Vetterli rifle

[bbachna]

I recieved a Vetterli rifle from my grandfathers estate when he passed on recently. This gun is in some what decent shape, I am not looking to sell it but have been having a lot of trouble finding any information on the gun itself.
The only markings that are on the gun is the Soc.Ind Suisse with the open cross and Syst. Vetterli and has the number 87217 on the reciever. It also has the small shielf on the top of the barrel by the sight other then that, nothing on the stock or anything. Does anyone know about the numbers or anyone I can get in touch with to find out more about this gun.:dontknow

[rugerwheels]

Welcome to this Forum. URL below is a good place to start, with a lot of information on Vetterli's and a number of useful links.

http://www.swissrifles.com/

[ccmsd]

Hi,

Don's URL is probably the best you can find on the web.
4 models: 1879, 1871, 1878, and 1881 with carbine and Musketon versions and a Cadet Model 1870.
Your rifle was made by SIG, Neuhausen am Rheinfall (Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft, German for Swiss Industrial Society - Société Industrielle Suisse (Soc.Ind Suisse as stamped on your rifle) in French, one of the four official languages of Switzerland).
All Swiss Vetterlis are chambered for the Swiss Service Ammo of that time: 10.5x38mmR a rimmed rimfire ammo. Rifles have a 11-Round Magazine Capacity, Carbines 10 and Musketons 6, the Cadet 1870 Rifle being a single-shot
Pics would be welcome

HIH

Cheers
ccmsd