Yesterday's Weapons Forums

I've previously posted (on the old board) regarding this rifle. Some had speculated about the possibility of it being a Czech re-work. Recently, a discussion surfaced on Gunboards in the Mannlicher, Steyr, Black Powder Forum regarding the significance of sight protectors on M95's.

I therefore posted links to photographs of my 1914 Budapest M1895 Infantry rifle. My original post read:

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What kind of sight protectors, would you call these?? It comes off an Infantry rifle, with no crest on the receiver, but does bear the side rail markings, Budapest 1914. The sight protectors are, like a form of spring steel, which is removable. More detailed photo's of this rifle may be viewed at:

http://tinyurl.com/2wwx3s

I'm curious, as the rifle makes me wonder. This is a rifle I picked up several years ago from Century Arms liquidation of the old Springfield Sporter, Inc.
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Some of the replies I got, can be read at:

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread. ... #post26156

One said:

you have an Austrian M95/30 type that has a new 1938 Austrian barrell and escaped being cut down into a carbine. As such, that's a pretty scarce combination, not to mention the front sight cover.

Another said:

Wow. Interesting rifle. Definitely uncommon in that configuration with the sight protector. The Budapest 1914 receiver on an Austrian rework is really interesting for me. Likely part of the Bulgarian contract that was never delivered by pressed into Austrian service during and after the war. It has a lot of history.

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I'd like to hear some of your thoughts.

Chuck

Your link is asking for a "Guest Password"

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It's 5 o'clock and it's watermelon time.....................
because you can't drink beer & load rockets - TXPete

Sorry unable to see the photo also!

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Mark

Resident of the Northern Republic of Free California

"People should not be afraid of their Government, the Government should be afraid of the people." - V

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote" - Ben Franklin

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Mark

Resident of the Northern Republic of Free California

"People should not be afraid of their Government, the Government should be afraid of the people." - V

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote" - Ben Franklin

I have a cut down with similar sight protector set up. Mine is odd in that it was cut to carbine length but retains bottom swivels, no bayo lug or stacking hook. Mine is still in 8X50r with a 1915 barrel date

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It's 5 o'clock and it's watermelon time.....................
because you can't drink beer & load rockets - TXPete

If this rifle came from Bulgaria as surplus as so many did, it didn't necessarily have to be reworked last circa 1939-40. The M95's were used as line weapons through WW2, but were also used extensively for training and second-line purposes as late as the 1980's.

I don't know anything specifically about the stock and sight protector configuration. What I have a gut feeling about is that the sight protector just has a 1950's ComBloc look about it.

Bruce

I think I need to examine your rifle closer! So send it to me please!!

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Mark

Resident of the Northern Republic of Free California

"People should not be afraid of their Government, the Government should be afraid of the people." - V

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote" - Ben Franklin

Don, I haven't done it but it looks like the sight 'ears' almost kind of 'snap-fit' around a band. I'll have to try to take them off to find out for sure but is they aren't why would a carbine have a longer rifle sight?

G-Man, this one isn't import marked & I bought it from an old timer at a show, said it had been kicking around his closet forever.

Mark, I would be happy to send it to you but the Mrs. threatened to 'cut me off' if I did

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It's 5 o'clock and it's watermelon time.....................
because you can't drink beer & load rockets - TXPete

Oh man--I hate it when that happens!!

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Mark

Resident of the Northern Republic of Free California

"People should not be afraid of their Government, the Government should be afraid of the people." - V

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote" - Ben Franklin

If any off yall decide to make a few of those fancy front site protectors or run across a supply of them I would be interested. Course they would have to be easy on and easy off so no one would accuse me of heresy if they saw them on my rifles but they would be handy for knocking about and improved site picture

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"If it killed them 150 years ago it will still kill them today. " (Response to a question about black powder fire arms)