Vetterli-Ferracciu for the Italian Navy

Published on October 9, 2020
Duration: 7:40

This guide details the operation of the unique magazine cutoff mechanism on the Vetterli-Ferracciu Model 1870/90, a rare Italian Navy rifle. Expert instruction from Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons explains how to lower the four-round box magazine to allow for single-shot firing while keeping the magazine in reserve. This technique was crucial for naval landing parties requiring controlled firepower.

Quick Summary

The Vetterli-Ferracciu Model 1870/90 is a rare Italian Navy rifle, a conversion of the Model 1870/90 featuring a 4-round box magazine and a unique cutoff mechanism. Operated by squeezing rear flanges, the cutoff allows single-shot firing while reserving magazine capacity, crucial for naval landing parties. It's chambered in 10.4mm Italian and saw service in conflicts like the Boxer Rebellion.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Vetterli-Ferracciu
  2. 00:37Historical Context and Naval Needs
  3. 01:10Evolution from Bertoldo to Ferracciu
  4. 02:34Technical Features and Design
  5. 03:53Magazine Cutoff Mechanism
  6. 05:12Markings and Ballistics
  7. 06:03Service History and Replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vetterli-Ferracciu Model 1870/90?

The Vetterli-Ferracciu Model 1870/90 is a rare Italian Navy rifle, a four-shot box magazine-fed conversion of the original single-shot Model 1870/90 Vetterli. It was developed to provide repeating rifle capability for naval landing parties.

How does the magazine cutoff on the Vetterli-Ferracciu work?

The magazine cutoff on the Vetterli-Ferracciu is operated by squeezing rear flanges on the magazine housing. This lowers the magazine, allowing the rifle to fire single rounds from the chamber while keeping the four-round magazine in reserve for later use.

What caliber is the Vetterli-Ferracciu Model 1870/90?

The Vetterli-Ferracciu Model 1870/90 is chambered in 10.4mm Italian. This cartridge fired a 247-grain bullet at approximately 2,000 feet per second, making it a potent round for its time.

Where did the Vetterli-Ferracciu Model 1870/90 see service?

This Italian Navy rifle saw service during the Boxer Rebellion in China around 1900 and remained in naval armories through World War I until it was eventually replaced by the Carcano system.

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