Vetterli br2?/Schmidt-Rubin br1? Guns

[Kriegerfaust007]

|||On December 20, 1866 the Swiss committed themselves to adopting a repeating rifle to arm their armed forces. At the time no suitable design existed. The task of designing the rifle was left to designer Friedrich Vetterli, who had joined the Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft Waffen-Department (SIG) in 1864. Vetterli already been involved in weapon design with the Germans, French, and British, and was strongly influenced by American rifle designs, most notably the Henry Repeating rifle. By 1866, Vetterli had already come up with a single shot, bolt operated rifle. The action was a modified Terry action, designed in England in the early 1850s. 1867 saw the wedding of the bolt action concept to the tube magazine, and 1868 resulted in a spring operated bolt. On February 27, 1868 the Swiss government placed an order for 80,000 Vetterli rifles.

A brass mock-up of a Vetterli RifleThis design represented a significant advance in European Military Technology. Up to this point, the Swiss had been using Milbank-Amsler Rifles, single-shot muzzleloaders, which had been converted to fire rimfire cartridges (for more information about Milbank-Amsler rifles, click here and here.) The Vetterli Rifles were capable of holding up to 13 rounds, and a rate of fire of 21 rounds per minute.

Vetterli Bolt

This amount of firepower significantly outstripped that of any rifle in regular Military Service of the day. The Vetterli was chambered to fire the 10.4x38 Rimfire round. Although a rimfire round, it shot further and flatter than most of it’s contemporaries. The Vetterli striker has a forked firing pin which passes through two firing pins holes in the bolt face for a double strike on the rimfire cartridge, improving the likelihood of ignition.

Vetterli bolt face - Note the dual strikers

The Model 1867 Vetterli

Barrel Length: 33.5 inches
Overall Length: 52.0 inches
Weight: 10.38 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 31.9"
Velocity: 1425 fps
Capacity: 13 (12 round tubular magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)

The Model 1867 was Vetterlis first repeating rifle design. It combined a bolt action with an under-barrel cartridge magazine. The under-barrel magazine tube, although inspired by the Henry rifle, different in function. Vetterli’s design loaded the cartridge from the receiver, whereas the Henry design was loaded from the muzzle end of the tube.

While the bolt was used to load and eject cartridges, the rifle used an external hammer. When the trigger was pulled, the hammer dropped, impacting the striker rod, free floating in the bolt, which then forces the forked firing ping to impact the rim of and ignited the cartridge.

Image courtesy of MilitaryRifles.com

The Model 1868 Vetterli

Barrel Length: 33.2inches
Overall Length: 52.0 inches
Weight: 10.26 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 26"
Velocity: 1425 fps
Capacity: 13 (12 round tubular magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)

On February 27,1868 the Model 1867 Vetterli was accepted for service by the Swiss Federal Council. However, before the 1867 could go into production, Friedrich Vetterli, improved the design by replacing the external hammer with a spring cocking bolt. The new design was designated as the Model 1868. The initial Model 1868’s were manufactured with their cleaning rods mounted on the left side of the stock. However, it was soon discovered that the rods were prone to damage. Consequently, in August of 1868 the design was modified, and the cleaning rod was moved to below the barrel. And the new rifle was designated the Model 1869.

The 1868’s side mounted cleaning rod

The Model 1869 Vetterli

Barrel Length: 33.1inches
Overall Length: 51.2 inches
Weight: 10.16 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 26"
Velocity: 1425 fps
Capacity: 12 (11 round tubular magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)
Total Production: 150,000
Manufacture Dates: 1869-1874 SIG, Neuhausen (total 59,000)
1869-1875 Eidgenössische Montier-Werstätte, Bern (total 8900)
1875-1879 Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik, Bern (total 36,000)
1869-1873 Cordier & Cie, Bellefontaine (total 4000)
1869-1874 W. von Steiger, Thun (total 15,200)
1869-1874 Ost-Schweizerische Büchsenmacher, St. Gallen
(total 8700)
1869-1873 Rychner & Keller, Aarau (total 9700)
1869-1873 Valentin Sauerbrey, Basel (total 7000)
1869-1874 Zürich Zeughaus (total 1500)
Detailed Production Information

The loading gate on a 1869

Image courtesy of MilitaryRifles.com

The Model 1869 Vetterli was the first model Vetterli to go into full scale production. In addition to the moving of the cleaning rod, there were several other differences between the Model 1868 and Model 1869. Notably, the tube magazine was shortened by one round. In addition, a knurled ring was added to the cocking piece, and a pair gas-escapes hole were added above the chamber. The rifle was also slightly shortened and lightened.

