Vetterli Model 1869/71
Bolt Action, 10.4X38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire, 12 round capacity
Data
|
Make: Vetterli |
Model: 1869/71 |
|
Arsenal: W. von Steiger Thun |
Serial #: 24483 |
|
Caliber: 10.4X38 (.41) Swiss Rimfire |
Date of Manufacturer: 1871-1874 |
|
Action: Bolt action |
Capacity: 12 (11 round tubular magazine +1 in the chamber) |
|
Barrel Length: 33.1" |
Overall Length: 51.2" |
|
Other Numbers: All Matching |
Import Mark?: None |
| Weight: 10.4 lb. |
Information
This gun is very confusing in trying to figure out exactly what model it is. According to this page W. Von Steiger, Thun only manufactured the M1869 between the years of 1869-1874 producing only 15,200. This model does not have a bayonet lug.
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Visible Numbers and Markings
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History
Vetterli rifle
From Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia
The Vetterli rifles were a series of Swiss army service rifles in use from 1869
to circa 1890, when they were replaced with the Schmidt-Rubin rifles. Modified
Vetterli rifles were also used by the Italian army.
The Swiss Vetterli rifles combined the American M1866 Winchester rifle's tubular
magazine and a bolt system derived from the German Dreyse needle gun. They were
also the first repeating rifle to feature a self-cocking action and a small
caliber. Due to the Swiss Federal Council's early 1866 decision to equip the
army with a breech loading repeating rifle, the Vetterli rifles were at the time
of their introduction the most advanced military rifles in Europe.
Repetiergewehr Vetterli, Model 1869/70
The 1869 Repetiergewehr Vetterli (English: repeating rifle, Vetterli) was the
first iteration of Vetterli rifles. It was designed by Johann-Friedrich Vetterli
(1822–1882), a Swiss rifle maker, who worked in France and England before
becoming director of the Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft's armament
factory in Neuhausen. He also adapted his rifle into a single-shot variant
procured by the Italian Army.
Repetiergewehr Vetterli, Model 1871
Even while manufacture of the M1869/70 was underway, a new 1871 model was put
into production. It omitted some redundant parts and featured a modified sight
as well as a stronger barrel and stronger iron hoops.
Repetierstutzer Vetterli, Model 1871
The Stutzer (carbine) variant of the 1871 rifle was used to equip the
Scharfschützen (sniper) companies of the army. The Stutzer were equipped with a
sensitive Stecher action and featured a shorter barrel.
Kavallerie-Repetierkarabiner Vetterli, Model 1871
The Kavallerie-Repetierkarabiner (English: cavalry repeating carbine) was
another shortened variant of the 1871 rifle for use by the cavalry, which at
that time was still armed with percussion pistols.
Repetiergewehr and -stutzer Vetterli, Model 1878 and 1881
To accelerate the sluggish production of the Vetterli rifles, the federal
authorities built a new arms factory in Berne, the Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik (W+F),
in 1875. That factory produced the 1878 variant of the Vetterli rifle. Its some
25 improvements included a new bayonet and lug, improved sights and a finger
hook on the trigger cover. An Stutzer variant with a Stecher action, but
otherwise identical to the rifle, was also produced.
A later 1881 variant of rifle and stutzer was equipped with an improved sight
that allowed a practical range of up to 1,600 meters.
Other web sites with information about the Vetterli
Historic Firearm of the Month, July 2001
Vetterli Rifles Message Board at SwissRifles.com
Shooting the Vetterli by "Parashooter"