Kadett M1897 Single Shot Rifle

Single shot version of the M1889/96 Schmidt-Rubin Rifle

Does exactly what it says on the Tin   Developed to replace the M1870 Vetterli cadet rifle, it was mostly used in military schools.  Externally very similar to the M1889 but with no magazine to feed from. This new trainer was physically smaller and more slender in appearance. It had the same bolt system without some of the intracies of the repeating mechanism. It retains the large ring manual cocking piece from the M1889. All designed to get the new shooter used to the basics before the wonder of modern repeating shooting.

The M1897 measures 43.1/2″ in length.  The barrel is 23.1/2″ long and the trigger Pull to center is 12.1/2.”  The trigger guard has two gripping rests for the fingers, which none of the others have.  The front barrel band is very similar in function to its big brother, serving all the same purposes. The rear sight also has the same brief in mind and is graduated from 200 to 1200 meters.

Bolt release is the same as the 1889.  In place of the magazine well is a solid dished base which takes a round, laid into position. When the bolt is pushed forward it will pick up the round and load it into the breech.  Same caliber, 7.5 x 53.5mm as the repeater and so same bore.  The bore on this rifle is immaculate, but possibly shallow.  Single piece straight grip walnut stock with handguard over the barrel. All stocks in good condition showing eveidence of military life.

The serial number is “7067” and appears on the action, barrel and bolt. “67” is on the components of the rear sight. Other marks include the small Swiss cross acceptance mark, the barrel register mark and the reversed”B and P”mark, the Proof Marking of Schmidt-Rubin.  Once again the caliber is considered obsolete in the UK.  Considerably less of these rifles were produced so rarity adds to the value of this weapon.

Section 58 (ii) Antique – No license Required.

£ 845.

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