Schmidt Rubin Scmidt Rubin M1889 Straight Pull 7.5 mm Rifle

This is a Swiss Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889, the first rifle in the series of straight-pull military rifles that served Switzerland from 1889 to 1958. Named after Colonel Rudolf Schmidt who designed the action and Major Eduard Rubin who developed the 7.5x53.5mm GP90 cartridge, this rifle was officially adopted on 26 June 1889 and issued to troops from 1891.

This example retains matching numbers on bolt, magazine and action—a significant factor given the military service history. The bore remains excellent and bright, testament to Swiss precision manufacturing and the rifle's robust design. Period-appropriate dings and dents reflect genuine military use rather than arsenal refurbishment.

The M1889 is unique among military rifles for locating the action's locking lugs at the rear of the bolt, creating an unusually long bolt assembly. Features include the innovative straight-pull bolt action and 12-round detachable magazine with arched release lever. Advanced for its time, it was among the first rifles to use copper-jacketed ammunition as standard, firing a revolutionary .306 calibre round versus the .45 calibre bullets common in Europe.

The M1889's fatal flaw was the rear-mounted locking lugs, which created inherent weakness and prevented upgrading to higher-pressure ammunition. By 1896, Swiss authorities redesigned the action with forward locking lugs, relegating original M1889s to reserve units. Production ceased in 1897 after 211,890 rifles were delivered.

Ref: 036

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