The loading mechanism of a Model 1869

Repeating Carbine built between 1869-1871

Barrel Length: 19.1 inches
Overall Length: 37.2 inches
Weight: 8.6 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 26"
Velocity: 1230 fps
Capacity: 7 ( 6 round tube magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)
Total Production: ???
Manufacture Dates: As per the original rifle. The conversion dates are unknown.

These carbines were produced by cutting down M1869/71 Rifles. A rifle-style nosecap was fitted with the front sight. There was no provision for a bayonet. While it is believed this weapon was intended for use by the Border Guards, there are no records of this carbine ever being issued. These rifles are often mistakenly marketed as Model 1878 Border Guard Carbines. However, Model 1878 was fitted with carbine style rear sights, and had barrel mounted front sights.

A number of fake carbines exists, and are being marketed as real. Fake carbine tend to have barrel mounted front sights, smaller rear sights , and may either be missing the middle band, or have two barrel bands spaced close together.

Model 1870 Police Carbine

Barrel Length: 29 inches
Overall Length: 45 inches
Weight: 8.95 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 26"
Velocity: 1410 fps
Capacity: 8 (7 round tube magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)
Total Production: ???
Manufacture Dates: around 1870

This particular model was intended for police use. It’s length and weight were between that of the rifle and carbine. However, while SIGs records suggest some of these model were sold to police forces, there are no records of any Swiss Police forces actually using this model. Police Carbines appear to have been based on both 1869 and 1878 models. Those which were based on 1878s had the sling swivel mounted on the muzzle band rather, rather than the barrel band as pictured above.

The Model 1870 Cadet Rifle

Image courtesy of Mike Boynton

Barrel Length: 26.75 inches
Overall Length: 45.25 inches
Weight: 7.16 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 26"
Velocity: ~1300 fps
Capacity: Single Shot
Total Production: ???
Manufacture Dates: 1870-1873 SIG, Neuhausen

This single shot cadet rifle was manufactured in limited number by SIG. It had a one piece wood stock, and no provision for a bayonet. In order to accommodate the smaller stature of the cadet, a reduced load round was produced which used 3grams vs. 3.65grams of blackpowder, thus reducing recoil.

The Model 1869/71 Vetterli

Barrel Length: 33.1inches
Overall Length: 51.2 inches
Weight: 10.4 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 26"
Velocity: 1425 fps
Capacity: 12 (11 round tubular magazine +1 in the chamber)

In 1871 the Model 1869 was updated with an improved elevator system and simplified receiver. The loading gate was omitted as was the magazine cut-off, which had previously appeared on the left side of the receiver.

The right side of a 1869/71 Receiver

Image courtesy of MilitaryRifles.com

Comparison of the 1869 & 1869/71 Left Receivers

Images courtesy of MilitaryRifles.com

Internally, the loading mechanism was also modified.

A Model 1869/71 loading mechanism

Over the course of it’s production life, several other modifications were made to the Model 1869/71. The modifications include tighter barrel tolerances, the omission of the ejection port cover, improvements of the front and rear sights, and the omission of the gas escape holes above the chamber.

A Vetterli receiver with an ejection port cover

Model 1871 Carbine

Image scanned from Die Repetiergewehre Der Schweiz

Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 36.7 inches
Weight: 7.16 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 21.7"
Velocity: 1230fps
Capacity:7 (6 round tube magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)
Total Production: 3000
Manufacture Dates: 1871-1872 Eidgenössische Montier-Werstätte, Bern (total ~500)
1872-1874 Rudolf Pfenninger, Stäffe (total 2500)
Detailed Production Information

Adopted on February 9, 1871, this carbine had a rotating ejector cover, straight-edged fore end, and a spatula style bolt handle. Originally the carbine was fitted with a folding leaf sight, but this was soon replaced with a tangent sight. At the same time, the bolt handle and fore end were reshaped. Later, in 1874 a Schmidt-pattern rear sight was adopted, and as rifle were sent in for repairs, the sights were replaced.

