Item:
ON7653

Original Swiss First Model 1889 Schmidt-Rubin Magazine Rifle with Sling and Muzzle Cover - Serial No 14558

Item Description

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, 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 151338, we estimate this rifle was produced in 1894-5. 

This example is in very good used condition, and comes complete with an original sling, and brass-tipped muzzle cover. Serial number 14558 is present on all components of the except the magazine, with shortened number 558 even being stamped on all parts of the rear sight. The magazine has number 13227, however the magazines are easily interchangeable, so swapping was relatively easy.

The rifle cycles securely, with a very satisfying "clunk-click". The magazine cutoff/release lever works correctly as well. 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. The bolt is still bright steel, and the barrel is in excellent condition, with a bright finish and crisp lands and grooves.

The stock does have some small dents, chips, scratches, and other wear from over a century of age and storage, but it is still quite attractive and a lovely color. There is even a good amount of flame figure in the butt stock area on both sides, and several crisp swiss proof marks.

Overall this is a very attractive rifle, which will look great in any collection. Ready to display!

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.

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

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  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

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