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 145319, we estimate this rifle was produced in 1894-1895.

This rifle has had a very interesting history compared to most, as it was at some point converted to a training rifle. However instead of the usual subcaliber barrel sleeve to .22 with a modified bolt often seen, this rifle was converted to use 4mm Flobert cartridges, inserted about 7 inches back from the muzzle. To accomplish this, a 7 inch long rifled sleeve was installed in the front of the barrel, and then an oval hole made through the barrel and stock so that it could be loaded. The bolt was then fitted with a long rod with a rimfire firing pin and extractor on the front of it, and this was installed down the barrel. When the trigger is pulled the rod shoots forward, and would discharge the Flobert cartridge. These were very low pressure and designed for shooting indoors.

We believe this rifle to be experimental, and have never really seen another like it. The amount of time and cost used to make this must have been excessive, and it honestly was most likely a system quickly abandoned, if it was ever put into any real type of production. Definitely exceptionally rare!

The rifle is still in very good condition, with a great look, and only moderate signs of age and use. It does not look to have seen much real use before it was converted into a training rifle. Serial number 145319 is present on all components of the rifle including the bolt, with shortened number 879 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!

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, with minimal staining, except on the handle, which looks to have seen minor moisture exposure. The red fiber bolt handle has some cracks, but is still solid. The rifle cycles securely, though we have no idea whether it is still capable of being used as a trainer. The stock does have some small dents, chips, scratches from storage, but it is still quite attractive and a lovely light amber color. It also has a lot of tiger "flamed" figuring in the handguard, which really pops in the light. The rear sight is fully functional, and both sling swivels are present and move freely.

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

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1891-1897
Caliber: 4mm Flobert
Cartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 1/2 inches / 7 Inches
Overall Length: 51 Inches
Action type: Straight-pull Bolt-Action
Feed System: Single Shot - Loaded Under Muzzle

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.