For Sale: Mannlicher Schoenauer Model 1908 Carbine

Mannlicher Schoenauer Model 1908 bolt action carbine chambered in 8x56mm. Manufactured by Oesterreich Waffenfabrik-Gesellschaft in Steyr, Austria and Austrian proofed in 1927. Features a straight butterknife bolt handle; double set triggers; five-shot spool/rotary magazine; full-length, oil-finished, checkered stock with raised cheek piece; serrated steel butt plate with trapdoor; and 50 cm (19 ¾ inch) barrel with ramped blade front sight and two-leaf rear sight. The Gerard Landlicht 23 4 ½ X scope is period correct and its ‘H. BARELLA, BERLIN – FRANKFURT A/M’ marking matches that on the barrel. Most likely, H. (Heinrich) Barella is the firm that originally sold this firearm in Germany.

The Mannlicher Schoenauer Model 1908 carbine presented here has matching serial numbers on the barrel, receiver, bolt handle, trigger housing, and trigger guard. Assembly number ‘29’ is found on the cocking handle, trigger housing, and a few other small parts. The proof markings indicate that this proof was the 814thperformed by the Austrian Proof House in 1927. thus the rifle is very likely late production for 1926 or early 1927. The receiver is among the last marked with ‘OESTERR WAFFENFABR – GES STEYR’ on the left side as, at some later point in 1927, the marking changed to Steyr Werke A.G. There are too many proof and manufacturing markings to list here, please refer to the photos.

The blue finish is even throughout the metal surfaces, some highpoint wear is present. Minor handling marks and small areas of oxidation are also present. The upper sling ring is missing, the barrel is retained with a pin at this location, and the stock, where the rear swivel should be located, has been capped with a brass plate. Another old modification was made underneath the barrel towards the muzzle and corresponding location on the stock, see pictures. The bore is bright, shiny and clean with defined rifling. The scope optics are clear.

See pictures for overall condition. FFL or C&R required for purchase.