The original Steyr-made Y1903 (Y stands for model in Greek), started being supplied in 190607 to a total of about 130,000 long rifles and carbines.

Following the introduction of smokeless powder in the Lebel rifle at the end of the century, the Steyr factory worked on new Mannlicher designs, using more effective modern cartridges.

These were offered for the consideration of the Austro-Hungarian Army, for export to other armies and for the civilian market.

The rifle action was designed by Ferdinand Mannlicher and the rotary magazine by his protg Otto Schnauer of the sterreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft (Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company; now Steyr Mannlicher).

While the more famous Mannlicher M1895 used the less common straight-pull bolt, the MannlicherSchnauer had a conventional turn-bolt, more reminiscent of the Gewehr 88 and other typical military bolt-action rifles.

The MannlicherSchnauer may be identified by the split in the rear of the receiver which allows the bolt handle to pass through, and double as an emergency locking lug when closed, in case of failure of the primary locking lugs.

The characteristic that sets this design apart from others of the era though was the innovative Schnauer rotating spool magazine.

The original design, introduced at the World Fair as the Model 1900, allowed the development of either service or sport versions depending on market response.

While small sporting concerns, such as William Evans of London, purchased actions for their rifles, only the Greek Army expressed interest in the design for military use.

Their specifications may have dictated some of the rifles characteristics.

The Greek Army requested two main versions, one long rifle of 1230 mm (this length is the total length of the arm, not the barrel) length and a carbine of 950 mm (length of arm, not barrel) length for use by cavalry and non-infantry troops.

The weight was around 3.75 kg, the magazine capacity was five rounds and was fed by a stripper clip system, or by single rounds if need arose.

The 6.554mm MS cartridge had traits of a hunting round; even though it had a projectile with a rounded point, it was ballistically efficient, improving accuracy at moderate ranges.

The rotary magazine contributed to the smooth feeding and high rate of fire without jamming.

The rifle was manufactured to high a standard and was made with tight tolerances, raising costs but improving reliability and durability.

The 1903 MannlicherSchnauer carbines light recoil, familiar iron sightssimilar to those of the Mannlicher M1895; graduated up to 2000 mand its quick-handling properties brought it widespread praise.

Service history edit The military MannlicherSchnauer was not commercially successful, in the sense that it did not attract many contracts for export.

The unusual design and calibre, the high quality, high cost, and the fact that no major power adopted it, contributed to the results.

The MannlicherSchnauer M1903 though fulfilled the specifications of the Greek Army and the first major contract was signed by the Greek Government in 1903.

This contract was part of a major modernisation plan; until then the Greeks were using single-shot, black powderGras rifles.

Most of the Greek Gras were made by the Steyr factory and that might partly explain how Mannlicher advertised their new design.

The MannlicherSchnauer rifle was the main small arm for the Greek military for some of the most active years of its modern history.

Greece was almost continuously in state of war between the years 19041922 and 19401948.

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