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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