The Schmidt-Rubin Series of Swiss Rifles

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The Schmidt-Rubin Series
The Schmidt-Rubin 1889
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Vetterlis
Schmidt-Rubins & K31s
Model 1893 Carbine Barrel Length - 30.7 inches: 3-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63
Sturmgewehre 57 Overall Length - 51.25 inches
Sturmgewehre 90 Weight - 10.69lbs empty
Ammunition
Action - Schmidt-Rubin Straight Pull
Caliber - 7.5x53.5 Swiss (GP90 & GP 90/03)
Bayonets
7.5x54.5 Swiss (GP90/23)
Accessories Capacity - 12 round detachable box magazine
Swiss Handguns Sights - Quadrant sight graduated to 2000m
Other Links of Note Total Production : 212,000
Swiss Rifles Forums Bayonet: Model 1889
Officially adopted in 1889, the Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889 was the result of several
years of testing. In 1882 Eduard Rubin began testing the first small-caliber copper-
jacketed bullet which could successfully withstand high velocities. In 1885, this
round was combined with Rudolf Schmidt's first straight-pull action. The straight-
pull action relied upon an actuating rod, set in a channel to the right of the breech, to
rotate the bolt though a helical channel cut in the bolt sleeve. Twin locking lugs were
positioned midway through the bolt sleeve, locking the bolt into the receiver directly
above the trigger. Over the next three years both the rifle design and cartridge were
refined. The final result was adopted on June 26, 1889.
The Model 1889 was chambered for the 7.5x53.5 round (GP90) with a 213 grain
paper patched round producing a velocity of 1935fps. The cartridges were held in a
detachable magazine holding 12 rounds. Production ceased in 1897, due to the
weakness of the 89s bolt. Approximately 211,890 rifles were produced.
The Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889/96

(See picture of Model 1889)
Barrel Length - 30.7 inches: 3-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63
Overall Length - 51.2 inches
Weight - 9.92lbs empty
7.5x54.5 Swiss (GP90/23)
Capacity - 12 round detachable box magazine
Sights - Quadrant sight graduated to 2000m
Total Production : 137,050
Bayonet: Model 1889, Model 1899, Model 1889/92, and Model 1906
Even before the Model 1889 entered service, the Swiss Rifle Technical Commission
had reservations about the strength of the Model 1889s action. In 1888 they
requested Col. Schmidt to redesign the Model 1889 action by moving the locking
lugs forward on the bolt sleeve. However, Colonel Rudolph Schmidt, then the
Director of Armament Manufacturing, refuse the request, claiming such a change was
“not feasible.”
As the Model 1889 entered service, the Rifle Commissions fears were realized, yy
1892, it became apparent the rear mounted locking lugs of the Model 1889 were
problematic. On November 3, 1892, Col. Vogelsang was assigned the task of
designing three rifles with improved actions, shortly thereafter, and addition 50 rifles
were requested
Col. Vogelsang’s, along with the assistance of his co-worker Rebholz, changes were
fairly simple. In essence, here merely moved the locking lugs from the rear of the
bolt sleeve to the front of the bolt sleeve. These changes weren’t quite that simple
however, as it required a redesign of the bolt (including the bolt sleeve, firing pin and
firing pin spring), receiver, and the stock.
Due to turnover amongst Armament Manufacturer Department Heads testing of the

new action was delayed until 1895. On 1 January 1895, the test rifles were delivered
to the shooting school in Walenstadt. Testing of the new design numerous
improvements in performance.
Testing determined –
The bolt itself was strengthened,
Breakage of the locking lugs was reduced,
The action could handle higher pressure cartridges,
There was less binding of the bolt,
There was tighter lock-up of the bolt, producing better accuracy,
There was an increase in the length of pull, by 2cm, allowing for a better shooting
position,
And there was a decrease in weight of about 100g,
It was determined that it would be impractical to attempt to convert the existing

Model 1889s to the new action type, thus a new rifle model was required. Thus on
July 31, 1896, a new rifle, designated the Model 1889/96 was approved for service.
Several minor modifications to the design were made throughout the service life of
the rifle. Even before the rifle entered into production the barrel band and firing pin
spring was redesigned and the rear of the receiver was widened slightly. Shortly
thereafter, the firing pin itself was widened from 3.5 to mm in diameter.
Nearly all of the 1889/96 were converted into Model 1896/11 in the 1910s. Of the
137,000 89/96s produced, only 1,280 remained in their original configuration.
Model 1897 Kadet Rifle
Image scanned from Die Repetiergewehre Der Schweiz

