Vetterli M1878/81
Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik (Swiss Federal Arsenal) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1881
Also known as: Repetiergewehr Modell 1878/81, Vetterli Model 1878/81, M1878/81
Overview
The Vetterli M1878/81 was a Swiss bolt-action repeating rifle, an updated pattern of the M1878 incorporating roughly 25 improvements including an improved rear sight, a revised bayonet and lug, and a finger hook on the trigger guard. Chambered in the 10.4x38mm Swiss rimfire cartridge and fed from a 12-round under-barrel tubular magazine, it retained the self-cocking turn-bolt action that made the Vetterli one of the most advanced military repeaters of its era.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4700 g (165.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1325 mm (52.17") |
| Barrel Length | 843 mm (33.19") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 12 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 435 m/s (1427 fps) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 10.4x38mm Swiss Rimfire · primary — also known as 10.4mm Vetterli, .41 Swiss, 10.4x38R Swiss
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Mounted Safety
- Features: Tubular Magazine, Self Cocking Bolt, Rimfire Cartridge, Improved Rear Sight, Trigger Guard Finger Hook
Variants
- Vetterli M1878 - Base Model
- Vetterli M1881 - Improved Sights
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Confederation (Swiss Army) · adopted 1881 · as Repetiergewehr Vetterli Modell 1878/81
Production
Estimated total produced: 114,000 · Production years: 1881-1889
Combined 1878-family rifle production approx. 114,000 plus ~11,000 Stutzer; figures cover the model line rather than the 1878/81 update alone
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Friedrich Vetterli
Discontinued: 1889
Notes
The 1878/81 designation reflects M1878-pattern rifles brought up to the refined 1881 standard; production of the 1878-family rifles at the Swiss Federal Arsenal (W+F Bern) totalled roughly 114,000 rifles plus around 11,000 Stutzer sharpshooter variants before the Vetterli was superseded by the Schmidt-Rubin 1889.
Background
When first fielded the Vetterli gave Switzerland a 12-round repeater at a time when most European armies still issued single-shot rifles, and the 1878/81 refinements kept the aging rimfire design in front-line service until the smokeless Schmidt-Rubin replaced it in 1889.