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Austro-Hungarian Werndl Infantry Rifles and Carbines |
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Made by Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft, Steyr, 1873-78 Quantity: 400,000 for army and reserves Caliber: 11x42mm rimmed Rotary-block breech, with an external hammer 1265mm [49.8"] overall, 4.20kg [9.2 lbs] 843mm [33.2"] barrel, 6-groove rifling, RH, concentric Muzzle velocity 445m/sec with M1867/73 rifle cartridge Rifle photos courtesy of CollectibleFirearms.com |
By 1872 the drum breech proved to be very susceptible to fouling, becoming increasingly difficult to rotate until it jammed altogether; constructional
weaknesses were discovered in the receiver; and back-sight leaves regularly snapped. The action was extensively revised by Antonin Spitalsky, who had
succeeded Josef Werndl as head of the technical section of the Steyr factory. The sight-base and the sight leaf were strengthened; the receiver sides were
flattened; the lock-plate was redesigned with a central hammer; the bayonet attachment was improved by using an internal coil-spring and stud; and the standard cartridge was revised.
The new rifle was approved on February 10, 1873. It was similar to its predecessor, the central hammer and modified receiver casing being its most obvious features.
By 1874 troubles encountered with the original Wildburger-pattern rifle cartridge, in addition to jams and extraction failures, were solved only when a
strengthened Roth-type case appeared.
 | Ramp-and-leaf sight graduated from 200 to 1400 paces |
 | M1873 saber bayonet. 604mm overall, 474mm blade length. Muzzle ring 18.6mm dia. |
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Alteration of M1873 rifles by Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft, Steyr, 1877-82? Quantity: 200,000+ Caliber: 11x58mm rimmed Rotary-block breech, with an external hammer 1265mm [49.8"] overall, 4.20kg [9.2 lbs] 843mm [33.2"] barrel, 6-groove rifling, RH, concentric Ramp-and-leaf sight graduated from 200 to 2100 paces Muzzle velocity 455m/sec with M1877 rifle cartridge |
Alteration of Werndl M1873 rifles to Caliber 11x58mm rimmed
In 1878 the 'M1873/77' was approved to allow 1873-type rifles to chamber a 11x58mm modified long-case cartridge. A revised rifle could be distinguished
by its back sight modified to 200-2100 paces.
Serial Numbers: St83: 1881L
Made by Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft, Steyr, 1874-78
Quantity: 100,000
Caliber: 11x42mm, rimmed
Rotary-block breech, with an external hammer
1004mm [39.5"] overall, 3.25kg [7.2 lbs]
580mm [22.8"] barrel, 6-groove rifling, RH, concentric
Ramp-and-leaf sight graduated 200-800 paces
Muzzle velocity 445 m/sec with M1867/73 ball cartridge
M1873 saber bayonet
Accepted on November 6, 1874, the 'revised' or 1873-Pattern carbine had a low-profile hammer and a nose cap, but lacked barrel bands. One swivel was anchored through the fore-end and the other lay on the trigger guard. Adopted at the same time, the Gendarmerie Rifle had a single barrel band and accepted the 1854-type socket bayonet. It weighed 3.72kg.
Adoption of a more powerful 11x58mm cartridge led to a change in the chambering. The new sights were graduated 200-1600 paces. The modified carbines were
called 'M1873/77'.
Serials: 1750 St81 (Oewg78), 5226F St83,