35M rifle
| 35M Puska | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Bolt-action rifle, Service rifle |
| Place of origin |  Kingdom of Hungary |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1935–1950s |
| Used by | Kingdom of Hungary, Nazi Germany, People's Republic of Hungary |
| Wars | World War II, Hungarian Revolution of 1956 |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1935 |
| Produced | 1935-1950s |
| Variants | G98/40, 43M rifle |
| Specifications | |
| Cartridge | 8x56R; 7.92x57 IS |
| Action | Bolt-action |
| Feed system | 5-round en-block clip, internal box magazine |
| Sights | open Partridge rear sight, square post front sight |
The FÉG 35M was a bolt-action rifle,chambered in 8x56R and was a new design, superficially still resembling however to the 95/31M Carbine. The general outlook was similar, but an easily recognizeable distinguishing feature was the more forward placement of the cocking arm, rather than the extreme back. It was used by Hungary in the years leading up to and during World War II, and after WW2 being gradually phased out by both Red Army surplus and locally produced Mosin–Nagant carbines.
Design details
After the World War, modifications were made on the 95M carbines, recalibring the sights to the newly adopted metric system, and later adopting the Austrian-developed longer spitzer cartridge, all this resulting in the 31M rifle. But the army was not satisfied. After analyzing WWI performance, amongst deficiencies were listed that the straight-pull Mannlicher could freeze in great cold; that the bolts were hand-fitted thus non-interchangeable, could be replaced only by trained gunsmiths; and a cock on opening operation. In the end it was decided that the new rifle should have a simpler, more conventional rotating bolt mechanism. All springs in the rifle except the one in the sight are coil springs, a new safety which could be engaged both cocked and uncocked, a longer barrel, bigger distance between front and rear sights, a British-style divided stock made of two parts making possible to avoid the use of imported wood, and most importantly the already mentioned rotating Mannlicher-Schönauer action are the new features. A new bayonet was also designed for the weapon.[1]
43M and Gewehr 98/40
During World War II, the German army made some modifications to the 35M. It was rechambered to the standard German 7.92x57mm IS cartridge with a fully enclosed flush magazine, the bolt handle was made angled, the bayonet socket was changed to accept German bayonets and some alterations was made to the sling mount. In German service this modified weapon was known as the G98/40, Hungary also adopted this version, slightly modified, as the 43M.
