Mannlicher shoenauer or Steyr model M

[jack243win]

Hi there,

I have just been granted a variation in .270.

I have been tempted by either the MS 24” barrel with quick release mounts and no scope, or a lovely model M for a little less, with a Swarovski 4x32, apel mounts and a leather slip included.

Does anyone have experience with either rifles?

I have narrowed my decision down to these two gorgeous rifles, as I am a big Steyr fan (proud owner of a CL) and love the aesthetics. I am torn between the two!

Any pros and cons of either I should consider before making up my mind?

Oh how I wish I could just buy them both

Thanks

 

[Apthorpe]

Good taste.

I've only used one of each type, a 1906 Modell1903 MS and a .243 Model M. You've got two good choices. It's hard to answer this without knowing how you intend to use it, nor without examining the rifles for condition. What sort of stalking will you be doing? And how accurate do you need it to be? If you are tempted by longer-range shots, then the Model M would probably be a better choice. Also whether you reload - I would run up fairly light loads in .270 for a MS.

I think I've spotted the options you're looking at on Guntrader. I think I'd go for the MS. I see you're up north, if you'd like me to take a look at the MS for you, will be happy for the excuse to visit a new-to-me gun shop. Feel free to PM about any of this rather poorly constructed reply.
MS:
Pro - Smoother action and exceptional build quality. The magazine. Single trigger (in this case, I think). You'll always be able to sell a .270 MS at a decent price. Definitely the better choice if using open sights or for running game abroad.
Con - not really designed for use with a scope. Light weight + recoil.

Model M:
Pro - better for use with a scope.
Cons - are you really going to use a 4x32? It's the cheaper follow-on model. Personally not so keen on the magazine arrangement.

If you've got a CL, then why not go for the greater contrast. (Sorry this is so badly written, my brain's not working very coherently today)

 

[MackayRSA]

Having used a model m in 270 for all my British stalking until the barrel gave up on me, here's a few points to consider:

Pros:

Very slick bolt movement. Probably one of the smoothest I've tried

Very accurate with the right load. Clover leaf groups at 200m was the norm

Really nice double set trigger. Not for everyone, but I loved it for relaxed shots when you can take your time. For quicker shots the normal trigger was also excellent

Perfect with an age appropriate 6x42 scope. I had a zeiss 1.5-6x42 on top and it never failed

Cons:
A real ammunition tart. Shot premium federal or federal fusion really well. Hated everything else. Someone gave me PPU and it grouped 8inch at 100m. Made life a lot easier when I started home loading

Re-barrelling was not an option for me. Costs associated were very high, and I was advised it wouldn't be one gunsmiths would want to work on. Didn't test this as I got rid when I left the UK.

The plastic trigger guard, mag housing and magazine can be a problem if broken. Some people say it feels cheap.

Spare mags are particularly hard to get hold of and are easily broken if dropped. If you do go this direction I may be able to source one/two for you.

I loved the rifle. Honestly, if I could have kept it when I emigrated I would have. Let me know what you choose!

 

[Heym SR20]

Mannlicher M is a good rifle let down by polymer magazine that is now 30 years old so prone to failure.

The youngest Mannlicher Schoeneur will be 50 plus years old, all steel built and if it is in unmessed condition as good as the day it was built. They are beautiful rifles, made by craftsmen. They only stopped making them as too expensive to make.

 

[Manu]

Hello.

I think they are two different things.

M.S is a classic rifle very worthy of collectors. It can be said that they were born with

live gunpowder

Mannlicher M is an excellent rifle, with an undesirable magazine.

You can use it without problems and you can also buy a spare part.

Greetings.

 

[jack243win]

 

[jack243win]

Thanks for the time taken to respond gents. I have attached photos of both rifles I am torn between. The MS being a couple hundred quid more, but without a scope. I’m very tempted to take the MS home with me!

 

[VSS]

Thanks for the time taken to respond gents. I have attached photos of both rifles I am torn between. The MS being a couple hundred quid more, but without a scope. I’m very tempted to take the MS home with me!

I know nothing about these rifles (other than the fact they're in a mighty fine calibre), but I would buy the one in the top photo just because it looks nicer!

 

[Ade8mm]

Both look great rifles. The MS bolt lugs are at the front, which apparently makes for better accuracy(?) On the model M the lugs are at the rear and engage the rear of the receiver .
That particular Model M has return to zero QD scope mounts which may have a bearing on your decision.
I am sure either will do you proud.

Ade

 

[jack243win]

Both look great rifles. The MS bolt lugs are at the front, which apparently makes for better accuracy(?) On the model M the lugs are at the rear and engage the rear of the receiver .
That particular Model M has return to zero QD scope mounts which may have a bearing on your decision.
I am sure either will do you proud.

Ade

The MA has a quick release mount, though I am not certain what kind of accuracy it can return. I am 80% sold for the MA, but just hope it is as practical as the model M. I have always wanted to swing off mounts.

 

[Ratel]

I have a model M Stutzen in 7x57 with apell swing off mounts, similar to the Stutzen shown. Mine looks to have been rebarreled as there are no open sights. No problems getting 1" groups. Results shown below.

 

[Manu]

Hi

I would always choose the M.S, except in this case.

The quick release mount should cost around £250, Swarovski Nova is a beautiful scope. (price?).

I wonder if I could get a vintage viewfinder for the M.S.

Best regards.

 

[jack243win]

Hi

I would always choose the M.S, except in this case.

The quick release mount should cost around £250, Swarovski Nova is a beautiful scope. (price?).

I wonder if I could get a vintage viewfinder for the M.S.

Best regards.

What makes you not want to choose the MS? Is that purely based on price ?

 

[Manu]

Hello.
A prejudice. A well-armed set, surely well calibrated like the M, I think will give you fewer complications.

To my taste, I would never put a modern scope on the M.S and wonder again if you'll get any vintage ones for that rifle;

On the other hand, I must say that it is fantastic.

I mean something like that.

Don't pay much attention to me.

Follow your taste!

Best Regards

 

[jack243win]

I intend on putting a kahles or Swarovski low power variable on (blued body)

I would never dream of putting a modern scope on such a classic

 

[Manu]

I intend on putting a kahles or Swarovski low power variable on (blued body)

I would never dream of putting a modern scope on such a classic

If so, I choose the M:S every day of the year!

Best regards.

 

[deeangeo]

Both are great rifles. The M though old is still good as long as the barrel is in good condition (Of course applies to both rifles) Much easier to scope with modern mounts & scope choices. As others have said, the plastic mag is prone to failure. Though mine lasted the complete life I had the rifle.
The MS are wonderfully made. Well crafted & in good condition really a collectors item. They shoot well too.
The down side of these has always been the split rear action and suitable scope mounts. It's a personal thing, - I really hate the side mount system. But it works!
For me a claw mount system on these rifles is much better, as long as the front mount is on the barrel & not the engraved front action.
It's a difficult choice to make if both are in good clean condition... Personally I'd probably choose the MS
Good luck

 

[Zulu999]

Hello.
A prejudice. A well-armed set

Interesting scope mount. What size is the front ring?