Mannlicher M1905

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	Weapon: Mannlicher M1905 Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol Country of Origin: Austria-Hungary Year Adopted: 1905 Overall Length (mm): 230.0 Overall Length (in): 9.06 Weight (kg): 0.59 Weight (pounds): 1.3

The Mannlicher M1905 was an early semi-automatic pistol designed by Austrian firearms engineer Ferdinand Mannlicher. It was a refinement of his earlier designs, featuring a blowback-operated mechanism and a fixed, internal magazine loaded via stripper clips. The pistol was chambered in 7.63mm Mannlicher, a bottlenecked cartridge known for its high velocity. The M1905 had a distinctive sleek and elongated profile, with a grip-integrated magazine that gave it a unique balance compared to other contemporary handguns. It was one of the early semi-automatic pistols that influenced later automatic pistol designs.

Production of the M1905 took place primarily in Austria at Steyr-Mannlicher, with relatively limited numbers manufactured compared to more widely adopted military pistols of the era. Estimates suggest that a few thousand units were produced, as the design was not widely adopted by major militaries. However, small numbers were exported to South American nations, including Argentina, where it saw limited service use. The complex design and lack of mass production prevented it from becoming a mainstream military sidearm, though it found a niche among collectors and firearm enthusiasts.

The Mannlicher M1905 gained notoriety due to its advanced design for the time, representing a significant step in early automatic pistol development. While it was never as popular as contemporaneous pistols like the Mauser C96 or the Luger P08, it showcased innovative engineering that influenced later handgun evolution. Today, the M1905 is a rare and valuable collector's item, prized for its historical significance and craftsmanship. Its role in early semi-automatic pistol development ensures its place in firearms history despite its limited production and service use.