M1867 Russian Krnka

Obr.1867 Krnka
Obr.1867 Krnka Infantry Rifle
Type	Side-hinged lifting Breechblock
Place of origin	Russian Empire
Service history
In service	1869-1880
Used by	Russian Empire Kingdom of Bulgaria Kingdom of Serbia Kingdom of Montenegro
Wars	Russo-Turkish War Balkan Wars World War I
Production history
Designer	Sylvester Krnka
Designed	1867
Manufacturer	Tula Arsenal
Variants	Infantry, Cavalry
Specifications
Weight	4.5 / 4.9 kg / (without / with bayonet)
Length	1300 / 1800 mm (without / with bayonet)
Cartridge	15.24x40mmR
Caliber	.60
Action	Lifting-Block
Rate of fire	9 rounds per minute
Maximum firing range	1200 arshins (850 m)
Feed system	Single shot

The M1867 Russian Krnka (Винтовка Крнка́) was a breech loading conversion of the muzzle-loading Model 1857 Six Line rifle musket designed by Czech arms maker, Sylvester Krnka. It was adopted by the Russian Empire in 1869, and was similar to the contemporary Snider-Enfield and Tabatiere conversions. Conversions were carried out at the Tula armory (TOZ).

The design of the rifle

Two main versions were produced: infantry and cavalry rifles. Shortly after its introduction to service, the M1867 was replaced by the Berdan rifle, though both weapons would serve simultaneously for a time. The rifles were issued to conscripts and police forces in the Central Asian territories, like Samarkand. After being taken out of service, many were converted into cheap shotguns.

Sources

• MilitaryRifles.com: Russian Krnka