Steyr M95

After episode 102 I started having a bit of a look at these.
This is a useful forum page which sets out some information about deciphering the serial numbers and unit markings:
http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?55001-Serial-Numbering-amp-Unit-Markings-on-A-H-Army-Mannlichers
It seems there is no store of records and so people have to work backwards from the rifles they have.
I don't think you have to be a member there to view however I'll post the most interesting bit below as a copy and paste:

Prez1981
Prez1981 is offline Senior Member

Join Date
   Jan 1970
Posts
   911

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   Of my rifles/stutzen that I still have pictures of, the following have the dot after the serial number. All are matching and none appear to be reworks. (added a couple more on 7-27-08)
   M95 Stutzen 1910 Budapest- B-serial block
   M95 Rifle 1914 Steyr - W-serial block
   M95 Rifle 1915 Steyr - S-serial block
   M95 Rifle 1916 Steyr - F-serial block
   M95 Rifle 1916 Steyr - M-serial block
   M95 Cavalry Carbine 1917 Steyr - F-serial block
   M95 Stutzen Carbine 1917 Steyr - M-serial block
   M95 Karbine Stutzen 1918 Steyr - U-serial block

   I also have information or have the following rifles with late serial block rifles:
   M95 Rifle 1915 Steyr - X serial block
   M95 Rifle 1915 Steyr - Z-serial block
   M95 Rifle 1915 Steyr - X serial block
   M95 Rifle 1916 Steyr - Y-serial block

   These are the serial number blocks of the following years that I have recorded in my database. The list is by no means complete and any additional serial number/model additions would be appreciated.
   1918 Date Serial Number Blocks Observed:
   Carbine
   Steyr: D,H,N,Q,R,T,W
   Budapest: B,C,D,E,F,R,U,Z

   1919 Date Serial Number Blocks Observed:
   Rifle - H,I,J
   Carbine - X

   1920 Date Serial Number Blocks Observed:
   Rifle - Y, Z
   Carbine - W,X,Y,Z? most are 8x56R reworks

   1921 Date Serial Number Blocks Observed:
   None reported so far

   Last edited by Prez1981; 07-28-2008 at 06:19 AM.

I'll go and try to have a look at this one which is a couple of hours away, in the 8x56R, not the 8x57mm Mauser that Ian mentions however:

description:
Steyr M95 straight pull in 8x56R
Serial no: 3437F
Matching straight pull bolt, action and woodwork. Very good bore. Would suit military club/collector.
$295

I don't know if they listened to the podcast but here is a recent advertisment from a seller here in Australia that has taken a photograph straight down into the reciever as Ian suggested, demonstrating the enbloc clip:




Description:
Steyr Manlicher M95 8x56r rifle No.2994 in very good condition for its age. No Rust.
This is a good example of a Steyr Long Rifle . Has straight pull bolt. Barrel, action, stock, & front Bayonet bracket No’s all match.
Price $435.00 including one loading clip
http://www.ozgunsales.com/listing/21747/Steyr_Manlicher_M95_8x56r_rifle_No2994_in_very_good_condition_for_its_age_No_Rust.html?PHPSESSID=2b2fdc45c24ffb4c140422758f2345fa

Did you ever go and take a look at that one?

Great follow up SWV!
Ian needs to join the forum!
And we need more members! Of course the more you get the more apt it can become wily.
So... we need more GOOD members.

Cornmastah wrote:Did you ever go and take a look at that one?

No, my current interest is the Martini-Henry in 577-450.  I don't have one yet but have just recieved some brass - that is a big case! Cases are not cheap at $AUD7 each!

It must be a frequency illusion however I am now seeing M95's all over the place.  Here is a long version in 8mm Lebel:

http://usedguns.com.au/Product.aspx?p=37512