ordered. Steyr was contracted to produce the Model 1886, and it was built there from 1886 until 1898. Today collectors recognize 5 variants of the Model 1886 made for Portugal, the Model 1886 Rifle, the Model 1886/98, the Model 1886/89 "Colonial" Rifle, the Model 1886 Short Rifle, and the Model 1886 Carbine. Despite having a different model designation the Kropatschek Model 1886 Rifle and Model 1886/89 Colonial were the same exact rifle with the only difference being that the Colonial variant had a clip-on upper handguard added after being accepted by Portugal into military service. This modification was done at the Arsenal do Exercite, in Lisbon and was devised to reduce the amount of heat rising from the barrel which obscured the sights. Most of these modified "Colonial" Kropatscheks were sent to troops in Portuguese colonies in Africa and Asia. The Model 1886 and Model 1886/98 are also the same rifle, with the only difference being the rear sight on the Model 1886/98 was graduated out to 2200 meters. Despite being designed for a black powder cartridge the Kropatschek was found to be more than strong enough to handle the same cartridge loaded with smokeless powder. The black powder sight was removed from the guns already in service and swapped to the new 2200 meter sight, at which point they were called the Model 1886/98. The Kropatschek rifles would remain in service for a long time in the Portuguese military, seeing combat and fighting all over the world. It was used extensively in the Portuguese colonies, in WW1 against the German Army forces of Colonel Lettow Von Vorbeck in East Africa, during the brief opposition to the Japanese conquest of East Timor in 1942, and finally by Portuguese reserve troops when the Indian army occupied the Portuguese enclave of Goa in 1961. This particular example is a 1st year production Model 1886 converted to the Model 1886/89 Colonial Rifle. It is a handsome rifle but somewhere along the line it has been cleaned up and the stock sanded. All of the original factory and military markings are still intact and legible on the metal parts, and the gun is still 100% intact with all original period parts. The receiver and barrel match with serial number "OO430", and while not matching to the rifle, the bolt matches itself with all parts numbered "C814". The blue finish that remains on the receiver and barrel still looks nice in some places and where it is worn it has a uniform degree of wear and patina. The bore in this rifle is surprisingly good for a gun that spent most of it's life shooting extremely corrosive black powder cartridges and then later smokeless cartridges with corrosive primers. The rifling is very strong throughout the barrel from the chamber to the crown of the muzzle, despite the grooves being dark due to lots of shallow pin-prick pitting. There is little doubt that it would still shoot nearly as accurately now as it did when new with the proper ammunition. The original stock set is a nice uniform color and is fully intact, as-is all of the stock hardware. The wood shows some very small cracks and handling marks but is very solid with no major defects or eyesores. The stock hardware appears to be all original as well, including the side-mounted cleaning rod and sling swivels. The action on this rifle is extremely smooth and slick, and the bolt locks up perfectly tight to the barrel when in battery. The magazine cut-off works perfectly, as does the cartridge lifter in the action and the safety on the bolt. The magazine tube is in great shape, and the follower still has spring pressure and moves freely within the magazine. While we cannot recommend shooting this rifle due to it's age, the mechanics appear to be in perfect working order. If you have been looking for an interesting and unique military rifle to add to your collection this Steyr-manufactured Kropatschek Model 1886/89 Colonial Rifle would be an excellent choice. As an antique, this rifle can be shipped directly to your home, no FFL needed. ANTIQUE PRICE: $1050.00 We are Antique & Modern Firearms in Lexington, KY, dealer of fine firearms since 1974. PH. 859-276-1419 We Buy, Sell and Trade Firearms & Knives. Have a Individual Firearm, Firearms Collection, or Firearms Estate to sell, let us know, we can buy outright or take on consignment NOTE: No additional fees for a Credit Card payment. Price: $1,050.00 Curio/Relic: Yes Antique: Yes Manufacturer: Steyr Model: 1886/89 Colonial Rifle Serial Number: OO430 Barrel Length: 32.5" Inches Bore Info: Rifled Condition: Good Bore Condition: Good Action: Bolt Action Repeater Finish: Blued / Polished Bright Sights: Adjustable Iron Battle Sights Manufacture Date: 1886 Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 102746159
Seller's Inventory #: CBP22-206
Guns International #: 102746159
Seller's Inventory #: CBP22-206