Männlicher Schönauer Gas Venting

bobsmyuncle · Dec 3, 2015

Hello All,

I am a first time rifle buyer. I have done an inordinate amount of reading on vintage Steyr Mannlicher Schoenauer bolt action rifles, and I am enchanted and seduced by their beauty. These seem like wonderful firearms and I was getting quite excited to purchase one.

However, I have recently read that the bolts on these rifles have inadequate venting that can lead to a dangerous jet of gas in the shooter's face if there is a pierced primer or ruptured cartridge case.

I must admit this has scared me off buying one of these rifles, but I would love the input of the HighRoad community. Am I just being a "nervous nellie" here, or is there some justification in my being leery?

Many thanks for your help and advice!!

Molasses · Dec 5, 2015

Been a bit of a non-issue for me, but then I've never experienced a pierced primer or ruptured cartridge case spitting stuff back through a rifle action, either.

I expect my outlook would be a bit different if that event were to ever happen.

So. I pulled one out of the safe and took a quick look. Found one (small) vent hole in the side of the bolt body.

Grabbed Frank de Haas' Bolt Action Rifles off the shelf and skimmed his chapter on the M-S. Found mention of the small vent hole and that's all he had to say on the subject, including the portion where discussing strengths/weaknesses of the design.

Can't speak for anyone but myself, but:
I think I'll just continue using mine while keeping my current habits of using non-sketchy ammo, of both glancing at fired primers at the range and at the business end of firing pins while cleaning and especially, of always wearing proper eyewear when shooting.

Sunray · Dec 5, 2015

"...just being a "nervous nellie"..." Yep. Like Molasses says, never seen nor heard of anybody having a ruptured case that wasn't caused by operator failure.

briansmithwins · Dec 6, 2015

Ruptured cases aren't going to be as much of a problem with modern ammo.

I'd wear eye protection when shooting it, but I wear eye pro whenever I shoot anyway.

BSW

bobsmyuncle · Dec 6, 2015

Thanks very much

Thanks very much everyone for your advice and perspective. Most helpful.

I guess shooting one of these old guns is a bit like driving an old car without airbags, of which I have done plenty! Somehow I am still alive... Also spot on advice, of course, to always wear eye and ear protection.

Once again many thanks for your contributions!

Jackal · Dec 6, 2015

You should be wearing eye protection when shooting ANY gun. I never used to, until a case head separation occurred with my Ishy Enfield.... Getting your cheek bloodied and eye pelted with slag is no fun...

243winxb · Dec 6, 2015

A 1903 Springfield spritzed me in the face from a defective primer, years ago. Things happen, even with factory ammo. http://s338.photobucket.com/user/joe1944usa/slideshow/Firearms%20%20and%20%20Reloading/KABOOM Photo not my 30-06, but looked the same as photo.

[/URL][/IMG] Not common.

Männlicher Schönauer Gas Venting

bobsmyuncle

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Molasses

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Sunray

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briansmithwins

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bobsmyuncle

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Jackal

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243winxb

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