Italian Vetterli Model 1870/87 Carbine Caliber 10.4x47mmR

[Aragorn243]

They put these on sale and I took a chance on another RTI rifle last week and came out a winner again. I'm four for four. Rifle is in better shape than I expected to be honest. I haven't taken it apart yet but everything appears to be present and working. The only issue with it was the rear sight which had a bent pin and a crooked spring arm. Took about 10 minutes to fix.

It's filthy, the bore was dark but a few dry pads though it and it's shiny with strong rifling. Bayonet fit perfectly. No rust that I can see, not much finish either. Doesn't look like they wire wheeled it.

One issue with these that I'm aware of is at least two individuals got rifles with 6.5 bolts so that's the first thing you should check.

This is just the standard order, no $100 extra for hand select.

I really like the look of these little carbines.

Information

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[sshackle]

It looks pretty good! I bought one of the full length rifles from RTI. After the extensive cleaning of filth, other than No metal finish above wood, the rifle is in very good condition!! Mine is shooting pretty well with the limited loading I’ve done. I’m using a BB lead bullet from Paper Cartridges. It’s intended for the Swiss rifle. I’ve adjusted the 10.4 Swiss dies to work with the longer case as well.
I would really like to see yours with the bayonet!

[Aragorn243]

Where did you get the cases? I’ll take more photos including the bayonet after I get it cleaned up in a few days. I haven’t had time to do much more than wipe some of the exterior grim off.

[sshackle]

I got the cases from https://www.ammunitionartifacts.com/. But I don’t see them listed currently. The formed cases bore no real resemblance to the fire formed cases after the first loading!!
If hound the bayonet that in on the rifle. It seems it was used later and likely the time these rifles were in Ethiopia!

[Aragorn243]

That bayonet is for the 1870/87/15. They were cut down from the full length ones. The full length ones are hard to find. I don't have a scabbard for mine but at least I had the bayonet before I bought the rifle this time. Probably a couple hundred these days if you can find one.

I got home and decided to take some quick pics for you since it might be a while till I get it cleaned.

Another bayonet that is off to the side somewhat, not as bad as my Werdle though.

That brass website has several that I need but wow, a bit expensive. I may end up getting some in the end anyway.

[Aragorn243]

I took it apart and got some preliminary cleaning done. I did find some light rust on the interior of the action that came off with a brass brush. Everything under the wood line looks like the day it was modified. No pitting, no rust, nice bluing. I did discover a missing part. Not sure what it's called but it's essentially a nut that holds the bottom plate on. I will see if I can find a modern one I can modify to work. Looks like below photo.

[sshackle]

Yes, I assumed the bayonet I have was for the conversion to 6.5 /70/87/15. But, it was in good shape and fit perfectly! Likely these were used on these rifles as well. I wish I could pull the trigger on a shortened carbine like yours! It would be a handier arm to shoot and carry!!
When I cleaned mine, the dirt, sand and. Bugs stuck in the old dried grease was amazing! But, the metal is bright as well as the bore! And you see it shoots with promise! That is a smokeless load and is close to the sight alignment. I tried BP and it shot off to the left and low. Not as good a pattern either.
The brass I bought is expensive. I believe with the 10.4 Swiss dies (Lee dies) I could rework 8x50R Lebel or .348 Win brass to work.

Here is the nuts original. It may be you could match the threads on a modern nut and try shaping like the original.

[Aragorn243]

I have it all cleaned and put back together minus the screw and nut. Will try to find a nut that will work and hopefully be able to shape it properly. What amazed me is all the screws on this came out. Only had one that was tight and I almost gave up on it but tried one last time and it came out. No bugs in this one but I know what you mean, the last rifle I got from them had bugs in it. I have to check to see if I have Swiss 41 dies. I think I might have bought them years ago but never got around to converting my bolt to centerfire.

[sshackle]

They are a fun rifle! Good history all the way from 187o to WWII!! And beyond in Ethiopia!!

[Aragorn243]

I bought a wing nut that was the right thread size and cut the wings off and shaped it a little. It's a little small but it will do until I can find an original.