"Privatized" rifles...

The country that avoids war and the country that fights but has a hard time winning have been combined. The Swiss made some excellent firearms and the French made some unique and occasionally inspiring ones. We have added the Belgian and Dutch since they are neighbors.

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plantfoam
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"Privatized" rifles...

Post by plantfoam » Thu Nov 20, 2003 5:41 am

As most of you probably know, the average Swiss soldier had the option of purchasing his rifle at the end of his normal 20 year (usually) period of reserve service. Such rifles are most often marked with a "P" on the K-31 and 1911 series of rifles. This is not to be confused with the Private series rifles, which are very rare.


http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL109/461 ... 600393.jpg" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END-->


<!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>"Modern" privatization mark on a 1911 rifle, dated 1916</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END-->





In many cases, the earlier stampings indicated a year as well, usually in a fraction style layout.


http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL109/461 ... 600382.jpg" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END-->


<!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>Privatization mark on an 1889</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END-->


The above marking shows that the rifle left military hands in 1920.


Phil

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http://photobucket.com/albums/0803/plan ... ce2da0.PNG" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END-->
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