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 serial number 93403, we estimate this rifle was produced in 1893-1894.

This example is in excellent condition, with a great look, and only minor signs of age and use. It does appear to have been arsenal reconditioned at some time, with some of the metalwork refinished, particularly the magazine. The stock was also given a lovely light varnished finish, which looks great. Serial number 165480 is present on all components of the rifle including the bolt & magazine, with shortened number 480 even being stamped on all parts of the rear sight and several other components including the butt plate. Some parts, such as barrel bands, do not usually have serial number markings. We would consider this to be an "ALL MATCHING" example and it's a great one! It even comes complete with an original brass and steel muzzle cover, which really completes the piece.

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 magazine and the rear sight do look to have been refinished at arsenal, which was very well done. Otherwise the original blued finish is very well retained overall. The bolt is still bright steel, with minimal staining, though there is a bit of a bend to the bolt handle. The red fiber bolt handle is in great shape, with no cracks or chips we can see.

The rifle cycles securely, with a very satisfying "clunk-click", and a crisp dry fire. The magazine cutoff/release lever works correctly as well. The magazine itself looks functional, though we have no way to test the feed system. It has a metal clip installed on the lever, which when in place prevents the rifle from being put into single shot mode. The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish and strong lands and grooves. There is no oxidation that we can see, though there definitely is a bit of rounding on the edges of the lands, so this rifle did see some level of use while in service.

The stock does have some small dents, chips, scratches from storage and service, but no major damage like cracks or gouges. It is very attractive with a lovely dark honey color, and the varnished finish is in great shape. 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 great cosmetic condition with a very good 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.