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History of WWI Primer 071: Italian Vetterli-Vitali 1870/87 Documentary

C&Rsenal
Published on February 27, 2018
Category: Reviews
Duration: 73:53

This video provides an in-depth look at the Italian Vetterli-Vitali 1870/87 rifle, a significant firearm in Italian military history. It details the rifle's evolution from the single-shot 1870 model to the 1887 repeating version, highlighting its technical specifications, design influences, and eventual service life. The presenter, Matthias, offers expert analysis on its mechanics, historical context, and performance, including a detailed breakdown of its bolt assembly and a shooting impression from guest Mae.

Tags

Vetterli-Vitali 1870/87
Italian Vetterli
WWI Italian Rifle
Bolt Action Rifle
Centerfire Cartridge
Box Magazine
Charger Loading
Firearm History
Military Surplus Rifle
10.4x47mm Vetterli
Antique Firearm
Rifle Disassembly

Quick Summary

The Italian Vetterli-Vitali 1870/87 is a bolt-action rifle that evolved from a single-shot 1870 model to a 4-round repeating rifle by 1887. Chambered in 10.4mm, it featured symmetrical locking lugs and was notable for its charger-loaded box magazine, making it a significant firearm in Italian military history through WWI.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: WWI Attrition & Obsolete Rifles
  2. 00:31Introducing the Vetterli-Vitali 1870/87
  3. 01:00Specifications: Length, Weight, Magazine Capacity
  4. 01:31The Model 1870: Early Italian Unification
  5. 03:00The Breach-Loading Era and Italian Trials
  6. 05:09Rifle Trials: Burton, Valdoco, and the Vetterli Design
  7. 05:39Johann Friedrich Vetterli: The Designer
  8. 07:03Swiss Vetterli: Hammer-Fire vs. Bolt-Action
  9. 08:01Vetterli Bolt Action System Explained
  10. 10:39Vetterli's Superiority in Trials
  11. 12:01The 10.4mm Centerfire Cartridge
  12. 13:13Italy's Decision: Single-Shot vs. Repeating
  13. 16:37The Siege of Plevna: Impact on Repeating Rifles
  14. 17:40Giuseppe Vitali: Safety and Magazine Innovations
  15. 19:13The Vitali Safety Mechanism
  16. 21:34Vitali's Adjustments to the Single-Shot Rifle
  17. 22:03The Navy's Vetterli-Bertoldo and Army Trials
  18. 23:00The Vitali Box Magazine: A Winning Design
  19. 23:49The 1870/87: Modifications and Features
  20. 25:48Closer Look: Rail, Dust Cover Removal, Magazine Cutoff
  21. 27:06Rim Lock Prevention and Charger Loading
  22. 28:26Bolt Disassembly: Modernity and Simplicity
  23. 30:09Bolt Components: Striker, Lugs, Handle
  24. 32:32Extractor and Ejector Mechanism
  25. 33:02Vetterli Variants: Infantry, Carbine, Colonial
  26. 34:33Animation: Vetterli-Vitali Operation
  27. 36:36Aesthetic and Steampunk Appeal
  28. 37:34Production Arsenals and Numbers
  29. 38:35Bayonet Variants
  30. 39:39Service History: Colonial Campaigns, Boxer Rebellion
  31. 40:10Surplus Market: Ulster Volunteer Force, Irish Republicans
  32. 41:27WWI Service: A War of Attrition
  33. 42:01Continued Service in WWI: Availability and Role
  34. 43:40Russian Procurement: Desperate Need for Rifles
  35. 44:33The Catch: Ammo Availability for Russia
  36. 46:20Ammunition Contracts and Deliveries
  37. 47:13Russian Collapse and Undelivered Ammo
  38. 48:49Romanian Use of Vetterli-Vitali
  39. 49:19Russian Civil War and Spanish Civil War Use
  40. 50:10German Army Drill Use
  41. 50:40Post-WWI: Chinese Warlords, Turkish Nationalists
  42. 51:40Service into the 1940s: Ethiopia
  43. 52:22Giuseppe Vitali's Later Career
  44. 53:01Vitali's Magazine System Adaptations
  45. 53:25Mae's First Impressions and Ergonomics
  46. 54:06Ergonomics: Length, Weight, Balance
  47. 54:51Action and Handling
  48. 55:38Stock and Trigger Spur
  49. 56:01Thumb Over Grip Debate
  50. 57:19Thumb-to-Side Grip Rationale
  51. 59:30Loading and Firing Impressions
  52. 59:37Charger Loading Experience
  53. 60:57Magazine Cutoff and Safety Operation
  54. 61:40Shooting Impressions: Sights and Trigger
  55. 62:07Trigger Pull and Break
  56. 62:33Recoil and Overall Shooting Experience
  57. 63:24Accuracy and Sight Issues
  58. 65:23Final Verdict: Is it Suitable for WWI?
  59. 66:35Matthias's Agreement and Final Thoughts
  60. 67:17Recap: 1870 Design, 1887 Magazine
  61. 67:39Charger vs. En Bloc Clip Distinction

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Italian Vetterli-Vitali 1870/87 rifle?

The Vetterli-Vitali 1870/87 is a bolt-action rifle chambered in 10.4mm. It features symmetrical locking lugs, a four-round box magazine introduced in the 1887 variant, and was designed with a focus on robustness for its era.

How did the Vetterli-Vitali 1870/87 evolve from its original design?

The original 1870 model was a single-shot rifle. The 1887 variant added a four-round box magazine, making it a repeating rifle. It also saw improvements in safety mechanisms and sight designs over its service life.

What was the service history of the Vetterli-Vitali 1870/87?

The Vetterli-Vitali served extensively with the Italian military from the late 19th century through WWI. It was also supplied to various other nations, including Russia and Romania, during WWI due to shortages.

What were the main criticisms of the Vetterli-Vitali 1870/87 during WWI?

Criticisms included its considerable weight, awkward balance point, and somewhat 'fiddly' action. The sights, especially after modifications for smokeless powder, could be prone to bending and affected accuracy.

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