Short Swiss Schmidt Rubins: M1900 Short Rifle & M1905 Cavalry Carbine

Published on May 30, 2025
Duration: 11:03

This guide details the evolution and distinctions between the Swiss M1900 Short Rifle and M1905 Cavalry Carbine, both based on the M1896 Schmidt-Rubin action. It highlights their specific design features, intended roles, cartridge differences (GP 90 vs. GP 11), and the impact of the later K11 unification on their rarity. Expert analysis from Ian McCollum emphasizes the difficulty in finding original configurations due to widespread retrofitting.

Quick Summary

Original Swiss M1900 Short Rifle and M1905 Cavalry Carbine configurations are exceptionally rare due to widespread retrofitting into the K11 pattern. Key identifiers include the M1900's straight wrist stock and bayonet lug versus the M1905's pistol grip and lack of a bayonet lug. Both initially used the GP 90 cartridge, differing from the later K11's GP 11.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction: Swiss M1900 & M1905 Carbines
  2. 00:26M1889 Schmidt-Rubin Carbine Challenges
  3. 00:57Steyr-Mannlicher M1893 Interim Carbine
  4. 01:17M1896 Schmidt-Rubin Redesign
  5. 01:57M1900 Short Rifle Purpose & Features
  6. 02:49M1905 Cavalry Carbine Development
  7. 03:39Cartridge GP 90 vs. GP 11
  8. 04:30M1900 vs. K11 Differences
  9. 06:29M1905 vs. K11 Differences
  10. 07:58K11 Conversion Serial Numbers
  11. 09:10K11 Unification & Rarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Swiss M1900 Short Rifle and the M1905 Cavalry Carbine?

The M1900 Short Rifle features a straight wrist stock and a bayonet lug, intended for support troops. The M1905 Cavalry Carbine has a pistol grip stock, lacks a bayonet lug, and includes a German-style sling slot, designed specifically for cavalry use.

Why are original Swiss M1900 and M1905 carbines so rare?

Original M1900 and M1905 carbines are rare because the Swiss military extensively retrofitted them into the standardized K11 pattern. This process involved modifications that make finding them in their original configuration extremely difficult.

What ammunition did the Swiss M1900 and M1905 carbines use?

Both the M1900 Short Rifle and the M1905 Cavalry Carbine were chambered for the Swiss GP 90 cartridge. This cartridge utilized a round-nosed, heavier bullet compared to the later GP 11 cartridge used in the K11.

How can one identify a converted M1905 Cavalry Carbine that has been updated to K11 standards?

Converted M1905 Cavalry Carbines often have a '2' prefix added to their original serial numbers (e.g., 2xxxx). This distinguishes them from original M1900 conversions and new K11 production, which followed different numbering schemes.

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