Model 1871 Carbine Variant 2

Model 1871 Stutzer

Barrel Length: 30.9 inches
Overall Length: 49.6 inches
Weight: 10.2 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 26"
Velocity: 1375 fps
Capacity: 11 (10 round tube magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)
Total Production: 16,000
Manufacture Dates: 1871-1874 SIG, Neuhausen (total 1000)
1869-1875 Eidgenössische Montier-Werstätte and Eidgenössische
Waffenfabrik, Bern (total 15,000)
Detailed Production Information

The 1871 Stutzer incorporated several modifications over the 1869/71 and was intended for riflemen. The 1871 included double-set triggers and special heavy buttplates. The rifles were shorter, and had a single barrel band. Early Stutzer models used the Thury dual trigger set, however, after 1875 a dual trigger set designed by Rudolph Schmidt was adopted. However, while the Stutzer possessed a shorter barrel, it kept the Model 1869s rear sights. This produced a point of impact error at when using the rear sights range graduations.

Model 1878 Rifle

Barrel Length: 33.1 inches
Overall Length: 52.2 inches
Weight: 10.1 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 26"
Velocity: 1425 fps
Capacity: 13 (12 round tube magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)
Total Production: 15,770
Manufacture Dates: 1878-1881 Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik, Bern
Detailed Production Information

Although attempts had been made to improve the 69/71 design, the Model 1878 action, aside from some minor improvements, changed very little. Externally, the 1878 had only one barrel band and lacked the stock-dicing of the earlier models. Other changes included the omission of the gas relief holes, the adoption of a curved buttplate, and changes were made to the metal finishing process. In addition, the 1878 front barrel band was fitted with a bayonet lug to allow it to mount a sword bayonet, rather than a socket bayonet. The older style sights were replaced with Schmidt Quadrant Sight Note: many of rifles which are marked M.78, are actually Model 1878/81s. See below.

Model 1878 Stutzer

Barrel Length: 32.8 inches
Overall Length: 52.2 inches
Weight: 10.1 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 26"
Velocity: 1425 fps
Capacity: 13 (12 round tube magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)
Total Production: 400
Manufacture Dates: 1878-1881 Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik, Bern
Detailed Production Information

A limited number (400) of a Stutzer version of the Model 1878 was produced. The Model 1878 Stutzer continued to use the Schmidt dual-set triggers which were introduced in the 1871 Stutzer line. It is uncertain as to whether or not the Model 1878 Stutzer was ever actually issued. It also appears that most if not all 1878s, had their rear sights replaced with 1881 pattern sights.

Model 1878 Carbine

Image posted with permission

Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 36.55 inches
Weight: 7.26 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 21.7"
Velocity: 1230 fps
Capacity: 7 ( 6 round tube magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)
Total Production: 1720
Manufacture Dates: 1879-1885 Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik, Bern
Detailed Production Information

Adopted in 1878 for the dragoons, this carbine, while sharing the same action as the rifle, was greatly shortened. While the Model 1878 Carbine incorporated many of the same improvements the Model 1878 Rifle received, the pivoting loading-gate was retained. There were no provisions for mounting a bayonet.

Model 1878 Border-Guard Carbine

Barrel Length: 19.1 inches
Overall Length: 37.2 inches
Weight: 7.36 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 21.7"
Velocity: 1230 fps
Capacity: 6 (5 round tube magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)
Total Production: 400
Manufacture Dates: 1880-1881 Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik, Bern

These carbines are essentially shortened M.1878 Rifles with carbine style sights fitted. However, these rifles were not conversions, they were purpose built. Examples of this carbine can be found both with and without the pivoting loading gate . Note: the front barrel band was fitted with a bayonet lug. As the name suggests, this carbine was issued to the Border Guards.

Models 1878/81 and 1881 Rifles

Barrel Length: 33.5 inches
Overall Length: 52 inches
Weight: 10.19 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 26"
Velocity: 1425 fps
Capacity: 13 (12 round tube magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)
Total Production: 37,010 Model 1878/81s 25,3000 Model 1881s
Manufacture Dates: 1882-1889 Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik, Bern
Detailed Production Information

This model was equipped with an improved rear sight. Also, various steel components replaced iron components, and the 1881 continued to see improvements in metal finishing. Otherwise, it was largely identical to the 1878 Rifle. Curiously enough, even after the updates were made, the Swiss continued to mark these rifles with the M.78 stamp on the left side of the receiver. It wasn’t until around 1887, that the the M.81 mark replaced the M.78 stamp. M.78 marked rifles are referred to as Model 1878/81 Rifles.