7.5x54.5 Swiss (GP90/23)
Cadet Round (see text)
Capacity - Single Shot
Sights - Quadrant sight graduated to 400m on the right of the sight and 12000m on
the left of the sight.
Total Production : 7987
Bayonet: Model 1889/92
By 1893 the Vetterli Cadet Model 1870 Rifles was in short supply. Consequently it
was decided to build a new Cadet Rifle, based on the Model 1889 design.
Adopted in 1898, the single shot Model 1897 Cadet Rifles fired a cartridge who with
a powder charge that had been reduced by approximately 10% for the smaller stature
cadets. The reduced load produced a muzzle velocity of approximately 1670fps, as
compared to the standard round which produced a muzzle velocity of approximately
1900fps. In order to accommodate both standard GP90 ammunition and the cadet
round, the rear sight has two sets of graduations. The left side of the sight was
graduated for the GP 90 cartridge, while the right was graduated for the cadet round.
Model 1889/1900 Short Rifle
Image posted with permission

7.5x54.5 Swiss (GP90/23)
Sights - Quadrant sight graduated to 1200m
Bayonet: Model 1889/92 and Model 1906
In 1896 it was decided to equip artillery and other rear area troops with rifles. The
Model 1893 Carbine had proven to be unsuccessful, so a new design was
undertaken. Beginning . on February 27, 1900, the Model 1889/1900 was issued to
fortress troops, artillerymen, bicycle troops, balloon companies and communication
companies. 18,750 1889/1900s were produced from 1901 to 1911.
Model 1905 Carbine
Image posted with permission

7.5x54.5 Swiss (GP90/23)
Sights - Quadrant sight graduated to 1500m, plus a 200m fixed sight
Bayonet: none
In 1905, the Model 1905 Calvary Carbine was introduced to replace the older, and
unpopular, 1893 Carbines. The 1905 was fully stocked to the muzzle, and had no
provisions for mounting a bayonet. The 1905 retained the Model 1893s unique rear
sight, The sight essentially has two parts. A fixed sight, set at 200m, and a fold down
quadrant sight which was adjustable up to 1500m. The 1905 also mimicked the
1893s sling arrangement by having a slot in the buttstock for attaching a sling.
7,900 were produced between 1905 and 1911.
A Model 1893 Sight
Note: the fixed sight at the front.
Note: most 1889/1900s and 1905 were converted to 1911 Carbines between in 1913
and 1920. The converted carbines have serial numbers in the 1-26335 range and are
sometime referred to as 00/11s and 05/11s..
Schmidt-Rubin 1896/11 Rifle
Barrel Length - 30.7 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63"

(approx 6000 96/11s had a twist rate of 1 in 9")
Caliber - 7.5x55 Swiss (GP11)
Sights - Tangent-leaf sight graduated to 2000m
Bayonet: Models 1889,1899 & 1906
As early as 1903 there discussion about the adoption of a lighter, easier to handle
rifle, with increased velocity cartridges. It had been determined that there were
severe ballistic shortcomings to the 89/96 action /GP90 cartridge combination. In
late 1907, the Swiss Rifle Commission gave permission to Waffenfabrik Bern to
create 200 rifles for testing purposes. The rifle were built with the following
configurations:
fifty rifles with 1889/96 Barrels firing GP90 cartridges,

