Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft M.1886 Kropatschek Infantry Rifle, Portuguese Contract, 8x60R, 32.6 in Barrel, 8-Round Tubular Magazine (1886)
This Portuguese Contract M.1886 Kropatschek Infantry Rifle was built by OEWG Steyr in 1886 and chambered in 8x60R Kropatschek. It features the 8-round under-barrel tubular magazine with the Kropatschek elevator feed and retains its original M1886 configuration without the later M1886/89 handguard update. Clear Portuguese royal cypher 'L I' and OEWG Steyr 1886 markings underscore its contract provenance and 19th-century manufacture.
Collectors will appreciate the rifle's as-issued infantry layout: a 32.6 inch barrel, bayonet mounting hardware at the nosecap, and a full-length cleaning rod. The distinctive trigger guard with a forward finger-rest spur, straight bolt handle with round knob, bottom sling swivels with a D-ring at the toe, and steel buttplate are present as described. A leather sling is installed.
Markings include OEWG Steyr 1886 and 'M.1886' on the receiver alongside the Portuguese royal cypher 'L I'. The rifle was produced in Austria-Hungary for Portuguese service during the 1880s. Bolt components carry different assembly numbers than the receiver.
Sighting is via iron sights with a barleycorn post front and a ladder/tangent rear. The walnut stock pairs with a steel receiver, and the rifle has a 13.0 inch length of pull. As an antique, it represents a key transitional repeating bolt-action design of its era within Portuguese service arms.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Given the rifle's age, it presents very well for its period. The exterior shows heavy evidence of past use and handling consistent with service.
What’s Included
- Leather sling (installed)
- Full-length steel cleaning rod (installed)
This M.1886 retains the original infantry configuration, not the M1886/89 update with an upper handguard. It uses the Kropatschek elevator to feed from an 8-round tubular magazine beneath the barrel, matching the configuration referenced for Portuguese contract rifles of the period.