Model 1878 Sight Model 1881 Sight

Model 1881 Stutzer

Barrel Length: 33.5 inches
Overall Length: 52 inches
Weight: 10.19 lbs empty
Chambering: 10.4x38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire
Rifling: 4 groove, RH twist, 1 in 26"
Velocity: 1425 fps
Capacity: 13 (12 round tube magazine +1 in the cartridge elevator)
Total Production: 7538
Manufacture Dates: 1882-1889 Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik, Bern
Detailed Production Information

The Model 1881 Stutzer, like it’s predecessors, was intended for sharpshooters. While externally very similar to the Model 1881 Rifle, the internals are quite different. The 1881 used an improved Schmidt dual trigger system.

The Model 1881 Stutzer’s Trigger unit

The entire trigger unit is held in by a single screw. When the screw is removed, the unit drops free of the receiver. As with most double trigger designs, the rear trigger is the set trigger. When pulled back, it set the forward trigger to release with almost no effort.

Afterword

While the Swiss never used the Vetterli in any armed conflict, it is interesting to note the closest they ever came to combat was in Finland. According to Markku Palokangas, author of the book Military Small Arms in Finland 1918-1988:

Finnish supporters of active resistance against Czarist Russian oppression started planning an armed uprising and in 1904 contacted revolutionaries in St. Petersburg. It was agreed that weapons would be acquired in Central Europe and were to be smuggled partly to the St. Petersburg area, partly to Finland.

Colonel Akashi, Japanese Military Attaché in Stockholm, became financier of the operation. In this way Japan intended to cause confusion in Russia with who she was at war at the time.

With funds received from Col. Akashi the Finn leading the project, Konni Zilliacus, bought from Paris and Hamburg over 15,000 Vetterli rifles {ed. note - they were Model 1869/71s} with ammunition, discarded by the Swiss Army. Also an old cargo vessel, the S/S John Grafton, was acquired for transporting the rifles.

The operation was carried out in August-September 1905. When no one from St. Petersburg arrived at the agreed meeting point at sea the whole cargo was shipped to Finland. Only part of the rifles had been unloaded when the ship ran aground. In fear of being discovered the ship and the remaining cargo were blown up and sunk.

Nevertheless the Russian gendarmes learned of the operation. Rifles from the ship were recovered by divers and those stored ashore were confiscated.

After the unfortunate smuggling effort Vetterli rifles were known in Finland as Graftons, after the sunken ship. During the following years a further small number of Vetterli rifles were acquired and smuggled to Finland.

The Vetterlis featured in the secret preparations for the Finnish uprising but when the War of Independence started in the winter of 1918 the rifles were considered hopelessly outdated and lacked ammunition.

Nevertheless, more Vetterli rifles were obtained during the war when Russian arms depots were captured and rifles confiscated 12 years earlier were found.

The Finnish Defense Forces never adopted the Vetterli rifle as a standard service weapon but there was a small number stored in arms depots until the 1950’s."

The Italians adopted the Vetterli in 1870 as a single shot. A box magazine was later added, and in the early 1900s, many Italian Vetterlis were converted to fire the 6.5 Carcano round. Some of these converted rifles did see service in World War I.

It is significant note that while the rifle was the most advanced of it’s type when adopted, it was likewise the most obsolete when finally replaced. The eventual replacement of the Vetterli, the Schmidt-Rubin series, continued the tradition, of high quality, shooters rifles, started by the Vetterli series.|
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https://www.collectorsfirearms.com/820447-large_default/experimental-japanese-murata-magazine-rifle-al7138.jpg SIG Vetterli 1868 Prototype sharps Vetterli ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------shotguns-------- 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

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The Schmidt-Rubin 1889

Barrel Length - 30.7 inches: 3-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63
Overall Length - 51.25 inches
Weight - 10.69lbs empty
Action - Schmidt-Rubin Straight Pull
Caliber - 7.5x53.5 Swiss (GP90 & GP 90/03)
7.5x54.5 Swiss (GP90/23)
Capacity - 12 round detachable box magazine
Sights - Quadrant sight graduated to 2000m
Total Production : 212,000
Bayonet: Model 1889

Officially adopted in 1889, the Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889 was the result of several years of testing. In 1882 Eduard Rubin began testing the first small-caliber copper-jacketed bullet which could successfully withstand high velocities. In 1885, this round was combined with Rudolf Schmidt’s first straight-pull action. The straight-pull action relied upon an actuating rod, set in a channel to the right of the breech, to rotate the bolt though a helical channel cut in the bolt sleeve. Twin locking lugs were positioned midway through the bolt sleeve, locking the bolt into the receiver directly above the trigger. Over the next three years both the rifle design and cartridge were refined. The final result was adopted on June 26, 1889.

