[Axis Arms]

Hey guys,
I recently picked up this M95 Steyr rifle and was wondering what kind of information you guys could give me on it. There are no import marks, what looks to be a 1917 dated barrel, no "S" markings (and will not chamber an 8X56 round), matching numbers and a very nice 1918 dated 1903 US sling. I tried to take as many pictures as possible of any discerning marks or character on this carbine.
What are the unit markings on the buttplate?
Does this carbine appear to be in original configuration?
What is the rarity of a carbine like this (assuming it's original).
Thanks guys!!!

 

[Lovesz]

Are the rear sight, bolt, cocking piece, safety and magazine marked with all Rs for Budapest made?
Nice rifle and photos.:thumbsup:

"Bugler. Sound the charge." Captain Nathan Brittles

 

[DocAV]

Firstly, Nomenclature: it is NOT a "Carbine" but a Stutzen-Karabiner ( Musketoon or Short Rifle with side Carbine type sling attachments)...a "Universal type rifle.

The M95s came in the following variants for Army use: Rifle ( Long ); Carbine (Cavalry); Stutzen (Short rifle--Artillery, Engineers etc); Stutzen-Karabiner
( fitted for both Dismounted and Mounted use), and Karabiner-Stutzen ( retrofitted Cav Karabiners with extra sling swivels and Bayo.lug and stacking hook---late WW I appearance).
There are also "Gendarmerie and Extra Korps Gewehr" types which were for Police and Customs/Border Guards as well.

Since your example is set up as a "Stutzen-Karabiner" or Vice versa, only the differance between the position of the Sling band will determine which model it is. The metal work ( barrelled receiver) is common to Karabiner and Stutzen, in that the Front sight base is forged to the barrel, and not sleeved.

Nice rifle, especially in original 8x50R chambering.

Ammo can be made by forming 7,62x54R cases and trimming, or taking Graf's 8x56R cases, form and trim to length. Use either cast lead .329 bullets, or Flat-based .323 Jacketed Bullets.

Regards,
Doc AV
AV Ballistics.

 

[Axis Arms]

All parts seem to be marked "R" except for the bolt and bolt parts which are marked "K".

Thanks for the excellent info Doc!!!

 

[Nick]

Firstly, Nomenclature: it is NOT a "Carbine" but a Stutzen-Karabiner .

To be even more correct, it is a Karabiner-Stutzen - a Stutzen with added side sling loop & swivel. Check out the distance between the barrel bands, this will tell you what the original was, a Karabiner or a Stutzen.

Unit mark "88R" as in 88 Regiment? Hm...

 

[DocAV]

Thanks, Nick, I could never work out the order...as to which was the "donor" rifle and which was the "conversion".

Regards,
DocAV

 

[oldpaul]

I've read that the "R" mark is for infantry regiments. As DocAV stated, infantry were issued rifles. Since it is a Karabiner-Stutzen, (thanks for the clarification) and thus issued to "other" troops, is it possible the markings on the buttplate are 8BR? That would make it the 8th Bruckenbataillon or Brukenschutz (Bridge Protection), more likely to be issued Stutzens perhaps.

 

[JPS]

Hello Gents,

By 1917 large numbers of infantry units were issued every variation of the carbine, particularly Sturmtruppen. What's more interesting about the unit marking is the fact that as late as 1917 a large percentage of new weapons weren't being unit marked at all.

Nice find!

Warmest regards,

JPS

 

[paulslunecko]

I've read that the "R" mark is for infantry regiments. As DocAV stated, infantry were issued rifles. Since it is a Karabiner-Stutzen, (thanks for the clarification) and thus issued to "other" troops, is it possible the markings on the buttplate are 8BR? That would make it the 8th Bruckenbataillon or Brukenschutz (Bridge Protection), more likely to be issued Stutzens perhaps.

I was kind of hoping that it would be the K.uK. Infanterie Regiment Nr.88 from the town named Beroun not too far from Prague .
Paul

 

[Devo]

AH infantry regiments had a number of specialty troops that would have been issued Stutzen, e.g. machine gun crews, so "88R" is not inappropriate on a Stutzen.

-Devo

 

[AndyB]

There is no number of the weapon, so is hard to determine which part of unit belonged it, 3 parts of unit were in Budweis stationed.

 

[paulslunecko]

There is no number of the weapon, so is hard to determine which part of unit belonged it, 3 parts of unit were in Budweis stationed.

From 1910 and including staff if you meant Nr.88 ? Were located in Ceske Budejovice (Budweis in engl).

 

[srinde]

I have an 1895 long rifle marked Kr22 on the butt. Any idea what that unit was ?

 

[Nick]

... Kr22 on the butt...

Like this, on the right hand side? If yes, that's a Polish mark.

 

[srinde]

Yes, it is on the left side of butt.

 

[Axis Arms]

Hey guys,
Thank you for all of the helpful information. The only other characteristic of this gun that I did not list is that it is duffle cut under the rear band.

What would be an approximate value for a gun like this? I am probably going to sell as I primarily collect Japanese WWII rifles and this just does not fit into my current collection.

 

[Nick]

Yes, it is on the left side of butt.

This is a Polish mark, but I am not sure of its exact meaning. Are there any other markings on the other side of the butt?

 

[sfoster]

They actually sell for $200-300 in 8x50r on Gunbroker. The finish is almost gone, but your rifle has a beautiful walnut stock, not especially common. Other than that, there is of course bore condition.

People ask for much more at times, but they stay unsold for a very long time. Its up to you to decide how long you want to wait, buy what you set your price at. You can also start higher, and gradually lower it as the auctions go by. Its a real game of strategy.