Model 1889 Schmidt-Rubin Infantry Rifle
Created on March 3rd 2026
Good Schmidt-Rubin M 1889 Straight-Pull Rifle
The first version of the Schmidt-Rubin Rifle of which approximately 210,000 examples were produced for the Swiss military. It was eagerly adopted by the troops as a replacement to the Vetterli. It was faster and more accurate, and used a mixture of non and smokeless propellant producing a much higher muzzle velocity. It also didn’t suffer from that classic change of weight during shooting, due to the emptying of a tubular magazine like its predecessor. The new magazine design was a 12 shot conventional box unit under the weapon. However, the Swiss being the Swiss, created an ingenious lever mechanism, which would effectively pull the magazine out of battery. This basically lowered the magazine so that, the first round at the top of the magazine would not get pushed forward by the bolt, effectively producing magazine cut off.
Although a very long rifle, it is an elegant piece. A noticeable aspect of appearance, is the under the muzzle. A stacking hook with a distinct upward hook, which not only helped with stacking but, was less likely to get tangled up with the fauna and flora. The other obvious feature is the long bolt with sidemounted cocking handle. As the first manifestation of the classic Schmidt-Rubin bolt, it represented a very forward thinking advanced developement for the time. By the simple action of pulling the bolt reaward, the previous case is ejected. The bolt rotates within a steel sleeve and by the time it has returned, it has not only picked up the next cartridge, but is now cocked and ready to be fired. Typical of the Swiss, often likened to a Swiss watch, but I suspect, Swiss watch makers would be hugely offended because of its size and scale as opposed to the intricacy of their craft, but you get my drift! A testement to the leap forward in technology at the time, that this represented, is that, although refined in the 1930’s this basic idea remained in use until the mid 1950’s, when it was finally replaced by an automatic weapon.
The rifle itself measures 51.1/4″ in length. The round barrel is 30.1/4″, Where did the other 21 “go ! The answer to that, is the rifles only downs side or “Con” in a long list of Pros’. It’s in the action; because of the extremely long bolt; the action itself is 9″ long ! Add a measurement of 12.1/2″ to center for trigger Pull and thats why the rifle ends up being so long. You could then add a short sword type bayonet with a blade of nearly 12 ” and you have a fair reach and a good way of keeping people away from you!
The rifle is chambered in the 7.5 x 53.5mm GP 1890 cartridge and is classified in the UK as a section 58 obsolete caliber. The bore has an equally proportioned three groove RH twist pattern which is in fair condition. The metal work shows wear consumate with its age, some blueing remains where it has not worn to a silver grey. Areas of high edge wear and the balance fading to a rich plum brown. No obvious signs of refinishing. The stock is in good condition with little wear. The two piece red coloured rubberised bolt handled is complete with no chunks missing. The letters “S R” appear pressed into the LHS of the butt-stock ?
Rear sight graduated from 300 to 2000 meters. The rifle carries the serial number “78454” on all relevant parts. It also carries the number “P / 10”. There are, as there should be, many acceptance, proof firing and production marks all over the rifle and all match. The mark for Bern is present, but I suggest, as part of the attraction of ownership, the new “keeper” occupies him or herself studying these marks and developing an understanding of the history they are privileged to hold in their hands. That is really half the attraction of ownership, as opposed to posessing a piece of soulless black plastic. But each to his own ! This fine rifle represents a piece of history that has kept a neutral country safe for many years and might be just as effective as the day it was accepted, back in 1892 (by its serial number.)
Section 58(ii) Antique – No License Required
£ 675.
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