{"product_id":"original-swiss-vetterli-repetiergewehr-m1871-magazine-infantry-rifle-serial-130135","title":"Original Swiss Vetterli Repetiergewehr M1871 Magazine Infantry Rifle in 10.4×38mm - Serial 130135","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Introduced in 1867, the Vetterli rifle system utilized the \"Winchester\" tube magazine system for cartridge storage under the barrel. The original 1867 model had an external hammer, like a Winchester, but in 1868 this was changed to an internal cocking bolt spring. The cleaning rod was moved to the side of the rifle, but this proved problematic, so the model of 1869 moved it back to the under barrel position. In 1871, the loading gate cover on the right side of the receiver and the magazine cutoff on the left side were deemed to be redundant, so a new model 1871 was introduced without them. It also featured strengthened barrel rings and a much thicker and sturdier rear sight leaf. \u003cspan\u003e Later models after this changed over to the box Magazine found on most rifles of the WWI era.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe early models of the Swiss Vetterli were all made by individual contractors, and t\u003c\/span\u003ehis example has a small logo stamped on many components, which we unfortunately could not identify.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle's serial number \u003cstrong\u003e13035\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis found on the left side of the receiver and on the chamber end of the barrel, with shortened number 135 on the feed block and butt plate. There are additional proof marks on metal components of the rifle, as well as some on the stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle has the correct two gas escape holes in receiver and 1000 Schritt rear sight for pre-1875 manufacture, which were removed in later examples. To accelerate the sluggish production of the Vetterli rifles, the federal authorities built a new arms factory in Berne, the \u003cem\u003eEidgenössische Waffenfabrik \u003c\/em\u003e(Federal arms factory or W+F), in 1875. When they started production, of the 1871, they made many simplifications, eventually leading to the model of 1878.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good condition, this was a rifle serving at the time of Britain's legendary Martini-Henry Single Shot Rifle, also introduced in 1871 and not replaced with a magazine rifle until 1888. Wood stock is in very good condition, with some minor dents and scrapes, with a few stains. Also, the upper barrel hand is missing the tensioning screw, as pictured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is excellent, with clear lands and grooves, and a bright finish. This rifle does not show much sign of being fired. The cleaning rod is present, with intact threads and minimal wear. The a\u003cspan\u003ection cycles nicely, though it takes a strong bolt pull to present the ejector\/feed block, as intended. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vetterli was an Italian design ahead of its time but was soon outclassed by the German Mauser 1871\/84 magazine Rifle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swiss Vetterli rifle is one of the very first bolt-action \"repeating\" rifles and getting scarce to find today. Examples like this are getting very hard to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistory of the Vetterli rifle: The Vetterli rifles were a series of Swiss army service rifles in use from 1869 to circa 1890, when they were replaced with Schmidt-Rubin rifles. Modified Vetterli rifles were also used by the Italian Army.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swiss Vetterli rifles combined the American Winchester Model 1866's tubular magazine with a regular bolt featuring for the first time two opposed rear locking lugs. This novel type of bolt was a major improvement over the simpler Dreyse and Chassepot bolt actions. The Vetterli was also the first repeating bolt action rifle to feature a self-cocking action and a small caliber bore. Due to the Swiss Federal Council's early 1866 decision to equip the army with a breechloading repeating rifle, the Vetterli rifles were, at the time of their introduction, the most advanced military rifles in Europe. The Vetterli was the replacement for Amsler-Milbank rifles, which were a metallic cartridge conversion from previous Swiss muzzle-loading rifles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYears of Manufacture:  1871-1874\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaliber: 10.4×38mm Swiss\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 51 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction type: Bolt-Action\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: 11 round internal tubular magazine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31824637034565,"sku":"ONSV7351","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV7351__01.jpg?v=1599245628","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-swiss-vetterli-repetiergewehr-m1871-magazine-infantry-rifle-serial-130135","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}