Curious, what are the opinions on the pros and cons of a Mannlicher-style stock? Just aesthetics?

I read once that they were developed originally in Alpine areas. It was to protect the thin short barrel while climbing or otherwise scurring around the rocks. Don't know how true that is but never heard any other tale.

I like them pretty well but I can't think of a genuine reason they're necessary in most North American hunting.

I have a hard time envisioning any real substantive purpose, seems likes aesthetics to me.

Tradition. Goes back to flintlock and before days. fullstocked guns were the norm. Really has no bearing on todays gun other than it's a nod to tradition and they just plain look better .

Bill

Thre original meaning of carbine!

Aesthically they look excellenet.

And if put together right they shoot god too!

Sometimes aesthetics are reason enough.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Curious, what are the opinions on the pros and cons of a Mannlicher-style stock? Just aesthetics?

I really like the appearance and the carbine flavor of these handy little rifles. I've been very reluctant to build one as I'm concerned about accuracy problems and stock warpage. I have no experience as a result. but damn.....they still look great to me.

quote:

I've been very reluctant to build one as I'm concerned about accuracy problems and stock warpage.

I have an old 1903 Mannlicher Sch in 6.5X54mm. Accurate as hell!



I am not sure how to dispell with the problems people experience, but I have another mannlicher stocked Mannlicher in a 1950 model and it has no issues either. I actually have more problems with a 1956 model due to the barreld banded section on the front swivel. Still it shoots ~2 inch at 100 meters.

Forrest,

That's a great looking Mannlicher style rifle, it's worthy of its own post if it hasn't already had one. Was it built by Duane Wiebe? Looks like it might have a full length barrel rib and perhaps no butt plate? I've been considering have a full stock rifle commissioned with a checkered butt rather than a plate. I think the lack of a butt plate adds to the racey lines of this type of rifle.

Best regards,

Another Forrest B.

As Will would say, that's picture's had more internet exposure than Brittany Spears. I just troll the hunting forums looking for opportunities to post it again and again. It's my all-time favorite rifle picture.

(It was built by Wiebe and does have an integral rib)

Muzzle loaders and military rifles were mostly full stock. It's just a hold over from that. If you want a tack driving shooting machine stay away. If you want one of the best looking (when properly done!) minute of deer, woods rifles then they fit the bill.

I disagree on the minute of deer comment. I think the words here should be, "be wary". If they are done right and bedded right then you will receive fine accuracy out of a fullstocked rifle. I have quite a few of them and all of them with good handloading will give less than 1" groups at 100 yards. However I've had a couple over the years that weren't so good when I got them and usually some time on the bench to correct inletting faults has always corrected their poor grouping.

Bill

As stated above, military rifles have always had long stocks to protect the barrel. The "mannlicher" style is evolution of the 1871 and 1888 carbines used by the Austrian cavalry.

The key to accuracy with a full length stock is equal pressure around the barrel. It doesn't matter if it is free-floated, full length bedded or hand inletted. Some models, such as the Ruger 77RSI, use barrels that are too thin and a stock that is machine inletted. This combination causes uneven pressure changes as the barrel heats and cools.

If you use a sturdy barrel, quality wood and even inletting, you will have no accuracy issues.

quote:

Originally posted by banzaibird:
I disagree on the minute of deer

By that I mean accuracy acceptable for most woods deer hunting. Alot of people here are accuracy nuts (not that there is anything wrong with that). Every type of rifle has its advantages and disadvantages. I really like Mannlichers but they are prone to problems with stock warpage. Most have a shorter barrel which tends to be stiffer so if the stock isn't causing problems they have the potential of excellent accuracy.

I have several full stocked Mannlicher carbines, and most will shoot into an inch or better, BUT, I have disposed of the ones that have not achieved the standard, and that goes for a significant number of Mannlichers over 30 years! The Most Accurate of the bunch has proven to be the Remington Custom Shop M7 (MS). I have two, a 7mm-08 and a .260. Both will shoot under an inch all day with the right ammo. I suspect that the image of the "inaccurate" Mannlicher stocked rifle came more from battered and worn pre WWII carbines as brought home by GIs than anything else.
LLS
Mannlicher Collector

ForestB
NICE rifle.

I have had 3 full stocked rifles.
2 Steyr Mannlicher carbines in 308. I still have one. Both were very accurate.
My Blaser K 95 Stutzen in 308 is the most accurate hunting rifle I have ever owned.

A friend had a SAKO full stock rifle in 308. It too was a great shooter.