M1889 Schmitt-Rubin

.30-30 WCF

This is an interesting piece that I had my eye on for a long time. I first noticed it in 1998 at a Dayton, Ohio gun show. The owner had it slung over his shoulder for sale. At that time he was asking $300. I thought it excessive and passed on the deal. Then, in late 1999 I saw him again at the same show. I talked to him, and noted that he had been trying to sell it for over a year. Fortunately for me there was something that he wanted to buy there, so he accepted my offer of $150 for the rifle.

This unit was apparently  commercially imported and converted in Canada in the 60's. Note the original 12 round magazine is gone. The previous owner told me he had one fashioned for this one. This one holds 5 rounds, and is expertly converted. Also note the oversized bolt handle. Its size ensures positive extraction. The rear sight is stamped "Dockendorf", and receiver says ".30-30 WCF Switzerland". The stock is the original military, cut down. Despite its odd appearance, it shoulders and points very naturally. It is easy to rattle off an entire magazine rapidly, without moving the rifle from my shoulder. The recoil is quite mild and I have to place this in my list of favorite shooters. Accuracy is very good.   

I hope to experiment with .30-30 loaded with spitzer bullets in the summer of 2000.