Swiss Vetterli M81 - Hard to Pass at $100

[martin08]

I picked this up a couple of weeks ago. It had been in a gun shop for several years, priced at $450. I explained the missing wood on the forestock a few times, but got nowhere in negotiating price.

So jokingly, I asked, "When are you going to sell me the M81 for $100?"

The shop owner said, "Today."

Well, here it is. All numbers do match, and it is still in rimfire condition. Too bad on the forestock, but it still looks plenty cool. Always wanted one.

Pics, and thanks for looking.

 

[majspud]

Interesting rifles. I've been watching an Italian Vetterli-Vatali M1870/87/15 (1884) for a while, just to fill in the Italian side of my collection.

T

Oops, haven't watched in a while. It sold a couple of weeks ago for $295.

 

[50 BMG]

OK martin08 now that you have one, and I know Ken does as well lets try and find some ammo. I thought I had a line on some but the seller marked it incorrectly. I keep looking at mine and want to take it to the range and fire some rounds down range.

 

[USMA-82]

I'm still considering doing the centerfire conversion with gadcustomcartridges and then getting some of his ammo.

So many things to buy, so little money...

 

[martin08]

OK martin08 now that you have one, and I know Ken does as well lets try and find some ammo. I thought I had a line on some but the seller marked it incorrectly. I keep looking at mine and want to take it to the range and fire some rounds down range.

Dang, that 41 RF is not anywhere to be found.

I won't be converting mine to centerfire. I just can't bring myself to alter a milsurp.

I have, however, located a full length forestock, and it is on the way.

 

[jhrosier]

Here is some info on converting and loading for the Swiss .41 rifle:

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/26678-New-life-for-an-old-soldier

Jack

 

[martin08]

I fitted the forestock over the weekend. Looks 99% better!

The only drawback is on the original front barrel band. The bayonet lug was ground off at some point. Fortunately, a Vetterli M69-71 lock-ring bayonet still fits on the barrel/front sight, and I found one for $10.

 

[white feather]

http://www.ammo-one.com/41SwissRimfireCartridges.html
$14.95 three cartridge limit. Probably won't ship to MA...

Googled: "Quasi Rimfire 10.4 ammo" from a thread in http://theswissriflesdotcommessageboard.yuku.com/reply/596#.Uu-9k7T55Gk

Got to: http://www.swissrifles.com/ammo/
Found:
Currently, no one is producing the 10.4x38 Rimfire round, except, perhaps, as a special order. However, it is possible to buy formed brass from Buffalo Arms
Went to Buffalo Arms. Searched for .41 Swiss. Found:
http://www.buffaloarms.com/Search.aspx?TERM=.41 swiss
Click first link and it said: 10.3X60R Swiss Cases Bertram-formed Box of 20 "ample stock". Cases are not cheap but are reload-able.
It seems that this ammo does not require a center-fire conversion but must be oriented in the chamber (indexed). Might be worth looking into...
Note: I did not try to buy any of the cases from Ammo-one or Buffalo Arms. Perhaps trying to buy them will indicate that they are not available. Just trying to help.
White Feather

 

[55_grain]

Nice job with the re-stock!

 

[willbdavis]

That is a beautiful rifle. Nice acquisition.