Another ugly one: Dutch Mannlicher 303 Conversion

[Aragorn243]

I've been pesting Mike for several years for this and he finally decided to part with it. I don't know much about these as not a whole lot out there on them. Converted by Indonesia in the early 50's so they could continue to use them with available ammunition as the Dutch ammo ended production. Conversion involved shortening the barrels, reboring them to 303 British and installing a flash suppressor/bayonet lug on the end. I have no idea what bayonet it takes. I had thought the British bayonets would work but they do not. No idea on sling either.

I cleaned it up a bit today and fixed the cracks but that's about all I'm going to do with it. Some bad pitting under the wood but I expect it's still safe to shoot. Bore is pretty nice.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

There is something in the back of my tired brain about a "simpler" version, without the fancy muzzle device getting around.

The .303 and 6.5 x 53R are very similar in overall length and of almost identical rim diameter.

Th only downside is the requirement of the original to use the special curved chargers that hold five rounds. The model shown above seems to retain that feature.

There is, apparently, also an Australian connection, with Lithgow apparently having made .303 barrels for the 1895 actions, for either the Colonial Dutch or the Indonesians post independence, but I understand that these were issued as single-shot carbines. Can someone with more knowledge of this exotica bring us up to speed, please.

The original Dutch / Romanian 6.5 x 53R is basically a rimmed 6.5 x 54 Mannlicher Schoennauer, so, no slouch as a "game" cartridge.

I keep having naughty thoughts about building one on a Lee Enfield action.

[Aragorn243]

There are several versions from what I can gather. This one, a second one similar to this one only with a rubber buttplate similar to the British No5 and one that retains the original rifle configuration, just rechambering to 303.

[boltaction]

I wonder if an Arisaka bayonet might fit? Indonesia had to have had a lot of Japanese stuff left over at the end of the war......

[gsimmons]

Try a British P1907 bayonet.

[browningautorifle]

an Arisaka bayonet

No, the barrel ring will be way higher than that.

P1907 bayonet

I should think so also, but he says British doesn't work. Long bayonet lug...

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Depending on when this was done, my guess is a Tokarev bayonet.

The Soviets provided a LOT of material assistance to the budding Sukarno government in the 1950's, including SVT 40 Tokarev rifles.

The bayonets for these are rarely seen in these parts, but it would be interesting to find out if one fits.

[Aragorn243]

All the common bayonets that I have in my chest of drawers beside me does not fit.

The lug is wider than anything I've tried, the muzzle is also larger than most. It also has a long span between muzzle and lug.

Tried the obvious, Dutch bayonets. They don't fit either. I have the two major types, but both lock into the lug upside down.

I'm thinking this probably takes the "unknown" Dutch modified bayonet Carl has on his website.

[mmppres]

It looks good cleaned up even a little bit. Just think of all the odd old looking crazy types of firearms that are hanging around in my garage.

[P246]

Bet she kicks like a No 5. Thanks for pics, interesting conversion.