Pretty rare M95

[Eaglelord17]

Hi all,

I recently acquired this rifle I thought I would share with you. It is a Bulgarian M95. Ya I know these aren't exactly common but what makes it rare? Well this one is still in the original caliber (8x50r) and is all matching except for the bolt (which is still a Bulgarian Contract bolt). To top it off this one is part of the 1903 contract manufactured by Steyr (which was the earliest contract). This rifle had the potential to be captured (as if it wasn't it wouldn't be in the original caliber) in either the First Balkan War, Second Balkan War, and WWI. Unfortunately after going over it with a fine tooth comb I have turned up no capture markings. There is no hints as to who captured it personally I am leaning towards Greece or Romania as I doubt it was Serbia as if it was it likely would have been converted to 8mm Mauser (to the M95/24 standard).

Well now for some pictures of this rifle.






That is the stock Cartouche which is still visible but pretty faint 112 years later.


Typical Bulgarian contract writing, showing the date and factory of manufacture


Stock serial number with the cartouche just above it


Bulgarian crest on the receiver. Note the foot holding up the rifle for a better picture


Bulgarian contract bolt with the gas vent hole (closer to the receiver). Also note the stamped numbers on the bolt handle, something the Bulgarians wanted for the contract (unfortunately not matching to the rifle).


Typical Bulgarian contract rear sight with the numbers on both sides, personally I feel this is much neater looking than the standard M95 rear sight (which seems kinda crammed on one side). Also interesting to note 600 schritt is approximately 420M, so the minimum sight setting before the combat sight is 420M.

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