Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles 1869 to 1958 (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The photographs of these two unidentified Swiss soldiers in full field uniform on this and the page opposite were taken in the mid-1890s..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles, 1869-1958 Switzerland was the first country to adopt a magazine repeating rifle, doing so in 1869. The Vetterli rifle, named after its designer, Friedrich Vetterli, combined the features of the Winchester Model 1866 repeating rifle and the Dreyse needle fire rifle. In 1889, the Vetterli was replaced by the line of rifles based on the design of Rudolph Schmidt and the ammunition design of Eduard Rubin. The Schmidt-Rubin rifles remained in service with the Swiss military until 1958. They have become very popular collectible rifles. They are also extremely accurate and make some of the finest target rifles in the world.

Currently being imported in large numbers with a plentiful supply of ammunition, they are inexpensive and great fun to shoot.

The Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles, 1869-1958 is another in the North Cape Publications series of "For Collectors Only" books. It includes a short history of the development, production and use of both rifles as well as a detailed, part-by-part analysis that will enable the collector to determine the authenticity of his or her rifle or carbine.

The Vetterli was produced in sixteen various models and the Schmidt-Rubin in eight. Certain parts are interchangeable between models and the collector can use this book to determine if the parts on his or her rifle or carbine are correct by examining the codes, markings, design and finish of each part and comparing them to the descriptions in the book and to the serial number charts included.

In addition, chapters and appendices describe ammunition for both models, disassembly/assembly, repairs and maintenance and shooting as well as specific sections on markings, codes and serial numbers.

The Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles, 1869 to 1958 is the only book that has ever been written in English about these fine rifles.

About the Author

Joe Poyer has written and published over 400 magazine articles and 35 books on antique and modern firearms and the modern military with twelve novels included in that number. He has written thirteen books in the North Cape Publications series on collectible firearms.

Product Details

• Paperback: 234 pages
• Publisher: North Cape Publications, Inc. (September 15, 2003)
• ISBN-10: 1882391322
• ISBN-13: 978-1882391325
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #327,846 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Good Book for the Beginning Collector, March 8, 2004

By	J. Mangrum (Carmichael, Ca United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you have looked for any printed material on your K-31 you have found that the landscape is pretty barren. That was until North Cape Publications rolled out the detailed collectors' guide by Joe Poyer called For Collector's Only: Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles, 1869 to 1958. I have looked for other available books (printed in English) on the same subject and have not found any to date.

Following the established "For Collector's Only" format and systematic approach of presenting information on collecting firearms, Joe's new book includes history of the development as well as a detailed, part-by-part analysis of the famous rifles and carbines. The book covers Friedich Vetterli's design of one of the very the first military bolt action repeaters and the original designs of Rudolf Schmidt's (Eduard Rubin actually designed the cartridge) straight-pull action rifles and carbines.

Presents extensive information for detail cartouche and marking identification so you will be able to answer the "when and where your rifle or carbine was made" questions you may have.

A good book for the beginning collector of Swiss rifles and carbines.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A few mistakes, but the only book on the subject , June 26, 2007

By	abunai (Kaneohe, Hawaii United States) - See all my reviews

Noticed a few major and some minor mistakes. Over all a good starting point. Not as much information as I would expect from a book listed as "For collectors only", but it's the only one out there.
Hopefully someone will come out with something better in the future. Untill then, this will just have to do.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joe Poyer's book on Swiss magazine rifles, July 20, 2005

By	Bill (in SOCAL) - See all my reviews

Very good book, even considering the lack of published material (in English) on these rifles. Incorporates most of the info available from various web sites and manuals on the straight-pull rifles, ammo, and bayonets. Only criticism I have is that I personally feel it would have been better organized by rifle model instead of being organized by the various elements, ie: all stocks, all receivers, etc.