Vetterli M1870 Cadet Rifle
Eidgenössische Waffenfabrik (Swiss Federal Arsenal) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1870
Also known as: Kadettengewehr Modell 1870, Swiss Vetterli Cadet Rifle, Cadet Rifle M1870
Overview
The Vetterli M1870 Cadet Rifle (Kadettengewehr Modell 1870) is a Swiss single-shot bolt-action training rifle built on Friedrich Vetterli's rifle action but with the tubular magazine deleted. Issued to Switzerland's cadet corps, it was shorter and considerably lighter than the standard 1869/71 service rifle and fired a reduced-charge version of the 10.4x38mm Swiss Rimfire cartridge, making it suitable for teaching marksmanship to young shooters. Its self-cocking turn-bolt action mirrored the drill of the frontline Vetterli so cadets could transition directly to the service rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3240 g (114.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1130 mm (44.49") |
| Barrel Length | 681 mm (26.81") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 10.4x38mm Swiss Rimfire · primary — also known as 10.4mm Vetterli, .41 Swiss, 10.4x38R Swiss
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock
- Features: Single Shot Breech, Self Cocking Bolt, Lightened Short Barrel, Reduced Charge Cadet Cartridge, Bayonet Lug
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Cadet Corps · adopted 1870 · as Kadettengewehr Modell 1870
Production
Production years: 1870-1880s
Built in modest numbers at the Swiss federal arsenal and by contractors for the country's cadet organizations; far fewer made than the service Vetterli rifles.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Friedrich Vetterli
Notes
Chambered for the 10.4x38mm Swiss Rimfire case but loaded with a lighter (reduced) charge than the infantry cartridge. Produced as a single-shot to keep the training rifle simple and inexpensive; specifications (1130 mm overall, 681 mm barrel, 3240 g) reflect the standard cadet pattern.
Background
Nineteenth-century Switzerland ran organized cadet corps that trained schoolboys in marksmanship, and the single-shot Vetterli cadet rifle let them learn the exact manual of arms of the army's service rifle on a lighter, milder-shooting gun.