MM Park Bulgaria

Description

Bulgarian Steyr M95 rifle.

Manufacturer / main description

Bulgarian Steyr M95 rifle.

Designation: Steyr M95 repeating rifle
Country of origin: Austro-Hungarian Empire (manufacture) / Bulgaria (use)
Manufacturer: Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft (Steyr)
Design date: 1895
Period of use: c. 1896 – 1930s
Calibre: 8×50 mm R Mannlicher (later sometimes 8×56 mm R after conversion)
System: Manually operated Mannlicher straight-pull bolt
Feed: 5-round en-bloc clip
Length: c. 127 cm
Barrel: c. 76 cm

Description

The Steyr M95 rifle is one of the emblematic models of the late 19th century, recognizable by its straight-pull bolt, a major innovation allowing a faster rate of fire than traditional rotating bolts. It is fed by an en-bloc clip, inserted entirely into the magazine and automatically ejected through the bottom when empty.

The example shown bears the “M.95” marking as well as the Bulgarian royal coat of arms, attesting to its adoption and use by the Bulgarian army.


Initially designed for the Austro-Hungarian army, the Steyr M95 was widely distributed in Central and Eastern Europe.
Bulgaria, an ally of the Central Powers during the First World War, received M95 rifles through direct purchases, military deliveries and war captures. These weapons were used during the Balkan Wars and the First World War, then retained in service or reserve during the interwar period.


The Steyr M95 illustrates:

the rapid evolution of military armament at the end of the 19th century,

the mechanical innovation of the straight-pull bolt,

the circulation of weapons in Europe in a context of conflicts and alliances.

Versions marked for Bulgaria are of particular historical interest, testifying to the adaptation and longevity of this rifle beyond its country of origin.