All,

I enjoyed reading the posts on the 6.5x54 M-S that I went out and bought one...Actually, I've always wanted one, and I hunt in one of the Western New York counties that just opened up for rifle hunting and needed a new toy to celebrate.

I should receive the rifle next week and just had a few questions.

1. What are the dates of manufacture for the 1903? The best I can determine is 1903 - 1939. Correct? Is there a source for dates of manufacture by serial #?

2. Does anyone have a source for RWS 6.5x54 ammo?

3. Mine has the original factory sights. Is it practical to put on a receiver sight? Were the sights regulated for a certain load? Are they easily adjustable?

4. I'm familiar with the basic operation of a double set trigger, but haven't used one before. Any hints or suggestions?

Thanks,

Matt

There is a web-site dedicated to the Mannlicher-Schoenauer....I will try to find it for you.
Alex

Alex,

Thanks, I found this site -

http://discover-net.net/kanotex/mannlicher

Is that the one you had in mind? Good pictures, some good info, but not everything I was looking for.

Appreciate your help!

Matt

The correct link ishttp://discover-net.net/~kanotex/mannlicher/

I left out the "~" in my last post

Hi Matt,

another site is http://www.mannlicher.org

The M1903 Mannlicher was made officially from 1903 until 1939. Subsequent production post WWII was from 1950 until 1966 for 6.5x54mm carbines. Some were made during WWII for specific Nazi persons, but those are found few and far between.

The RWS ammo is near impossible to find here in the USA. If you are in North America, your only recourse is gun show prices, or load it yourself with brass available via several resellers. The 6.5x54mm is a simple cartridge to reload, and plenty of data is available.

The factory sites are set for "standard" M1903 dta, which was with the 156 grain bullet. Iron sites are simple, but VERY hard to find today (2005). You are better off finding a Griffin & Howe side mount and going for a scope today.

A double set trigger is a gem, once you become used to it. Just pull on the rear set rigger as you throw the carbine into your shoulder, and stroke the front firing trigger when you are on target. Takes practice, but it really works. I have used a M1903 carbine for deer for the last 15 years, and it really works!!!! The carbine really did its job in Texas and Florida, never did get it in front of a deer in New York.

LLS

Oh, I forgot to add, http://www.mannlicher.org is the website for The Mannlicher Collectors Association

LLS