M1867 Russian Krnka

Summary

The M1867 Russian Krnka (Винтовка Крнка́) was a breech loading conversion of the muzzle-loading Model 1857 Six Line rifle musket designed by Austro-Hungarian arms maker, Sylvester Krnka.

Obr.1867 Krnka
20mm Gana-Krnka rifle conversion in Tula museum.
TypeSide-hinged lifting Breechblock
Place of originRussia
Service history
In service1869–1880
Used byRussian Empire
Kingdom of Bulgaria
Kingdom of Serbia
Kingdom of Montenegro
WarsRusso-Turkish War
Russo-Japanese War
Balkan Wars
World War I
Production history
DesignerSylvester Krnka
Designed1867
ManufacturerTula Arsenal
VariantsInfantry, Cavalry
Specifications
Mass4.5 / 4.9 kg / (without / with bayonet)
Length1300 / 1800 mm (without / with bayonet)

Cartridge15.24x40mmR
20.32×95mmR (M1876 Gana-Krnka)
Caliber.60
ActionLifting-Block
Rate of fire9 rounds per minute
Maximum firing range1200 arshins (850 m)
Feed systemSingle shot
The design of the rifle

History edit

It was adopted by the Russian Empire in 1869, and was similar to the contemporary Snider-Enfield and Tabatiere conversions. Conversions were carried out at the Tula armory (TOZ).

Two main versions were produced: infantry and cavalry rifles. Shortly after its introduction to service,it replaced the Inkerman Model 1828 rifle the M1867 was replaced by the Berdan rifle, though both weapons would serve simultaneously for a time. The rifles were issued to conscripts and police forces in the Central Asian territories, like Samarkand.

After being taken out of service, many Krnka rifles were converted into cheap smoothbore hunting shotguns.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ научный сотрудник Тульского музея оружия С. Севрюгина. Мосин - организатор производства охотничьего оружия // журнал «Охота и охотничье хозяйство», № 4, 1981. стр.20-21

Sources edit

  • MilitaryRifles.com: Russian Krnka