Vetterli M1869
Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik (Swiss Federal Arsenal) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1869
Also known as: Repetiergewehr M1869, Swiss Vetterli, Vetterli 1869/71
Overview
The Swiss Vetterli M1869 was one of the most advanced military rifles in the world when adopted, combining a self-cocking bolt action with a Winchester-style tubular magazine holding eleven 10.4mm rimfire cartridges. While contemporary armies still issued single-shot rifles, the Vetterli gave Swiss riflemen a rapid-fire repeater years ahead of its rivals. Designed by Johann Friedrich Vetterli of the SIG works, it remained in Swiss service until replaced by the Schmidt-Rubin straight-pull rifles around 1890.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4600 g (162.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1295 mm (50.98") |
| Barrel Length | 813 mm (32.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 11 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 435 m/s (1427 fps) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 21 rpm |
| 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
- Features: Tubular Magazine Repeater, Self Cocking Bolt, Rimfire Metallic Cartridge, Winchester Style Tube Magazine, High Rate Of Fire For Era
Variants
- Vetterli M1869/71 — Improved Pattern
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Army · adopted 1869 · as Repetiergewehr M1869
Production
Estimated total produced: 240,000 · Production years: 1869-1881
Produced for the Swiss Army by SIG and contract makers; total across M1869 and M1869/71 patterns approximate
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Johann Friedrich Vetterli
Discontinued: 1881
Notes
Improved as the M1869/71 and later models; the rimfire cartridge was eventually a limiting factor versus emerging centerfire designs.
Background
When adopted in 1869 the Vetterli was arguably the most modern military rifle on earth - a bolt-action repeater holding eleven rounds at a time when the great powers of Europe were still fielding single-shot breechloaders.