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 a very low serial number 255, we estimate this rifle was produced in 1891, and this is the lowest serial number that we have ever seen on one of these!

This example is in excellent condition, with a great look, and only moderate signs of age and use, though the stock does look to possibly have been arsenal reconditioned. Serial number 255 is present on most components of the rifle including the barrel, receiver, magazine, rear sight, and possibly elsewhere. Due to how early this example is it looks like some parts that were normally marked were not. The bolt is not matching, marked with 161234, most likely swapped at arsenal long ago. This is really a lovely example with a great look, and it comes complete with an original brass and steel muzzle cover.

There are multiple Swiss Cross proof marks on the metal components of a gun, which are in very good condition, with most of the original finish present, probably having been restored at arsenal when the bolt was swapped. The bolt is still bright steel, with minimal staining, except on the exposed portions. The red fiber bolt handle has some cracks, but is still solid.

The rifle cycles securely, with a very satisfying "clunk-click", and a crisp dry fire, though it can be a bit stiff due to dried grease. The magazine cutoff/release lever works correctly as well. The magazine itself looks functional, though we have no way to test the feed system. The magazine can be removed, and the magazine cutoff works as well. The bore is in excellent near mint condition, with a bright finish showing crisp lands and grooves, showing little to no signs of use. There is just the faintest hint of a primer ring on the bolt face.

The stocks are in really great condition, showing only light wear, and look to probably have been refinished at some point. There is a number 3 in a circle by the butt plate, a marking we have seen before on these rifles. 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 in very good condition with a great bore, 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.