The Model 1889 was chambered for the 7.5x53.5 round (GP90) with a 213 grain paper patched round producing a velocity of 1935fps. The cartridges were held in a detachable magazine holding 12 rounds. Production ceased in 1897, due to the weakness of the 89s bolt. Approximately 211,890 rifles were produced.

The Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889/96
(See picture of Model 1889)

Barrel Length - 30.7 inches: 3-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63
Overall Length - 51.2 inches
Weight - 9.92lbs empty
Action - Schmidt-Rubin Straight Pull
Caliber - 7.5x53.5 Swiss (GP90 & GP 90/03)
7.5x54.5 Swiss (GP90/23)
Capacity - 12 round detachable box magazine
Sights - Quadrant sight graduated to 2000m
Total Production : 137,050
Bayonet: Model 1889, Model 1899, Model 1889/92, and Model 1906

Even before the Model 1889 entered service, the Swiss Rifle Technical Commission had reservations about the strength of the Model 1889s action. In 1888 they requested Col. Schmidt to redesign the Model 1889 action by moving the locking lugs forward on the bolt sleeve. However, Colonel Rudolph Schmidt, then the Director of Armament Manufacturing, refuse the request, claiming such a change was “not feasible.”

As the Model 1889 entered service, the Rifle Commissions fears were realized, yy 1892, it became apparent the rear mounted locking lugs of the Model 1889 were problematic. On November 3, 1892, Col. Vogelsang was assigned the task of designing three rifles with improved actions, shortly thereafter, and addition 50 rifles were requested

Col. Vogelsang’s, along with the assistance of his co-worker Rebholz, changes were fairly simple. In essence, here merely moved the locking lugs from the rear of the bolt sleeve to the front of the bolt sleeve. These changes weren’t quite that simple however, as it required a redesign of the bolt (including the bolt sleeve, firing pin and firing pin spring), receiver, and the stock.

Due to turnover amongst Armament Manufacturer Department Heads testing of the new action was delayed until 1895. On 1 January 1895, the test rifles were delivered to the shooting school in Walenstadt. Testing of the new design numerous improvements in performance.

Testing determined –
The bolt itself was strengthened,
Breakage of the locking lugs was reduced,
The action could handle higher pressure cartridges,
There was less binding of the bolt,
There was tighter lock-up of the bolt, producing better accuracy,
There was an increase in the length of pull, by 2cm, allowing for a better shooting position,
And there was a decrease in weight of about 100g,

It was determined that it would be impractical to attempt to convert the existing Model 1889s to the new action type, thus a new rifle model was required. Thus on July 31, 1896, a new rifle, designated the Model 1889/96 was approved for service.

Several minor modifications to the design were made throughout the service life of the rifle. Even before the rifle entered into production the barrel band and firing pin spring was redesigned and the rear of the receiver was widened slightly. Shortly thereafter, the firing pin itself was widened from 3.5 to mm in diameter.

Nearly all of the 1889/96 were converted into Model 1896/11 in the 1910s. Of the 137,000 89/96s produced, only 1,280 remained in their original configuration.

Model 1897 Kadet Rifle

Image scanned from Die Repetiergewehre Der Schweiz

Barrel Length - 23.3 inches: 3-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63
Overall Length - 43.5 inches
Weight - 7.78lbs empty
Action - Schmidt-Rubin Straight Pull
Caliber - 7.5x53.5 Swiss (GP90 & GP 90/03)
7.5x54.5 Swiss (GP90/23)
Cadet Round (see text)
Capacity - Single Shot
Sights - Quadrant sight graduated to 400m on the right of the sight and 12000m on the left of the sight.
Total Production : 7987
Bayonet: Model 1889/92

By 1893 the Vetterli Cadet Model 1870 Rifles was in short supply. Consequently it was decided to build a new Cadet Rifle, based on the Model 1889 design.

Adopted in 1898, the single shot Model 1897 Cadet Rifles fired a cartridge who with a powder charge that had been reduced by approximately 10% for the smaller stature cadets. The reduced load produced a muzzle velocity of approximately 1670fps, as compared to the standard round which produced a muzzle velocity of approximately 1900fps. In order to accommodate both standard GP90 ammunition and the cadet round, the rear sight has two sets of graduations. The left side of the sight was graduated for the GP 90 cartridge, while the right was graduated for the cadet round.

