Schmidt-Rubin M1905 Cavalry Carbine
Waffenfabrik Bern (W+F Bern) · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1906
Also known as: Model 1905 Cavalry Carbine, Kavalleriekarabiner 1905, Kav.Kar.05, K1905
Overview
The Schmidt-Rubin M1905 Cavalry Carbine is a Swiss straight-pull bolt-action carbine chambered for the 7.5x53.5mm GP90/03 cartridge. A shortened development of the Schmidt-Rubin rifle action, it was issued to mounted cavalry troops as a replacement for the older Model 1893 carbine. Because cavalrymen carried sabres, the M1905 was stocked nearly to the muzzle and had no provision for mounting a bayonet. Roughly 7,900 were produced before the design was superseded by the unified Model 1911 carbine, into which virtually all surviving M1905s were later converted.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1070 mm (42.13") |
| Barrel Length | 550 mm (21.65") |
| Action Type | Straight Pull |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 600 m/s (1969 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2466 J (1819 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 270 mm (10.63") |
| Number of Grooves | 3 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.5x53.5mm Swiss · primary — also known as GP90, Gewehrpatrone 90, GP90/03, 7.5x53.5mm Schmidt-Rubin
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Straight Pull Bolt, Full Length Stock, No Bayonet Lug, Detachable Box Magazine, Tangent Rear Sight
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Armed Forces · adopted 1906 · as Kavalleriekarabiner 1905
Production
Estimated total produced: 7,900 · Production years: 1906-1911
Approximately 7,900 produced by Waffenfabrik Bern before replacement by the unified Model 1911 carbine; most were subsequently converted to the 1911 pattern.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Rudolf Schmidt, Eduard Rubin
Discontinued: 1911
Notes
Originally chambered for the 7.5x53.5mm GP90 and GP90/03 ammunition, not the later 7.5x55mm GP11 cartridge. From 1911 onward nearly all M1905 carbines in service were rebuilt to the unified Model 1911 (Karabiner 11) pattern, with their serial numbers given a '2' prefix; surviving original-configuration examples are scarce.
Background
Built for Swiss cavalry who fought with sabres rather than bayonets, the stubby M1905 carbine embodies the precision-engineered straight-pull action that made Schmidt-Rubin rifles famous for their fast, smooth cycling. Its short production run and wholesale conversion to the 1911 pattern make unaltered specimens prized collector items today.