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. | |
| Type | Side-hinged lifting Breechblock |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1869–1880 |
| Used by | Russian Empire Kingdom of Bulgaria Kingdom of Serbia Kingdom of Montenegro |
| Wars | Russo-Turkish War Russo-Japanese War Balkan Wars World War I |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Sylvester Krnka |
| Designed | 1867 |
| Manufacturer | Tula Arsenal |
| Variants | Infantry, Cavalry |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4.5 / 4.9 kg / (without / with bayonet) |
| Length | 1300 / 1800 mm (without / with bayonet) |
| Cartridge | 15.24x40mmR 20.32×95mmR (M1876 Gana-Krnka) |
| Caliber | .60 |
| Action | Lifting-Block |
| Rate of fire | 9 rounds per minute |
| Maximum firing range | 1200 arshins (850 m) |
| Feed system | Single shot |
History
editIt 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- ^ научный сотрудник Тульского музея оружия С. Севрюгина. Мосин - организатор производства охотничьего оружия // журнал «Охота и охотничье хозяйство», № 4, 1981. стр.20-21