1896/11 - muzzle (recessed crown removed)

[mel062369]

Just recently I found an 1896/11 in very good shape - matching numbers, good rifling, etc. In my haste I failed to notice that the muzzle had been shortened by about 3/4 inch bringing it almost even with the stacking stud.

Does anyone have any idea why this would be done? I assume there must have been some damage but it the work was done very well. I haven't shot it yet but I am wondering what to expect. Any ideas? I did not buy it to be a wall hanger and am not worried about the collector value but I am disappointed in myself for not noticing it before buying.

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[Badger]

Deleted content ...

Aragorn243 is correct (see post below) .. thanks partner..

Same church, but different pew ..

Thread is about Swiss rifle and not Swedish rifle ...

Regards,
Doug

[Aragorn243]

I think some clarification is needed here. Swiss rifles do not have threaded muzzles. A 1896/11 is a straight pull Swiss rifle.

[Eaglelord17]

I have seen this done on several rifles. One reason is to recrown the rifle or if the rifling is worn out at the muzzle due to poor cleaning practices (which is unlikely on a Swiss rifle expecially considering they only had non-corrosive through a M96/11 barrel). Second reason is so it can't mount a bayonet, as some people find that concept offensive.

Overall I don't understand it, but it is something to watch for, just like people cutting off the bayonet lugs on front bands, just a waste.

[Aragorn243]

Who was the importer and can you post a couple of photos? The bayonet thought has me wondering if this could possibly be a California thing. I've never heard of it being done before to a Swiss rifle but they had bayonet restrictions on others.

[mel062369]

I didn't think about the bayonet mounting possibility - that could be a reason. The muzzle shortening looks like it was done professionally - not just somebody taking a hack saw to it.

I just picked up 60 rounds of GP11 ammo at a gun show (made in '82) and will shoot it soon. My hope is that, for whatever reason the barrel was shortened, it is still a good shooter. I know Swiss rifles can handle the cold but this shooter will wait for it to get a bit warmer!

Thanks for the information and I will try to get some photos up tomorrow...

[Eaglelord17]

I bought a Norwegian M94 Krag once that from the photos looked fine. When I got it I realized that the barrel had been shortened to remove the bayonet lug. That was a lesson for me, and I still don't know why it was done. Apparently that particular gun had been a seal hunting rifle, but they left it full wood which was odd. One of those weird mysteries you come across on occasion.