Swiss M78 Vetterli .41 RF Bolt Action Rifle Made in 1870's

Published on June 22, 2012
Duration: 6:27

This video details the Swiss M78 Vetterli, Switzerland's first repeating bolt action rifle, chambered in .41 RF. It highlights the necessity of converting the original rimfire to centerfire for modern use, often utilizing 8mm Lebel or .348 Winchester brass. The rifle's unique 13-shot tubular magazine, loading gate, and historical significance are explored, alongside its reasonable accuracy out to 300 yards.

Quick Summary

The Swiss M78 Vetterli was Switzerland's first repeating bolt action rifle, notable for its 13-shot tubular magazine. Due to the unavailability of original .41 RF ammunition, conversions to centerfire are common, often using 8mm Lebel or .348 Winchester brass for reloading.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Loading and Firing the M78 Vetterli
  2. 01:35History: Switzerland's First Repeating Rifle
  3. 01:57Caliber Conversion: .41 RF to Centerfire
  4. 02:50Ballistics and Accuracy of the Vetterli
  5. 03:15Vetterli Bolt Action Mechanics Explained
  6. 04:15Visual Features: Stock, Crest, Butt Plate

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Swiss M78 Vetterli significant in firearm history?

The Swiss M78 Vetterli holds historical importance as Switzerland's first repeating bolt action rifle. It featured a unique 13-shot tubular magazine and was a key piece of military equipment for its time.

Why is a centerfire conversion necessary for the .41 RF Vetterli?

The original .41 Swiss rimfire ammunition is no longer manufactured. Converting the rifle to centerfire allows modern shooters to use readily available components and reload effectively.

What materials can be used for reloading the converted .41 Swiss Vetterli?

For reloading the converted .41 Swiss Vetterli, shooters often adapt 8mm Lebel or .348 Winchester brass. Load data comparable to .44 Magnum cast bullets can also be a useful reference.

How accurate is the Swiss M78 Vetterli rifle?

The Swiss M78 Vetterli demonstrates reasonable accuracy, capable of hitting targets effectively out to approximately 300 yards. This makes it a surprisingly capable rifle even by modern standards.

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