Model 1889/1900 Short Rifle

Image posted with permission

Barrel Length - 23.3 inches: 3-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63
Overall Length - 43.5 inches
Weight - 8.36lbs empty
Action - Schmidt-Rubin Straight Pull
Caliber - 7.5x53.5 Swiss (GP90 & GP 90/03)
7.5x54.5 Swiss (GP90/23)
Capacity - 6 round detachable box magazine
Sights - Quadrant sight graduated to 1200m
Total Production : 18,750
Bayonet: Model 1889/92 and Model 1906

In 1896 it was decided to equip artillery and other rear area troops with rifles. The Model 1893 Carbine had proven to be unsuccessful, so a new design was undertaken. Beginning . on February 27, 1900, the Model 1889/1900 was issued to fortress troops, artillerymen, bicycle troops, balloon companies and communication companies. 18,750 1889/1900s were produced from 1901 to 1911.

Model 1905 Carbine

Image posted with permission

Barrel Length - 21.65 inches: 3-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63
Overall Length - 42.15 inches
Weight - 7.94lbs empty
Action - Schmidt-Rubin Straight Pull
Caliber - 7.5x53.5 Swiss (GP90 & GP 90/03)
7.5x54.5 Swiss (GP90/23)
Capacity - 6 round detachable box magazine
Sights - Quadrant sight graduated to 1500m, plus a 200m fixed sight
Total Production : 7,900
Bayonet: none

In 1905, the Model 1905 Calvary Carbine was introduced to replace the older, and unpopular, 1893 Carbines. The 1905 was fully stocked to the muzzle, and had no provisions for mounting a bayonet. The 1905 retained the Model 1893s unique rear sight, The sight essentially has two parts. A fixed sight, set at 200m, and a fold down quadrant sight which was adjustable up to 1500m. The 1905 also mimicked the 1893s sling arrangement by having a slot in the buttstock for attaching a sling. 7,900 were produced between 1905 and 1911.

A Model 1893 Sight

Note: the fixed sight at the front.

Note: most 1889/1900s and 1905 were converted to 1911 Carbines between in 1913 and 1920. The converted carbines have serial numbers in the 1-26335 range and are sometime referred to as 00/11s and 05/11s…

Schmidt-Rubin 1896/11 Rifle

Barrel Length - 30.7 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63"
(approx 6000 96/11s had a twist rate of 1 in 9")
Overall Length - 51.2 inches
Weight - 9.94lbs empty
Action - Schmidt-Rubin Straight Pull
Caliber - 7.5x55 Swiss (GP11)
Capacity - 6 round detachable box magazine
Sights - Tangent-leaf sight graduated to 2000m
Total Production : 135,770
Bayonet: Models 1889,1899 & 1906

As early as 1903 there discussion about the adoption of a lighter, easier to handle rifle, with increased velocity cartridges. It had been determined that there were severe ballistic shortcomings to the 89/96 action /GP90 cartridge combination. In late 1907, the Swiss Rifle Commission gave permission to Waffenfabrik Bern to create 200 rifles for testing purposes. The rifle were built with the following configurations:

fifty rifles with 1889/96 Barrels firing GP90 cartridges,
fifty rifles with 1889/96 Barrels firing GP90 cartridges, and re-milled cartridge chamber, fifty rifles with 1889/96 Barrels and new cartridges and re-milled cartridge chamber,
fifty rifles with new barrels and new cartridges

Other modifications included the removal of the magazine cut-off, improved sights, and an integral rifle rest. While the integral rifle rest was discarded as superfluous, the testing otherwise proved successful… This led to the authorization of the creation of 900 Rifles and 100 Carbines, for the purposed of testing the new GP08 (later redesignated GP11) cartridge. The 1908 Rifles and Carbines were fitted with Model 1889/1900 style 6 round magazines, and improved sights. The 1908s also had several unique features, not found in other Schmidt-Rubin models. The locking lug sleeve of the 1908’s bolt had three circular holes, presumably for weight savings purposes. In addition, the relief cuts on the top of 1908s receiver were of different length, with the longer cut set along the center of the receiver, with the shorter cut off to the side. On all other Schmidt-Rubins, the relief cuts were of equal length, and both cuts were equally offset from the centerline of the receiver.

