Original Item: Only One Available. The first Model Schmidt-Rubin rifle was designed and approved in 1889, with production running between 1891 and 1897 at Eidgenoessische Waffenfabrik (Swiss Arms Factory), Bern, with a total production of about 212,000. This means that all model 1889 Schmidt Rubin rifles are pre-1899, and considered antique under Federal Law. As this is rifle serial number 172451, we estimate this rifle was produced in 1895-1896.

This example is in very good condition, with a very nice service used look, and a fantastic bore. It does not appear to have been arsenal reconditioned at any time, so this looks to be all original wear, and the stock still has its original oil finish. This looks like a rifle that was carried a lot, but rarely used. Serial number 172451 is present on all components of the rifle including the bolt & magazine, with shortened number 451 even being stamped on all parts of the rear sight and several other components including the butt plate. Some parts, such as barrel bands, do not usually have serial number markings. We would consider this to be an "ALL MATCHING" example and it's a great one!

There are multiple Swiss Cross proof marks on the metal components of the rifle, as well as some on the stock, many with the Swiss "Geneva Cross" marking, such as D6✚C1 on the spine of the butt stock. These are supposed to correspond to specific inspectors of the time. The original blued finish on the metalwork shows overall wear from service and cleaning away light oxidation, but there is no major rust or other issues. The bolt is still bright steel, with just a bit of light staining, and the red fiber bolt handle still in very good shape, showing some cracks and missing a small chunk on the bottom.

The rifle cycles securely, with a very satisfying "clunk-click", and a crisp dry fire. The magazine cutoff/release lever works correctly as well. The magazine itself looks functional, though we have no way to test the feed system. It has a metal clip installed on the lever, which when in place prevents the rifle from being put into single shot mode. The bore is in excellent condition, showing little to no signs of use. It has a mirror bright finish with crisp lands and grooves, and there is no primer ring burned into the bolt. While this rifle was carried around for a good amount of time, it looks to have seen little to no use.

The stock has the expected small dents, chips, scratches from storage and service, but no major damage like cracks or repairs. It is very attractive with a lovely mottled honey color, and a smooth oiled finish. The rear sight is fully functional, and both sling swivels are present and move freely. The middle band is present with an intact band spring.

Overall this is a very attractive rifle with a fantastic bore and nice service used look, which will look great in any collection. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1891-1897
Caliber: GP90 7.5×53.5mm Schmidt-Rubin
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 51 Inches
Action type: Straight-pull Bolt-Action
Feed System: 12 Round Box Magazine with Cutoff

More on the Model 1889 Schmidt-Rubin

The Model 1889 was the first in the series of Schmidt–Rubin rifles, which served Switzerland from 1889 to 1953. The rifle takes its name from the designer of its action, Colonel Rudolf Schmidt, and the designer of its ammunition, Colonel Eduard Rubin. The straight-pull bolt action allows the user to pull the bolt straight back to unlock the action and eject the spent cartridge in one motion, and push the bolt forward to chamber a round, cock the striker, and lock the action. This is as opposed to a traditional bolt action, wherein the user must lift the bolt handle to unlock the action before pulling the bolt back.

The rifle is roughly musket length, with a free-floating barrel, 12-round magazine and wood stock that extends almost to the tip of the barrel. The Schmidt–Rubin 1889 was an advanced weapon for its time, and was one of the first rifles to use copper-jacketed ammunition as its standard ammunition. The GP90 7.5×53.5mm round designed by Col. Rubin in 1882 was revolutionary in that most of the bullets used in Europe at the time, except for the Mle 1886 Lebel rifle metal-jacketed 8mm bullet, were around .45 inches as opposed to the .308 inches of the Schmidt–Rubin ammunition. Strangely enough, the round was "paper patched" meaning that the bullet was surrounded by a piece of paper, much like the cotton patches placed around a musket ball. Paper patching the round was supposed to aid in the lubrication of the bullet.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to most addresses within the United States.