M1867 Krnka

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	Weapon: M1867 Krnka Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: Russia Year Adopted: 1867 Caliber: .60 Krnka Action: Hinged Breechblock Overall Length (mm): 1280.0 Overall Length (in): 50.39 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82 Effective Range (m): 400 m Effective Range (yards): 437.45

The M1867 Krnka was a breech-loading rifle developed by Sylvester Krnka, a Czech designer, for the Russian Empire. Chambered in 15.24mm, it was a conversion of the older muzzle-loading muskets used by the Russian Army, making it a more modern firearm in line with European trends of the time. The conversion was relatively simple and cost-effective, allowing Russia to modernize its arsenal without completely replacing its existing stock of weapons.

Adopted by the Russian military in 1867, the Krnka rifle saw service during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. It was favored for its improved rate of fire compared to older muzzle-loaders, although it was soon outclassed by repeating rifles like the Winchester and bolt-action rifles like the Mauser. The Krnka was eventually phased out as more advanced rifles were introduced into the Russian Army.

Despite its relatively short period of service, the M1867 Krnka is an important transitional weapon in Russian military history. It represents the shift from older muzzle-loading systems to the breech-loading rifles that would dominate military use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.