By around 1907, the Swiss knew the old GP90 cartridge was inferior to those being adopted by their neighbors. So they started testing a new round. They built the 1908 series for this purpose. The 1908 has some unique feature, not seen in other Schmidt-Rubins, including three holes in the bolt. Testing showed the VGP08 cartridge produced significantly better results than the GP90 cartridge. Consequently, the VGP08 cartridge was adopted as the GP11 cartridge.

It was determined that the 89/96 could easily be converted (Model 1889s could not) to handle the new cartridge by re-barreling the rifle.

1889/96s were converted to 1896.11s buy replacing or modifying the following:

A new barrel was added.
Already fitted the the barrel were new front and rear sights.
A pistol grip was grafted onto the stock of the rifle.
The new rifles were also fitted with 6rd magazines, similar to the 1889/1900 pattern magazine, minus the reinforcing ridge, although the magazine did include a bolt hold-open feature for when the magazine was empty.
A new trigger-guard was fitted to accommodate the new magazine.

However, it took several years for all the 89/96s to be converted to 96/11 and 1911 Rifle production continued until 1918. Rather than leave large numbers of troops unarmed while the rifles were shipped off for conversion, they were re-issued Model 1889s. (Troops with Model 89/00 Short Rifles and 05 Carbines were re-issued 1893 Carbines).

Swiss soldiers are roughly classified into two categories, elite and reserve. Elites are under the age of 30, reserves are over the age of 30. Any trooper reaching reserve status, whom had a 89/96 during the changeover period was issued a Model 1889, and kept it for the remaining term of his service. Raw recruits, were issued Model 1889s as well at this point in time, and were later issued 96/11s or 1911s.

The various Canton Arsenals were given different priorities regarding when they were re-equipped. However, I’m not sure what those priorities were.

Model 1911 Rifle

Barrel Length - 30.7 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63"
(S/Ns 350001 to 365000 had a twist rate of 1 in 9")
Overall Length - 51.5 inches
Weight - 10.03lbs empty
Action - Schmidt-Rubin Straight Pull
Caliber - 7.5x55 Swiss (GP11)
Capacity - 6 round detachable box magazine
Sights - Tangent-leaf sight graduated to 2000m
Total Production : 127,000
Bayonet: Model 1899

In addition to modernizing their old rifles, in 1913, the Model 1911 was formally adopted. These rifles, along with those converted to the new pattern, fired the new GP11 round. The GP11 round fired a175 grain round at 2640 fps. The 1911 possessed all the improvements listed above. 127,000 1911 Rifles were produced from 1913 to 1919.

Model 1911 Carbine (“K11”)

Barrel Length - 23.3 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63
Overall Length - 43.6 inches
Weight - 8.85lbs empty
Action - Schmidt-Rubin Straight Pull
Caliber - 7.5x55 Swiss (GP11)
Capacity - 6 round detachable box magazine
Sights - Tangent-leaf sight graduated to 1500m
Total Production : 185,150
Bayonet: Models 1892 Spike Bayonet, 1899, 1918, 1906 Pioneer (Sawback) and 1914 Pioneer (Sawback)

Produced concurrently with the 1911 Rifle, the 1911 Carbine replaced both the Short Rifle and Calvary Carbine. While production of the 1911 rifle stopped in 1919, Carbine production continued until 1933 with some 184,000 Carbines being produced.

The Model 1931 Carbine (“K31”)

Barrel Length - 25.65 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63
Overall Length - 43.6 inches
Weight - 8.85lbs empty
Action - Straight Pull Bolt Action
Caliber - 7.5x55 Swiss (GP11)
Capacity - 6 round detachable box magazine
Sights - Tangent-leaf sight graduated to 1500m
Total Production - 528,230
Bayonet: Models 1899/18, 1918, 1918/55 and 1914 Pioneer (Sawback)

By the end of the 1920s the Swiss began to question whether or not they should equip their soldiers with rifles or carbines. Indeed, 2/5th of the Infantry and 3/5th of the rest of the army were already equipped with carbines rather than long rifles. While the rifles provide better accuracy and range, the carbines were lighter and easier to handle. Interestingly enough, while the carbines accuracy was considered adequate for military purposes, it was the member of the various private Swiss shooting clubs that were insisting the more accurate rifle be kept in service.

In 1928, first attempt at combining the positive qualities of the rifle and carbine was made by fitting a K11 with a heavy barrel. 200 heavy barreled carbines were produced and tested. However, the gains in accuracy were outweighed by the added cost of the weapon. The decision was made in April 1929 that a new design for the carbine.

