Schimdt Rubin M1889 Straight Pull 7.5 mm Rifle

Antique No License Required.

Designed and approved in 1889, production ran between 1891 and 1897 at the Eidgenoessische Waffenfabrik in Bern, with a total of approximately 212,000 rifles manufactured. The rifle takes its name from the designer of its action, Colonel Rudolf Schmidt, and the designer of its ammunition, Colonel Eduard Rubin. The Schmidt-Rubin was the first straight-pull bolt-action service rifle adopted by any nation.

The straight-pull action allows the user to pull the bolt straight back to unlock the action and eject the spent cartridge in one motion, then push the bolt forward to chamber a round, cock the striker, and lock the action — a notably faster cycling system than contemporary turnbolt designs. The 1889 was an advanced weapon for its time and among the first service rifles to use copper-jacketed ammunition, chambering the revolutionary GP90 round at a calibre considerably smaller than most European military cartridges of the era.

The rifle carries a 30.7-inch barrel, measures 51.25 inches overall, weighs 10.69 lbs unloaded, and feeds from a 12-round detachable box magazine.

This example is all-matching — bolt, magazine and action — a significant and desirable attribute that collectors of Schmidt-Rubin rifles specifically look for. The bore is described as impeccable, remarkable for a rifle of this age, and the overall condition is good, with honest stock knocks and bruises consistent with its years of Swiss service. A sound, collectable example of an important piece of European military arms history.

Note: the Model 1889 action is chambered for the GP90 7.5x53.5mm cartridge only. Do not fire standard 7.5x55mm GP11 surplus ammunition in this rifle — the chamber was not designed to handle the pressures generated by the modern round, which exceeds the action's design limits.

Ref: 046

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