fifty rifles with 1889/96 Barrels firing GP90 cartridges, and re-milled cartridge
chamber, fifty rifles with 1889/96 Barrels and new cartridges and re-milled cartridge
chamber,
fifty rifles with new barrels and new cartridges
Other modifications included the removal of the magazine cut-off, improved sights,
and an integral rifle rest. While the integral rifle rest was discarded as superfluous,
the testing otherwise proved successful.. This led to the authorization of the creation
of 900 Rifles and 100 Carbines, for the purposed of testing the new GP08 (later
redesignated GP11) cartridge. The 1908 Rifles and Carbines were fitted with Model
1889/1900 style 6 round magazines, and improved sights. The 1908s also had
several unique features, not found in other Schmidt-Rubin models. The locking lug
sleeve of the 1908’s bolt had three circular holes, presumably for weight savings
purposes. In addition, the relief cuts on the top of 1908s receiver were of different
length, with the longer cut set along the center of the receiver, with the shorter cut off
to the side. On all other Schmidt-Rubins, the relief cuts were of equal length, and
both cuts were equally offset from the centerline of the receiver.
By around 1907, the Swiss knew the old GP90 cartridge was inferior to those being
adopted by their neighbors. So they started testing a new round. They built the 1908
series for this purpose. The 1908 has some unique feature, not seen in other Schmidt-
Rubins, including three holes in the bolt. Testing showed the VGP08 cartridge
produced significantly better results than the GP90 cartridge. Consequently, the
VGP08 cartridge was adopted as the GP11 cartridge.
It was determined that the 89/96 could easily be converted (Model 1889s could not)
to handle the new cartridge by re-barreling the rifle.
1889/96s were converted to 1896.11s buy replacing or modifying the following:
A new barrel was added.

Already fitted the the barrel were new front and rear sights.
A pistol grip was grafted onto the stock of the rifle.
The new rifles were also fitted with 6rd magazines, similar to the 1889/1900 pattern
magazine, minus the reinforcing ridge, although the magazine did include a bolt
hold-open feature for when the magazine was empty.
A new trigger-guard was fitted to accommodate the new magazine.
However, it took several years for all the 89/96s to be converted to 96/11 and 1911
Rifle production continued until 1918. Rather than leave large numbers of troops
unarmed while the rifles were shipped off for conversion, they were re-issued Model
1889s. (Troops with Model 89/00 Short Rifles and 05 Carbines were re-issued 1893
Carbines).
Swiss soldiers are roughly classified into two categories, elite and reserve. Elites are
under the age of 30, reserves are over the age of 30. Any trooper reaching reserve
status, whom had a 89/96 during the changeover period was issued a Model 1889,
and kept it for the remaining term of his service. Raw recruits, were issued Model
1889s as well at this point in time, and were later issued 96/11s or 1911s.
The various Canton Arsenals were given different priorities regarding when they
were re-equipped. However, I'm not sure what those priorities were.
Model 1911 Rifle
Barrel Length - 30.7 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63"

(S/Ns 350001 to 365000 had a twist rate of 1 in 9")
Bayonet: Model 1899
In addition to modernizing their old rifles, in 1913, the Model 1911 was formally
adopted. These rifles, along with those converted to the new pattern, fired the new
GP11 round. The GP11 round fired a175 grain round at 2640 fps. The 1911
possessed all the improvements listed above. 127,000 1911 Rifles were produced
from 1913 to 1919.
Model 1911 Carbine ("K11")

Bayonet: Models 1892 Spike Bayonet, 1899, 1918, 1906 Pioneer (Sawback) and
1914 Pioneer (Sawback)
Produced concurrently with the 1911 Rifle, the 1911 Carbine replaced both the Short
Rifle and Calvary Carbine. While production of the 1911 rifle stopped in 1919,
Carbine production continued until 1933 with some 184,000 Carbines being
produced.
The Model 1931 Carbine ("K31")

Action - Straight Pull Bolt Action
Total Production - 528,230
Bayonet: Models 1899/18, 1918, 1918/55 and 1914 Pioneer (Sawback)
By the end of the 1920s the Swiss began to question whether or not they should equip
their soldiers with rifles or carbines. Indeed, 2/5th of the Infantry and 3/5th of the rest
of the army were already equipped with carbines rather than long rifles. While the
rifles provide better accuracy and range, the carbines were lighter and easier to
handle. Interestingly enough, while the carbines accuracy was considered adequate
for military purposes, it was the member of the various private Swiss shooting clubs
that were insisting the more accurate rifle be kept in service.
In 1928, first attempt at combining the positive qualities of the rifle and carbine was
made by fitting a K11 with a heavy barrel. 200 heavy barreled carbines were
produced and tested. However, the gains in accuracy were outweighed by the added
cost of the weapon. The decision was made in April 1929 that a new design for the
carbine.
The following requirements were set for the new weapon
1. The new weapon should not be significantly longer than the 1911 Carbine.
2. The new weapon should have a straight-pull action
3. The new weapon should be more accurate than the 1911 Carbine, and as
accurate as the 1911 Rifle
4. The new weapon should be cheaper to produce than the 1911 series.
Testing began in late 1929 and continued into 1930 of two prototype designs, and
end with favorable results. In late 1930 10 new design carbines were sent to the
shooting school in Wallenstadt for evaluation. The new design carbine’s accuracy
was compared with that of the 1911 Rifle and the heavy barreled carbine. The
results of the testing showed the new design carbine to be more accurate than either
the rifle or the heavy barrel carbine. However, there were some design issues that
needed addressing.
In May 1931, a series of 200 improved carbines were produced. These carbines were
issued to various shooting schools as well as six recruit schools. The testing
continued until October 12, and produced the following conclusions:
1. The new bolt design was less prone to binding.

