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What is the consensus of the quality of the Steyr Mannlicher as opposed to the Mannlicher-Schoenauer? I have one of each, a MCA Shoenauer(1965) and a Steyr Luxus(1978)

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To increase the quandary, how about adding a pre WW2 Mannlicher Schoenauer to the mix? The MS 1903, 1905, 1908, 1910 and 1924 'Sequoia' made prior to the 1938 Anschluss are reputed to have actions far smoother than those of later manufacture.

I have never handled a post WW2 or Anschluss Mannlicher, so I cannot attest to the difference, but I can tell you that my 'prewar' M1910 Takedown lives up to the reputation of Mannlicher Schoenauer as being possibly the smoothest action ever on a production firearm.

With rifle held level, bolt open and trigger pulled, if the muzzle is lowered (even gradually) the bolt will close and lock itself as if skating on melted butter. The Schoenauer magazine is flawless in its operation, provided it is fed cartridges of the proper profile.

Also, the later editions did not have the slot for loading by 'stripper clip'. On the 'prewar' models, loading the Schoenauer magazine takes one smooth push of one's thumb after placing a loaded 'stripper' in the groove. Simple, fast, efficient.

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