M1867 Werndl-Holub

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	Weapon: M1867 Werndl-Holub Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: Austria-Hungary Year Adopted: 1867 Overall Length (mm): 1320.0 Overall Length (in): 51.97 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82

The M1867 Werndl-Holub was an Austrian breech-loading rifle developed by Josef Werndl and Karel Holub. It replaced the outdated Lorenz rifle and was a significant step forward in Austrian military armament. The Werndl-Holub used a rotating block mechanism, allowing soldiers to load rounds more quickly than with previous muzzle-loading designs.

The rifle was adopted by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867 and saw service in numerous conflicts, including the Austro-Prussian War and later colonial campaigns. Its robust design and ease of use made it popular with soldiers, though it was eventually outclassed by bolt-action rifles like the Mauser and Mannlicher designs.

Today, the M1867 Werndl-Holub is remembered as an important transitional weapon in Austrian military history. Its innovative design helped modernize the Austrian army during a period of rapid technological advancements in firearms. It remains a prized piece among collectors of antique European rifles.