Werndl–Holub rifle

M1867 Werndl–Holub
TypeService rifle
Place of originAustria-Hungary
Service history
In service1867–1886 (primary Austro-Hungarian service rifle)
1886–1921 (limited use)
Used byAustria-Hungary
See users
WarsSee conflicts
Production history
DesignerJosef Werndl and Karel Holub
Designed1860s
ManufacturerJosef und Franz Werndl & Comp. (ÖWG after 1869)
F. Fruwirth a Bentz (up to 1873)
Unit cost50 florins (1867)
Produced1867–1888
No. built686,000 (by 1874)
VariantsM1873
M67/77
M73/77
Extra-Corps Carbine
Finance-Gewehr Carbine
Cavalry Carbine
Specifications
Mass9.65 lb (4.4 kg)
Length50.4 in (128.0 cm)
Barrel length33.3 in (84.6 cm)

Cartridge11.15×42mmR (M1867)
11.15×58mmR (1877 Upgrade)
Caliber11.15 mm
ActionRotating drum bolt
Rate of fire12–14 aimed shots per minute
24 unaimed shots per minute
Muzzle velocity439 m/s (1,440.3 ft/s)
Effective firing range300 m (328.1 yd) (point target)
Maximum firing range1,070 m (1,170.2 yd) (maximum setting on sights)
Feed systemSingle-shot breech-loading
SightsIron sights graduated from 200 to 1,400 paces

The M1867 Werndl–Holub was a single-shot breechloading rifle adopted by the Austro-Hungarian army on 28 July 1867. It replaced the Wänzl breechloader conversion of the muzzle-loading Lorenz rifle. Josef Werndl (1831–1889) and Karel Holub (1830–1903) designed and patented their rifle; Werndl later bought out all the rights, but was involved in name only.

ÖWG (Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft) produced the Werndl and chambered it for the 11mm scharfe Patrone M.67 (11.15×42mmR) cartridge. In 1877, the military rechambered the Werndl for the bottleneck 11mm scharfe Patrone M.77 (11.15×58mmR) cartridge.