Mannlicher Model 1924 question

[Larry Braun]

Over the weekend I bought a M-S 1924 (Sequoia) in 30-06 that is fitted with M-S factory pinch front scope mounts. I have looked for further info on this model and can only find one reference to a 1924 with this mount. Does anyone have any info regarding how many of the 1000 1924's were scope equipped? I found that an unknown number were returned to M-S for re-barreling and modification into the model of 1925. There seems to be a lot of mis-or-contradictory-information about this model. Any help would be appreciated.

I have queried the Mannlicher collectors Assoc. but they were unable to help and I am beginning to think that this is pretty rare as Mannlichers go. I would post photos but I haven't been able to since the Photobucket debacle.
Thanks, Larry

[Axel E]

I have one of those "sent back" M1924 Mannlicher – Schoenauers, Steyr serial number 299, with a K. Kahles , Vienna, "Heliavier" 4x scope in the typical Vienna style pincers mounts.


These M1924s that were returned to Europe or never sent to America were not rebarreled. Only the receiver ring inscription was altered from "M. 1924" to "KAL:7.62x63", a forgotten metric designation for the .30-06. American cartridges and their "inch" names were about as unknown and unpopular in continental Europe before WW2 as metric cartridges were in the USA. The slightly later M.1925 was the first Mannlicher-Schoenauer offered in several chamberings, 7x64 Brenneke and 8x60 Magnum at first, so their receiver rings were not marked "M:1925", but with the cartridge name. As Steyr sold the left over M.1924s alongside the M.1925s, they altered the receiver ring inscription accordingly.

Some late-1920s catalogs show the Mannlicher-Schoenauer rifle without a model year, but with a picture of a M.1924 with the distinctive 3-leaf "Express" rear sight and the slightly stubbier foreend tip, but in 7x64, 8x60S and 7.62x63 /.30-06. The rifles in .30-06 were offered at a 10% discount on the other chamberings.
Scopes mounted with the Vienna-style mounts were offered by the Steyr factory as a special order option on all their models. But the mounts were not made at the factory in house. Instead, the scopes were mounted by several outworking gunsmithes in the Steyr area. As the mounts were handmade and fitted individually, they are all different in detail. Here is a photo of another M.1924 "Sequoia" with a similar scope, but the mounts differ in detail from mine.

[Axel E]

Another most often missed detail of the M.1924: It was the first M-S model to use a cartridge guide ring inside the magazine to accommodate cartridges loaded with different bullet shapes. Such rings were used in all subsequent models too. But in the M.1924 it was placed forward and kept the bullets to the cartridge carrier spindle. From the M.1925 on it was placed more to the rear and guided the cartridges by the case neck and shoulder.
Magazine innards, left to right: M.03 6.5x54, M.10 9.5x57, M.24 .30-06, M.25 8x60S, 1958 "Magnum" 6.5x68

[Larry Braun]

It is good to hear some more info on these. Mine has an Oigee scope in mounts more like your first photo and the model 1924 where yours has the 7.62 markings. I saw the scope loose on a table before I knew the seller also had the rifle and tried to buy the scope to use as a pattern for my 1903 that is missing the scope. I wanted it to try to make a replacement mount for the 1903. fortunately he had the rifle too.