| Serbian Model 1878/80 (Mauser-Koka) | |
|---|---|
 Đurić M80/07C & Koka M78/80 | |
| Type | Service rifle |
| Place of origin | Kingdom of Serbia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1881–1918 |
| Used by | Kingdom of Serbia |
| Wars | Serbo-Bulgarian War Balkan Wars World War I (limited) World War II (limited) |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Mauser |
| Designed | 1871, 1880 |
| Manufacturer | Mauser,Zastava Arms |
| Variants | Mauser-Koka-Đurić |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4.5 kg (9.92 lbs) |
| Length | 1350 mm (53.15 in) |
| Barrel length | 855 mm (33.66 in) |
| Cartridge | 10.15×63 mm 11×59mmR Gras (Carbine Conversion) 7×57mm Mauser (Đurić M80/07C) |
| Action | Bolt action |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,680 feet per second (510 m/s) |
| Feed system | Single-shot Tube magazine (1884 Carbines) Box magazine (Đurić M80/07C) |
| Sights | Iron sights |
In 1880, Serbian Major Kosta "Koka" Milovanović (Коста "Кока" Миловановић) developed an updated version of theMauser Model 1871, still single-shot, but chambered in its unique 10.15×63R caliber. It had unique additions in that it had a bolt guide (much like theM1870 Italian Vetterli) and the "progressiverifling" that was developed by Koka. TheKingdom of Serbia adopted the rifle in 1880.[1] It was designatedSerbian Model 1878/80, also known asMauser-Koka,Mauser-Milovanović,[2] and known in Serbian asKokinka (Кокинка). The grooves reduced in diameter from breech to muzzle. The muzzle velocity of the Mauser-Milanović was 1,680 feet per second (510 m/s). It saw first combat in theSerbo-Bulgarian War. Approximately 110,000 Mauser-Milovanović rifles entered the Serbian arsenal. It was further developed in 1907.
The Mauser Models 1884 "Artillery & CavalryCarbine" were produced in 1884 in 4,000 units each at the Oberndorf plant for the use of the Serbian cavalry and Artillery.[3] They were based on the M71/84 and had a five-round tubular magazine.[3] By 1914, only 126 Cavalry & 815 Artillery models were left in the military's possession. In 1937, all remaining Model 1884 carbines were converted to the 1870s vintage11×59mmR Gras cartridge, which was in good supply in Yugoslav Army depots after the Balkan War.[4]
Starting 1907, about half of the Mauser-Koka inventory was converted inKragujevac to shoot the7×57mm from a 5-shot magazine; the new barrels were purchased fromSteyr. An additional locking lug was added by milling the receiver on a lathe around 1mm, then heating the locking lug collar red-hot and fitting to the cold receiver. Both the old and new guns (designatedM80/07) saw action in theBalkan Wars andWorld War I. The converted M80/07 are often referred to as "Đurić Mausers" (Ђурић-Маузер).[5] TheM80/07 C rifles captured from theRoyal Yugoslav Army by theNazi Germany during theWorld War II were designatedGewehr 223 (j).[6]
Designated as Serbian Model 1878/80, but also known as the Mauser-Koka or the Mauser-Milanovic after the Serbian officer who ...