Quote:

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The 9.5mm's set trigger does not function. At some point in the distant future I will get a competent gunsmith have a look at it and see if it can be restored.
The serial numbers on my two rifles are:

8x56 MS - Steyr MS model 1908 - SN2874

9.5x57 MS - Steyr MS model 1910 - SN853

What sort of age or manufacturers year would these serial numbers conrrespond to?

As previously mentioned both rifles are a lot longer than I expected.
For the 9.5mm, a 270 gr Round Nose, perhaps a Woodleigh Weldcore if they make RN's.

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The single and double set triggers of the 'prewar' MS rifles and carbines interchange. If you can find an original 'prewar' MS trigger of either the single or DST in good condition (or new), it's a 'drop in' replacement.

To determine the age of your MS, go by the proof number. Disassemble the rifle using proper fitting (thin bladed) screwdrivers (see instructions below), look for this:



The example shown above (picture swiped from the 'net) was Austrian proofed (at Vienna) in 1907. On Austrian proofed examples the number after the 'period' is the last two digits of the year proofed.



On the rifle above the '39.' indicates a German proof of 1939. Examples built or reproofed during the German occupation of Austria, or Anschluss (1938 - 45) bear such marks.

Mannlicher Schönauer rifles and carbines were available, on custom order, in several barrel lengths.



Disassembly instructions (from Mannlicher Collector's Assoc.):

Dissasembly of a full stock Mannlicher Schönauer:

Remove the bolt by pressing the bolt stop on the left side of the receiver and pulling the bolt all the way clear.

Remove the magazine by pushing a wooden pencil against the hole in the aft end of the floor plate and rotating the floor plate 90 degrees

When you have the floor plate rotated, pull out on the magazine assembly and remove the magazine.

With a narrow screw driver, unscrew the screws that hold the trigger guard in place. Be sure to use screw drivers that match the slots in the screws!!!!

Rotate the trigger guard 90 degrees when removing the aft screw, then lift the trigger guard free. Under the trigger guard you gain access to the second action screw, the one at the rear end of the action, remove it, then go to the large action screw in front of the magazine.

The large action screw is removed as per any Mauser style receiver

Remove the forward sling swivel bail by unscrewing the bail from the stock

(A) Will have to remove the nose cap from the stock also. A very small screw and a very small piece. Be Very Careful here!!

Now, just tap the muzzle and all should fall out.

You have taken down your Mannlicher. Reassemble in reverse order.

Note, step (A) only applies to full stock examples. It is not necessary with a half stock rifle or carbine as neither has a nose cap.