I Have This Old Gun: Schmidt-Rubin 1911 Rifle

Published on September 26, 2018
Duration: 5:10

The Schmidt-Rubin 1911 rifle, a Swiss military firearm, is highlighted for its innovative straight-pull bolt action, a departure from traditional bolt-actions. Adopted in 1911, it was an improvement on the 1889 model, featuring a box magazine and designed to fire smokeless powder cartridges with copper-jacketed bullets, enabling higher velocities. The rifle's continued production and service into the 1950s, alongside the more common K31 carbine, underscore its historical significance and enduring appeal in the military surplus market.

Quick Summary

The Schmidt-Rubin 1911 rifle is distinguished by its straight-pull bolt action, allowing for rapid cycling by pulling the bolt handle straight back and pushing it forward. Chambered in 7.5 millimeter (GP11 cartridge), it was an advancement over earlier models, incorporating a box magazine and designed for smokeless powder and high-velocity copper-jacketed bullets.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Schmidt-Rubin 1911
  2. 00:08Swiss Marksmanship Tradition
  3. 00:11Need for Changes by 1911
  4. 00:20Unusual Straight Pull Bolt Action
  5. 00:24How the Straight Pull Works
  6. 00:441911 as an Improvement on 1889 Model
  7. 00:537.5mm Caliber
  8. 00:56Innovations of the 1889 Rifle
  9. 01:02First Rifles with Box Magazine
  10. 01:06Straight Pull Action and Smokeless Powder
  11. 01:15Smokeless Powder and Tubular Magazines
  12. 01:24Spitzer Rounds and Primer Proximity
  13. 01:36Innovators in Magazine Design
  14. 01:47John Browning, James Paris Lee, Schmidt-Ruben
  15. 02:02Straight Pull Action Explained Again
  16. 02:05Comfortable Bolt Pull
  17. 02:13Interesting Moment in Small Arms Development
  18. 02:15Designers of Rifle and Cartridge
  19. 02:19Firing Copper-Jacketed Bullets
  20. 02:25Higher Velocity Potential
  21. 02:35Full-Size Rifle vs. Carbine
  22. 02:42Military Sentiment on Carbines
  23. 02:54Swiss Civilian Marksmanship Tradition
  24. 03:01Accuracy Advantage of Full-Length Rifle
  25. 03:09Competitive Shooters' Influence
  26. 03:17Model 1911 as Successful Infantry Rifle
  27. 03:24Popularity of Schmidt-Rubin Rifles Today
  28. 03:37Affordability in Military Surplus Market
  29. 03:40Coming to the US in Great Condition
  30. 03:45Comparison to K31 Carbine
  31. 03:51K31 Production Numbers
  32. 03:56Looking Back in Time
  33. 04:03Model 1911 as Excellent Firearm
  34. 04:13Distinguishing from K31s
  35. 04:16Service Lifespan (1889-1950s)
  36. 04:21Conclusion and NRA Membership

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Schmidt-Rubin 1911 rifle's bolt action unique?

The Schmidt-Rubin 1911 features a straight-pull bolt action. Unlike traditional bolt actions that require lifting, pulling back, and lowering the bolt handle, the straight-pull system allows the user to cycle the action by simply pulling the handle straight backward to eject and pushing it straight forward to chamber a new round.

What caliber does the Schmidt-Rubin 1911 rifle fire?

The Schmidt-Rubin 1911 rifle is chambered in 7.5 millimeter, specifically designed to fire the GP11 cartridge. This caliber, combined with the rifle's design, allowed for the use of high-velocity, copper-jacketed bullets.

Why was the Schmidt-Rubin 1889 rifle considered innovative?

The Schmidt-Rubin 1889 rifle was innovative for several reasons: it was one of the first rifles to feature a box magazine, it utilized a straight-pull bolt action, and it was designed to fire smokeless powder cartridges.

Are Schmidt-Rubin rifles still affordable today?

Yes, Schmidt-Rubin rifles, particularly the 1911 model and the more common K31 carbine, are often found at affordable prices in the military surplus market. This makes them attractive options for collectors and shooters looking for historical firearms in good condition.

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