DESCRIPTION: Beautiful Swiss Milbank-Amsler Schutzen rifle! Caliber: 10.4 x 38 mm Rimfire (Swiss .41). The rifle features an extra long and very heavy octagonal barrel. It was manufactured specifically for Swiss-style long range target shooting. The rifle is a conversion of the M. 1851 Federal Percussion Stutzer. This type of the swinging-block mechanism conversion was approved for the Swiss army issue in December 1863. Originally, the system was patented in the USA by Isaac Milbank, and later it was modified by Rudolf Amsler. Twenty gun makers took part in the Swiss army conversion program. The rifle displays the maker's markings on the barrel, "Widmer Ettiswil". These are the markings of a gun maker who converted the rifle from military to target style. The back of the barrel displays the wording, "Acier Fondu". The lock plate displays a letter, "S". Several Swiss markings and proofs are stamped on various metal parts of the rifle. The stock does not show any markings. Double set trigger mechanism. Swiss style butt plate. Swiss target style micro-adjustable rear sights (they can be moved on the rail, which is an integral part of the barrel). Target style front sight. Two sling swivels. All steel furniture. The rifle does not have a provision for the cleaning rod (ramrod). CONDITION: Low excellent. 92% of the finish is still present on the metal. Some finish is turning to brown color. Nice stock with few handling marks and light scratches. There is a small crack on the left side of the stock near the counter screw. A small block of wood was nicely replaced on the right side of the stock, just below the breech block. There is also a small chip on the right side of the stock just in front the the breech block (please, see pictures). Excellent bore with sharp and shiny rifling. Action is very crisp and fully functional. The double set trigger mechanism works very well. All the internal parts of the rifle are in excellent condition. All the markings on metal are clearly visible. Overall length: 54 inches. Barrel length: 34 inches. Scarce and very attractive Swiss breech loading Schutzen rifle! The rifle comes from my family member collection of military firearms.