The following requirements were set for the new weapon

1. The new weapon should not be significantly longer than the 1911 Carbine.
2. The new weapon should have a straight-pull action
3. The new weapon should be more accurate than the 1911 Carbine, and as accurate as the 1911 Rifle
4. The new weapon should be cheaper to produce than the 1911 series.

Testing began in late 1929 and continued into 1930 of two prototype designs, and end with favorable results. In late 1930 10 new design carbines were sent to the shooting school in Wallenstadt for evaluation. The new design carbine’s accuracy was compared with that of the 1911 Rifle and the heavy barreled carbine. The results of the testing showed the new design carbine to be more accurate than either the rifle or the heavy barrel carbine. However, there were some design issues that needed addressing.

In May 1931, a series of 200 improved carbines were produced. These carbines were issued to various shooting schools as well as six recruit schools. The testing continued until October 12, and produced the following conclusions:

1. The new bolt design was less prone to binding.
2. There were fewer feed problem.
3. The new action was less prone to failure, even in the event of one of the locking lugs breaking.
4. The new stronger action was better able to survive firing with a barrel blockage.
5. The new designs proved very durable, four carbines had 150,000 rounds fired through them without any appreciable failures.

Unlike the previous Schmidt-Rubin series of rifles, the new carbine’s locking lug locked up immediately behind the chamber. This afforded several advantages. The entire action was strengthened as the lugs were locking in a much thicker part of the action. Lock-up was also more precise. The bolt was significantly shortened, allowing for a longer barrel and sight radius, without increasing the overall length of the rifle, moving the rear sight closer to the eye, and cutting in half the amount of time for the firing pin to strike the cartridge after the trigger was pulled.

The new carbine also had several other new features. The barrel was intended to be free floating. The action itself only connected to the stock by two screws, one attaching to the chamber, with the second attaching to the tang. This allowed the Swiss to eliminate the aluminum barrel collar used in the Schmidt-Rubin series. The trigger was redesigned, as were the magazine and rear sight.

The end result of these modifications produced a rifle that was more accurate, yet cheaper than the K11, it was replacing. In 1932 it was estimated that the cost of a K11 would be 169 Swiss Francs. Conversely, the new carbine had an estimated cost of 151 Swiss Francs.

On March 17, 1932, the Swiss Upper Parliament accepted the new carbine into service and designated it the Model 1931.

During it’s production run there were several minor modifications made to the K31.

1934, the firing pin was made thinner.
1935, the receiver was hardened
1936, the magazine shell was hardened
1941, laminated stocks were tested, but rejected
1944, due to supply shortages, Chromium Molybdenum was use in place of Chromium Nickel Steel on various parts. This experiment proved unsuccessful.
1946, starting with serial number 868,901, beech rather than walnut was used for making the stocks.

The K31 stayed in front line service until 1958, when it was replaced by the Stgw57. K31s were still found with some Swiss Military units, well into the 1970s. The total production run was 528,230 carbines, beginning in 1933 and ceasing in 1958.

The ZfK31/42 and /43

A close-up view of a K31/43’s receiver and scope
Barrel Length - 25.65 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63
Overall Length - 43.7 inches
Weight - 9.41lbs empty
Action - Straight Pull Bolt Action
Caliber - 7.5x55 Swiss (GP11)
Capacity - 6 round detachable box magazine
Sights - Optical: (Model 31/42) 1.8x optical sight (Model 31/43) 2.8x optical sight

• Iron: 2 Tangent-leaf sights One on the scope graduated to 700m and nne on the
  barrel graduated to 1500m
  Total Production - 2241
  Bayonet: Models 1899/18, 1918, 1918/55 and 1914 Pioneer (Sawback)

The Swiss began experimenting with scope rifles in 1918. However, it wasn’t until 1940, that they found a satisfactory scope. The Swiss liked the low mounted Kern scope, as it helped keep the shooters head down, thus limiting his exposure to enemy fire. The scope was mounted to the left side of slightly modified K31’s. In addition to the optics, a short range (700m) iron sight was mounted on top of the scope. The K31/42 was fitted with a 1.8x sight, while the 31/43 was fitted with an improved 2.8x sight. Both scope had a rather unique periscope arrangement which allowed the Objective of scope to be rotated out of the way, when not in use. However, neither scope proved to have enough magnification or field of vision to be especially useful, and production was ceased shortly after it began.