Schmidt-Rubin Model 1911
Waffenfabrik Bern (W+F Bern) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1913
Also known as: K11, G11, Karabiner 1911, Gewehr 1911, IG11
Overview
The Schmidt-Rubin Model 1911 is a Swiss straight-pull bolt-action service rifle family chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss (GP11). It was produced as both the long Gewehr 1911 (G11) infantry rifle and the shorter, more popular Karabiner 1911 (K11) carbine by Waffenfabrik Bern. The 1911 reinforced and shortened Rudolf Schmidt's earlier straight-pull action (with improvements by Adolf Furrer) to handle Eduard Rubin's more powerful GP11 cartridge, and reduced the Model 1889's 12-round magazine to a 6-round detachable box.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4014 g (141.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1105 mm (43.50") |
| Barrel Length | 590 mm (23.23") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 780 m/s (2559 fps) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 270 mm (10.63") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.5x55mm Swiss · primary — also known as GP11, 7.5x55 Schmidt-Rubin, 7.5x55mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Charger Clip, Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cocking Ring Safety
- Features: Straight Pull Bolt Action, Charger Clip Fed, Tangent Rear Sight, Detachable Magazine
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Army · adopted 1913 · as Karabiner 1911 / Gewehr 1911
Production
Estimated total produced: 184,000 · Production years: 1914-1933
Approximately 184,000-185,150 K11 carbines; the G11 infantry rifle adds roughly 127,000 more units
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Rudolf Schmidt
Discontinued: 1933
Notes
Specifications listed are for the K11 carbine, the most numerous variant. The G11 infantry rifle weighs approximately 4,550 g with a 780 mm barrel and overall length around 1,308 mm. The straight-pull action allows notably faster cycling than a conventional turn-bolt.
Background
Thanks to Swiss neutrality, the Schmidt-Rubin 1911 never fired a shot in a major war, yet the GP11 cartridge it chambers is made so precisely that Swiss match shooters still win competitions firing decades-old surplus military ammunition.