The Swiss 1897 Kadettengewehr was developed to replace the aging Model 1870 Vetterli carbines used by Swiss cadet corps. Based on a shortened, single-shot version of the Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889/96 action, this rifle introduced young cadets to the modern service rifle design adopted by the Swiss Army in the late 19th century.
Produced from 1898 through 1927, fewer than 8,000 examples were manufactured, making the Kadettengewehr a distinctive piece of Swiss military history. These rifles remained in cadet service for decades, with use continuing into at least the 1950s.
One of the rifle's most interesting features is its specialized rear sight, which was calibrated for both standard Swiss GP90 military ammunition and a reduced-load cartridge intended for cadet training. The reduced load was designed to match the muzzle velocity of the standard GP90 round at 100 meters, allowing the two cartridges to share a comparable trajectory over their respective sighting ranges. As a result, the cadet load's 200-, 300-, and 400-meter sight settings corresponded to the GP90's 300-, 400-, and 500-meter settings.
Combining a unique training-rifle configuration with an ingenious dual-ammunition sighting system, the Swiss 1897 Kadettengewehr offers collectors an uncommon example of Switzerland's historic approach to military marksmanship training.
NOTE: The rifle in the picture has a sling but we do not guarantee every rifle will come with one.
Does not fire modern ammunition - See extended description for ammo warning.
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