Steyr (Krobatschek)

agostino

A friend has a Steyr model 1886 for which he's asking $350.00. From what I've read, the asking price for a short rifle in very good/fine condition like his is fair. But I assume it's in 8X50R since it has no markings to suggest it's been rechambered. Is this round different from the 8X50R Lebel? If so, where can you find it? Thanks.

rufe-snow

The 8 X 60 Kropatschek is not the same as the 8 X 50 Lebel.

Dimensions are close in everything except case length. The case length of the Kropatschek, is 3/8"+ longer, than the Lebel. Because it was originally a black powder cartridge.

agostino

Please re-read what I wrote. The Steyr is 8X50R, not 8X60R. At least from my reading.

charliemeyer007

I think the 8x60 is correct for a krobatschek. I would want a chamber cast.

Price seems high to me as a shooter.

Wiki says 8x50 but that's the only place so far. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kropatschek_rifle

8x56 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFUkqeUgaS0

8x60 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uileDZXJo_w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhaY3pa1oio

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by agostino
Please re-read what I wrote. The Steyr is 8X50R, not 8X60R. At least from my reading.


Rechecked my data in, "Rifles of the World", by John Walter. The Model 1886 Short Rifle, was made for the Portuguese treasury guards. 4,800, were made by Steyr. 8 X 60R black powder cartridge.

amparts

Original issue ammo is still to be found, both wood bullet blank and FMJ in paper wrapped 10 round packets.

agostino

Standard Catalog of Military Firearms also says 8X50R, but the rifle pictured in it shows an obvious Mannlicher action. This one has a tube magazine, no mag that protrudes beneath the stock, that loads through the open bolt and below the chamber. It's an interesting piece.

rufe-snow

Portuguese Kropatschek.

agostino

According to a thread on a collecting site, this gun was chambered for 8X60R, a BP round, but it is safe to fire with 8X56R smokeless. The action appears strong enough, but I'd like to know if anyone has any experience with it.

amparts

The two rounds are NOT the same, look at either photos or drawings for your own info.

agostino

My confusion stems from the fact that there is an 8X56R Kropatschek round which is not the same as the better known 8X56R round used by Steyr. The K. round is made by reloaders from .348 Winchester brass. It is the smokeless replacement for the 8X60R black powder cartridge.