M78/81 Swiss Vetterli

[baconslayer]

All,

I just wanted to confirm a few things. I am working on a friend's M78/81 Swiss Vetterli made at the Waffenfabrik in Bern. The rifle is marked "M.78" on the left side. Also, the barrel is marked H&H 1894.

According to a post I found on the internet, this serial number 197,8xx was manufactured in 1886. Apparently they marked all rifles as "M.78" until the end of that year despite the rifles being in the "M.81" configuration.

1. So am I correct in assuming the barrel was replaced by a Hammerli manufactured barrel sometime after being put into service by a military armory? The 1894 date on the barrel is the manufacture date, not the date installed?

2. Was this common to have to replace a barrel in 10-15 years of service? I understand we don't know the reason, it could have been neglect or other damage besides wear from use.

Thanks!

[baconslayer]

[jamie5070]

You might try asking on the "swiss rifle" sight. There is a forum for veterlli's