The
Swiss Feldstutzer Model 1851
With the
Federal Constitution of 1848 the competence for the armament was transferred
from the Kantons to the Federal State. The first task for the defense ministry
was to organize and harmonize the weaponry of the Swiss army.
The first
weapon to be introduced in the federal military system was the Eidgenössischer
Stutzer 1851.
Jules Bonnet from Luzern
posing with M51 Feldstutzer
The
Feldstutzer was the first military rifle in Europe to depart from the large
18mm bullets in favor of the 10,4mm (cal .41) bullet. This also meant that the
soldier could carry almost twice as many rounds with him.
This
percussion rifle was issued to the sharp shooters of all Kantons.
The M51,
like all Stutzers, was equipped with a double set trigger. The action on this trigger
is truly “competition grade”, although the purpose in the mid-1800’s was rather
different. The forward trigger is set at approximately 1000 grams (~2 pounds)
and using the set trigger the hammer will fall with only 200 grams pressure.
Adjustments can be made using the screw between both triggers.
The lockplate on the M51
Stutzer indicates "Beuret
Freres, Liege"
This
particular M51 must have been owned by a Swiss competition shooter. I purchased
the rifle through an auction and found a sticker on the shaft which usually
indicates competition use. In this case the world championship muzzle loading
black powder shooting in Schwabisch Hall 1974.
Stock of M51 with
competition sticker of World Championship
After I
purchased the rifle it appeared that the percussion piston could not be
removed. Probably due to corrosion of the firing of percussion caps.
A stuck percussion
piston can become a major headache
With good
advise from experts, I managed to get the piston removed by means of a small torch.
Heating the nipple for about 2 minutes and then slowly turning it with a 8 mm
wrench did the job for me.
As
mentioned above, particular feature of the Stutzer rifles was the double set
trigger. When the rear trigger was pulled the front trigger would have an
extremely light trigger pull. Ideal for sharpshooters in the 19th
century and nowadays, for target shooting.
Specifications
of the M1851:
Length
weapon: 1260 mm (49.6 inches)
Length barrel: 813 mm (32.0 inches)
Weight: 4,5 kg (9.9 pounds)
Caliber 10.4mm (.41)
Barrel with 8 (!) groves right hand twist
Sight adjustable from 200 to 1000 paces
Double set trigger
3 sided bayonet with
spring attachment
In total 6400 M51 rifles were made (many rifles
were converted
later on to the Milbank-Amsler
system)
Shooting with
the Feld Stutzer rifle