M1886 Kropatschek Short Rifle

[Low & Slow]

Kind of interesting mix between the two. The 71/84 used the 1878 French Naval Kropatschek's mag tube, lifter and cut-off, while the Portuguese 1886 model used the 71/84's bolt, and had an up-graded mag cut-off.

[oldfoneguy]

Kind of interesting mix between the two. The 71/84 used the 1878 French Naval Kropatschek's mag tube, lifter and cut-off, while the Portuguese 1886 model used the 71/84's bolt, and had an up-graded mag cut-off.

Indeed it was an interesting period of development for this style firearm at that time. I think the difference between the 11mm to 8mm made the Kropatschek more viable for service well into the 20th century. Very few of 71/84 were still in European service by WWI whereas the Kropatschek was on the early war battlefield in Angola as the Vergueiro-Mauser hadn't fully replaced the Kropatschek in the colonies yet. Not that it should have been as it was going against stripper fed rifles.

[Low & Slow]

It seems they tried to rig a sort of Kings loading gate on them at one point, but it never worked out.

[jamie5070]

C&Rsenal did an episode on the kropatschek rifles. I've had one for close to 50 years, even picked up a 1000 rd case of blanks with the idea of reloading them with bullets. I never got around to it as the brass on the blanks look odd. Not like the original ball ammo I have. I think they mat be reloads made into blanks. All the packs I have opened are of mixed head stamps.