Schmidt Rubin bayonet question

[Tommygunn]

Just picked up a pat.1899 Schmidt-Rubin bayonet and wanted to date it - I guess the serial number on the crossguard matches the rifle it was originally paired with so presumably referencing this against the rifle manufacture dates would be an acceptable practice?

[DW58]

Probably accurate to within a year or two - do you have the year breakdowns for various rifles?

[Tommygunn]

Yup, if I'm right then it was made in 1916 - a couple of years after my G1911 (1913) but that doesn't fuss me!

[DW58]

I don't have K31 as yet, but my newly acquired K31 looks great with the Model 1914 Pioneer Sawback bayonet I've had for a few years.

You've just made me think - I've never actually checked the number of my bayonet. I don't suppose I'll ever match up my K31 with the correctly numbered bayonet.

I hope to eventually collect the full set of Swiss straight pulls - I've got a lead on a couple of nice 1889s which might be coming on the market, these don't need to be on FAC unless you intend to shoot them, but I quite fancy having a go with paper-patched lead bullets.

[Tommygunn]

I think you might struggle yes.

I have to admit I've ways found them quite ugly looking beasts but when I got the chance to look at a K31 at the club the other day I thought again - was looking online for one that afternoon. My preference for earlier long rifles led me to the 1911 long rifle, which I've just got my hands on. The fit and finish is absolutely superb and the trigger is unlike any military rifle I've ever handled.

I guess this is what others have known for years and I am only just cottoning onto!

[DW58]

I've been a fan for years, but have only just got one in my gun cabinet.

As you say, the workmanship is more like a Swiss Watch than a rifle.

[mag41uk]

I have an 1889 all matching including bayonet.
Only downside is that it is refinished.
Tony

[targetman]

The 1911 long rifle, although considered a bit unwieldy is a superb piece of kit...and can be very accurate with good ammo....

The K31 is also an excellent rifle and accurate too.

The 1899 can be made to shoot quite well but is not as easy as some would have us believe, the chamber leed (lead) is very large compared to the neck of the case, this was to facilitate the loading of an oversized paper patched step-based bullet. It is possible to wring good accuracy out them but it takes some experimentation with bullet sizes and loads...the genrally quoted bullet size of .304" is far too small and will not properly engage the rifling leading to bullets tumbling. I used both .308" and .311" lead bullets, they gave better results using approx 35 gns N140. For the best result heavier bullets are needed, something like a 215 grain .311" gas check bullet should suffice.....

Welcome to the world of the Schmidt-Rubin.........there is no known cure for the ailment you have contracted....except more Schmidt-Rubins.....


1920 -1911 Schmidt-Rubin
1954 - K31 Schmidt-Rubin
1911 Schmidt-Rubin actioned 7.62 Target/Match rifle

soon to be joined by another 1899.......should not have sold my previous one....