Swiss ZfK 55
Waffenfabrik Bern (W+F Bern) · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1955
Also known as: Zielfernrohrkarabiner 55, ZFK-55, K31 Sniper, ZfK 55
Overview
The Swiss ZfK 55 (Zielfernrohrkarabiner 55) is a precision sniper rifle based on the Schmidt-Rubin K31 straight-pull bolt action, produced by Waffenfabrik Bern from 1955 to 1959. The rifle features a heavy 652mm barrel with a muzzle brake reminiscent of the FG-42, a 3.5x23 Kern telescopic sight adjustable from 100 to 800 meters in 100-meter increments, an integral bipod, and a pistol-grip stock. A distinctive design feature is the receiver canted to the right, which offsets the bolt and magazine to allow the use of standard K31 charger clips without interfering with the mounted scope. Chambered in 7.5x55mm Swiss and fed by the excellent GP11 ammunition, the ZfK 55 was renowned for its exceptional accuracy.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6100 g (215.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 6400 g (225.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1208 mm (47.56") |
| Barrel Length | 652 mm (25.67") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 787 m/s (2582 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3498 J (2580 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 270 mm (10.63") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.5x55mm Swiss · primary — also known as 7.5 Swiss, GP11, 7.5x55mm Schmidt-Rubin, Gewehrpatrone 1911
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Ring Safety
- Features: Kern 3-5x Telescopic Sight, Straight Pull Bolt, Muzzle Brake, Integral Bipod, Pistol Grip Stock, Canted Receiver, Charger Clip Compatible With Scope
Variants
- Schmidt-Rubin K31 — Base Carbine
- ZfK 31/42 — Earlier Sniper Variant
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Armed Forces · adopted 1955 · as Zielfernrohrkarabiner 55
Production
Estimated total produced: 4,150 · Production years: 1955-1959
Approximately 4,150 ZfK 55 rifles were produced by Waffenfabrik Bern. Switzerland's armed neutrality meant the rifle never saw combat, making surviving examples highly prized by collectors.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Adolf Furrer / Waffenfabrik Bern
Discontinued: 1959
Notes
The ZfK 55's straight-pull bolt action allowed for faster cycling than conventional turn-bolt designs, as the shooter could work the bolt without breaking their cheek weld or sight picture. The canted receiver design was an innovative solution to the problem of scope clearance during loading. Swiss GP11 ammunition, with its bore-riding boat-tail bullet design, was considered some of the most accurate military ball ammunition ever produced, contributing significantly to the rifle's precision. The ZfK 55 was replaced in Swiss service by the SIG SG 510 and later the SIG SSG 3000.
Background
The ZfK 55 represents the pinnacle of Swiss military rifle craftsmanship, combining the K31's legendary straight-pull action with purpose-built sniper features. Swiss marksmanship tradition runs deep: every Swiss soldier was expected to be a competent rifleman, and the national shooting festivals (Feldschiessen) remain one of the largest shooting events in the world. The ZfK 55, paired with the superb GP11 ammunition, could achieve consistent sub-MOA accuracy, making it one of the most accurate military sniper rifles of the Cold War era despite never firing a shot in anger.