2. There were fewer feed problem.
3. The new action was less prone to failure, even in the event of one of the
locking lugs breaking.
4. The new stronger action was better able to survive firing with a barrel
blockage.
5. The new designs proved very durable, four carbines had 150,000 rounds fired
through them without any appreciable failures.
Unlike the previous Schmidt-Rubin series of rifles, the new carbine’s locking lug
locked up immediately behind the chamber. This afforded several advantages. The
entire action was strengthened as the lugs were locking in a much thicker part of the
action. Lock-up was also more precise. The bolt was significantly shortened,
allowing for a longer barrel and sight radius, without increasing the overall length of
the rifle, moving the rear sight closer to the eye, and cutting in half the amount of
time for the firing pin to strike the cartridge after the trigger was pulled.
The new carbine also had several other new features. The barrel was intended to be
free floating. The action itself only connected to the stock by two screws, one
attaching to the chamber, with the second attaching to the tang. This allowed the
Swiss to eliminate the aluminum barrel collar used in the Schmidt-Rubin series. The
trigger was redesigned, as were the magazine and rear sight.
The end result of these modifications produced a rifle that was more accurate, yet
cheaper than the K11, it was replacing. In 1932 it was estimated that the cost of a
K11 would be 169 Swiss Francs. Conversely, the new carbine had an estimated cost
of 151 Swiss Francs.
On March 17, 1932, the Swiss Upper Parliament accepted the new carbine into
service and designated it the Model 1931.
During it’s production run there were several minor modifications made to the K31.
1934, the firing pin was made thinner.

1935, the receiver was hardened
1936, the magazine shell was hardened
1941, laminated stocks were tested, but rejected
1944, due to supply shortages, Chromium Molybdenum was use in place of
Chromium Nickel Steel on various parts. This experiment proved unsuccessful.
1946, starting with serial number 868,901, beech rather than walnut was used for
making the stocks.
The K31 stayed in front line service until 1958, when it was replaced by the Stgw57.
K31s were still found with some Swiss Military units, well into the 1970s. The total
production run was 528,230 carbines, beginning in 1933 and ceasing in 1958.
The ZfK31/42 and /43
A close-up view of a K31/43's receiver and scope

Sights - Optical: (Model 31/42) 1.8x optical sight (Model 31/43) 2.8x optical sight
- Iron: 2 Tangent-leaf sights One on the scope graduated to 700m and nne on
the
barrel graduated to 1500m
Total Production - 2241
The Swiss began experimenting with scope rifles in 1918. However, it wasn't until
1940, that they found a satisfactory scope. The Swiss liked the low mounted Kern
scope, as it helped keep the shooters head down, thus limiting his exposure to enemy
fire. The scope was mounted to the left side of slightly modified K31's. In addition to
the optics, a short range (700m) iron sight was mounted on top of the scope. The
K31/42 was fitted with a 1.8x sight, while the 31/43 was fitted with an improved 2.8x
sight. Both scope had a rather unique periscope arrangement which allowed the
Objective of scope to be rotated out of the way, when not in use. However, neither
scope proved to have enough magnification or field of vision to be especially useful,
and production was ceased shortly after it began.
The ZfK55 Sniper Rifle

Weight - 13.5lbs empty (with scope attached)
Total Production - 4150
For addtional detailed photos go to the ZfK55 Sniper Rifle Photo Gallery
While the ZfK55 possess many visual similarities to the K31, the two rifles only have
four parts in common (the cocking piece, the firing pin, the firing pin spring, and the
extractor.) The ZfK55 is fitted with a 3.5x scope mounted to the left of the receiver,
with the mounts being an integral part of the receiver. The entire action of the ZfK55
is tilted at an angle to allow for ejecting cartridges to clear the scope. The barrel
fitted to the ZfK55 is heavier than the one one the K31 and is fitted with a large
muzzle-brake/flash suppressor. The ZfK55 also boasts a half-stock with a pistol grip
and a bipod.
SwissRifles.com Links
Manuals
Model 1889 Manual - (In English!!!) compliments of Blindgaenger

