Original Swiss First Model 1889 Schmidt-Rubin Magazine Infantry Rifle with Figured Stock and Excellent Bore - Matching Serial 23290

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 23290, we estimate this rifle was produced in 1892-1893.

This example is in very good near excellent condition, with a great lightly used look, and a fantastic bore. It does not appear to have been arsenal reconditioned at any time, so this looks to be all original wear, and the stock still has its original oil finish. Not only that, the lower stock is made from fantastic "Flame" figured wood, which is especially apparent in the butt stock. Serial number 23290 is present on all components of the rifle including the bolt & magazine, with shortened number 290 even being stamped on all parts of the rear sight and several other components. 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!

There are multiple Swiss Cross proof marks on the metal components of the rifle, as well as some on the stock, many with the Swiss "Geneva Cross" marking, such as D6✚C1 on the spine of the butt stock. These are supposed to correspond to specific inspectors of the time. There is also a large 6 inside a circle above this, which had an A stamped in the middle at some point. There is still most of the original blued finish present on the metalwork not covered by the stock, with just a bit of wear around the sharper corners. The bolt is still bright steel, with just a bit of light staining, and the red fiber bolt handle still in good shape, having layers at both the top and bottom crack and fall off.

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 excellent condition, showing little to no signs of use. It has a mirror bright finish with crisp lands and grooves, and there is no primer ring burned into the bolt. While this rifle was carried around for a good amount of time, it looks to have seen little to no use. There is a muzzle cover on the end of the barrel, which no doubt helped keep it in such great shape.

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 oiled finish, especially with the flame figuring on the lower stock. 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 lovely cosmetic condition with a fantastic 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.