New to me k11

[WestKentucky]

At least I think that this is a K11. It’s definitely Swiss and 7.5x55 Schmidt Rubin. Every part has matching numbers and the only damage I have found on it is one of the Bakelite knobs on the bolt handle has a small amount cracked off of the base where the screw goes through. Geez the Swiss were anal about numbering, the last 3 of the serial are on EVERYTHING.

Traded a basket case of a 73 Harley sportster for it that I had $500 in. Frees up room in the shed, gives me something I can enjoy. Whether I made out monetarily or not is of little concern to me but I think it was a pretty fair trade. Got 6 rounds with it, so I need to find ammo and reloading dies.

How do I determine year of manufacture?

 

[NuclearMeltdown]

Oooh that's actually an 1896/11, and a nice one at that. The K11 is a bit shorter with a slightly different stock shape.

Serial number ranges are at the bottom of this page:

https://www.swisswaffen.com/modell-1896-11-infantry-rifle/ig9611/wcl8gdzislky

 

[dieselchief]

the bakelite handle is available, along with a taller front sight and a side scope mount. grafs has brass right now. there is a site dedicated to swiss rifles, all kinds of info and parts there.

 

[WestKentucky]

It’s exactly the same height as my 12yr old daughter. She needs to hit a growth spurt.

 

[WestKentucky]

The photos I was sent when the rifle was offered in trade… these are quality photos, no junk cell phone pics like I have.

 

[WestKentucky]

Oooh that's actually an 1896/11, and a nice one at that. The K11 is a bit shorter with a slightly different stock shape.

Serial number ranges are at the bottom of this page:

https://www.swisswaffen.com/modell-1896-11-infantry-rifle/ig9611/wcl8gdzislky

She’s a 1912 production gun by serial.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Beautiful Swiss!

I had one years ago that had been converted to 6.5 Swede and it was smooth as glass. The crazy 2-state trigger took some getting used to, however....

 

[Mars5l]

That's way nicer than my 96/11. Got mine from classicfirearms.com. it's still a cool rifle other than there is no break to the trigger, it just releases the firing pin like there is nothing there

 

[LoonWulf]

well......everyone says they want to be "surprised" by the trigger breaking..........

Thats a beautiful old rifle, I don't think I've ever seen on in nearly that good a shape in person. Its strange, I don't find most milsurps visually appealing....those and Mosins I do.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

One easy way to spot a 96/11 conversion is the inletted chunk of wood at the bottom of the semi-pistol grip, since the original G1896 had a straight wrist. The triggerguard and buttplate also differ from the new, purpose-built 1911 rifles. There are other, more subtle differences as well. The Swiss did such a complete conversion program that original, unaltered G1896 rifles are very rare today.

C&rsenal gives a good rundown in this video:

History of WWI Primer 128: Swiss 1911s Documentary

If you enjoy this content and want to see more, please consider supporting us at:https://www.patreon.com/CandRsenalhttps://playeur.com/c/candrsenalOr buy pri...

youtu.be

Bloke on the Range also has a good video series on the Swiss straight-pull rifle lineage (which is incomplete -- still waiting on the K31):

Swiss Straight-Pulls Episode 1: General Overview

As the start of a looooong series looking at each of the Swiss straight-pulls from the 1889 to the K31, The Bloke gives a short (ha!) overview of the series,...

www.youtube.com

 

[Ks5shooter]

Love gun porn....nice trade!!

 

[tark]

The Swiss did such a complete conversion program that original, unaltered G1896 rifles are very rare today.

Hi Dave. Sounds like the same thing the Army did with the approximately 50,000 early gas trap Garands. About fifty are known to exist today.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Hi Dave. Sounds like the same thing the Army did with the approximately 50,000 early gas trap Garands. About fifty are known to exist today.

Yeah, I think they're about equally rare today, though the price on an M1 gas trap will likely bear at least one more zero!

 

[tark]

Got 6 rounds with it, so I need to find ammo and reloading dies.

WestKentucky, I have a set of RCBS 7.5X55 dies that I have no use for . Shoot me a PM and they're yours. Free. And I'll pay shipping. Call it an early Christmas present. It's just my way of paying it forward.

I have some brass I'll throw into the deal. Some of them are reformed .284 Winchester cases. ( Yes, you can form Swiss ammo out of .284 cases. )

I must warn you that sometimes...errr. .. other items will sneak into the box at the last second while I am distracted by one of the hotties on Fox News.

PM Dave Laurant and ask him about those " other items "

 

[Random 8]

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/73073 Your brass is available and in-stock. I prefer a modest load under a 155 grain match bullet in the 2600fps ballpark. Brings the zero down to earth. I've used 4064 for a long time in this application, but most any stick powder in that range should serve you well. These are accurate rifles almost without exception.

Be sure to clean the bore thoroughly. I've found Swiss Tombac jacket residue to not play well with conventional gilding metal.

 

[WestKentucky]

WestKentucky, I have a set of RCBS 7.5X55 dies that I have no use for . Shoot me a PM and they're yours. Free. And I'll pay shipping. Call it an early Christmas present. It's just my way of paying it forward.

I have some brass I'll throw into the deal. Some of them are reformed .284 Winchester cases. ( Yes, you can form Swiss ammo out of .284 cases. )

I must warn you that sometimes...errr. .. other items will sneak into the box at the last second while I am distracted by one of the hotties on Fox News.

PM Dave Laurant and ask him about those " other items "

Tark, brother you are always helping folks out whether it’s info, stuff, or just the right picture at the right time. Thank you!!!

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

PM Dave Laurant and ask him about those " other items "

Tark's parcels are indeed something to look forward to!

BTW, while supplies in the USA are unobtanium right now, the Swiss still manufacture GP11 ammo for subsidized shooting competitions and domestic use. Maybe one of these days we'll see a little on the US surplus market, but don't hold your breath.

For the benefit of other Swiss rifle fans who aren't on Tark's mailing list yet, PPU makes 7.5x55 Swiss brass and both Midway and Grafs have it in stock.

Prvi Partizan 7.5mm Schmidt-Rubin (7.5x55mm Swiss) Brass Bag of 50

Prvi Partizan is offering a wide range of cartridge cases for hand loaders. These components use high quality raw materials. The cases are tested in a...

www.midwayusa.com

Prvi Partizan Brass 7.5x55 Swiss Unprimed Bag of 50 - Graf & Sons

Imported from Serbia. Fully reloadable brass cases. Accept boxer primers. This is not loaded ammunition.

www.grafs.com

If you're made of money, Norma also makes Swiss brass. Optics Planet supposedly has some, but it's almost twice the PPU price.

 

[Mars5l]

Steinel also makes a GP11 loading. I got sorta lucky and my LGS had gotten in a few cases of GP11 traded in I bought a bunch, but wasn't cheap for $70 for a 40rd pack. It's also not reloadable, which makes it a little more fun to shoot since I don't have to worry about saving it. Was more accurate than the PPU loadings.

 

[dieselchief]

grafs took only three days to get the brass to me. 5744 with a 190 grain noe cast bullet should do the trick. i mounted a scope using swiss products side mount. had a hard time finding a old style small tube 4x, went with a swift reliant scope.
.....these guns are so unique they are beautiful .....

 

[tark]

Goodies are on the way, WestKentucky. Tracking # is on the PM. Enjoy!!!