Text Only version
Small Color insert
Large Color insert
Model 1889 Manual - (in German) compliments of Paul Pelfrey
The K11 & K31 Manual - (In English!!!) compliments of Czechmauseritis
The 1944 K11 & K31 Manual - (In German) By Gunmanuals.ch
Appendix 1 & 2
Appendix 4
The 1967 K11, K31 & ZfK31/42-/43 Armorer's Manual - (In German)
The ZfK 55 Manual - (In German)
The ZfK 55 Armorer's Manual - (In English!!!)
The Type K Diopter Manual - (In English!!!)
Other Swissrifles.com links
Accurizing Your Swiss Rifle - By Pierre St. Marie

Cut-Away Drawing of a Model 1889/1911
Rifle Markings
Translating K31 Identification Tags
Schmidt-Rubin: The "Swiss Watch" of Rifles by Paul Scarlata - Reprinted from
Shotgun News
Schmidt-Rubin aftermarket sights
Bob Lorenz's Schmidt-Rubins and Accessories
Stanley from New Zealand's Schmidt-Rubins and Accessories
Bolt Disassembly Instructions and Technical Tips from Roy Headrick
1911 Bolt Disassembly
K31 Bolt Disassembly
1911 Trigger Stop
K31 Trigger Stop
Target Sights and Sling
Tom Allen's Schmidt-Rubins
M1911 - The picture of and story behind Rob Caton's Schmidt-Rubin
Other Schmidt-Rubin Links
Manufacture Dates of Schmidt-Rubins - Bryan Brown's excellent site

Jean's Military Surplus Guns Photo Gallery - Schmidt-Rubin M1889
Jean's Military Surplus Guns Photo Gallery - Schmidt-Rubin M1911 Carbine
Dutchman's 1896/11 - Also if you are interested in Swedish Rifles, check out
the House of Karlina
Online Vendors
Augustus Fine Antiques

Replacement Parts Dealers
Tennessee Gun Parts
Gunpartsearch
Hoosier Gun Works
Ponderosa Parts
Gun Parts Corporation
Northridge International
Wolff Gunsprings - Replacement striker springs for the 1911
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For questions or comments - Contact Information

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90 | Ammunition | Bayonets | Accessories | Handguns | Links | Forums

The Schmidt-Rubin Series

The Schmidt-Rubin 1889

The Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889/96

Due to turnover amongst Armament Manufacturer Department Heads testing of the

It was determined that it would be impractical to attempt to convert the existing

Model 1897 Kadet Rifle

Image scanned from Die Repetiergewehre Der Schweiz

Barrel Length - 23.3 inches: 3-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63

Model 1889/1900 Short Rifle

Image posted with permission

Barrel Length - 23.3 inches: 3-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63

Model 1905 Carbine

Image posted with permission

Barrel Length - 21.65 inches: 3-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63

A Model 1893 Sight

Note: the fixed sight at the front.

Barrel Length - 30.7 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63"

fifty rifles with 1889/96 Barrels firing GP90 cartridges,

1889/96s were converted to 1896.11s buy replacing or modifying the following:

A new barrel was added.

Model 1911 Rifle

Barrel Length - 30.7 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63"

Model 1911 Carbine ("K11")

Barrel Length - 23.3 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63

The Model 1931 Carbine ("K31")

Barrel Length - 25.65 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63

The following requirements were set for the new weapon

1. The new bolt design was less prone to binding.

1934, the firing pin was made thinner.

A close-up view of a K31/43's receiver and scope

Barrel Length - 25.65 inches: 4-groove, RH, concentric rifling, 1 in 10.63

The ZfK55 Sniper Rifle

Model 1889 Manual - (In English!!!) compliments of Blindgaenger

Other Swissrifles.com links

Accurizing Your Swiss Rifle - By Pierre St. Marie

Other Schmidt-Rubin Links

Manufacture Dates of Schmidt-Rubins - Bryan Brown's excellent site

Augustus Fine Antiques

For questions or comments - Contact Information

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