Swiss Straight Pull Infantry Rifle evolution

[Eaglelord17]

Hi all,

I was initially hoping to do something more grand for this, however after fighting with photobucket for about a hour I have given up on that. Basically this shows the evolution of the Swiss straight pull Infantry Rifles. I had taken tons of photos with all sorts of little details shown, however it isn't fair to put 46 selected photos (had about 120 good ones, but decided on which would be most worthwhile) on the page. Here are the highlights and a link to the photobucket album if you wish to see all 46 (note they are not in order which is what I fought with photobucket for).
Swiss Rifle Evolution by Eaglelord17 | Photobucket


Pile Arms, first group is a I.G. 1889, a I.G. 96/11, and a I.G. 1911 (I.G. referring too Infantrie Gewehr). Second group is two K31s and a K11 (K referring to Karabiner).

In order from the top down, we have a I.G. 1889 made in 1896, a I.G. 96/11 made in 1904, a I.G. 1911 made in 1915, a K11 made in 1914 (also first year of production for the K11), and a K31 made in 1954.

Expanded view of the I.G. 1889

Comparison of the 1889 bolt (top) and 96/11 bolt (bottom). Note the rear locking lugs on the 1889 which made the action so weak, and the size difference between the two, the 96/11 bolt being smaller and the locking lugs moved forward. The 1896 updated bolt would be the final improvement to the bolt design of the Schmidt Rubin.

Expanded view of the I.G. 96/11

This shows the magazine cuts on the 96/11 vs the magazine cuts on the 1911. As you can see it is much more intricate on the 96/11 as it originally possessed a 12rd magazine like the 1889.

Expanded view of the I.G. 1911

Expanded view of the K11

Expanded view of the K31. Note how much less parts are used in the K31 vs the 1911 rifle and carbine and that the aluminum collar has been removed from the design.

Comparison between the 96/11 bolt and the K31 bolt.

My personal favourite is the I.G. 1911, I feel it is the smoothest bolt (I consider the Schmidt Rubins smoother than the K31s) and that the balance and feel is the just right. Biggest disadvantage about the Schmidt Rubin series for a modern shooter is that the sights start at 300m instead of 100m like the K31.

Hopefully one day I will be able to show the evolution of the Swiss Carbines, but that will be a long way in the future as they are hard to find and expensive when you do.

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