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Message started by Philngruvy on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 3:25pm

Title: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Philngruvy on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 3:25pm
I have a Waffenfabrik M78 which is missing the cleaning rod.  Does anyone know where I might find one?  I would love to have more info about the cleaning rod such as length diameter and what the two ends look like.  Any help here?

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Philngruvy on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 3:51pm
OK, I saw a reference on another thread for S&S Firearms and they have a reproduction cleaning rod with nice pics of each end.  Thank you Butlersrangers for the referral.

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Philngruvy on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 6:24pm
I have a Waffenfabrik Bern M78 (Vetterli) serial# 155055 manufactured in 1879.  I tried to upload a pic but it was too large a file.  How do I resize it?

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Local Boy on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 6:39pm
Here's another web site you might want to try.

They also have Vetterli rods.

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Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Philngruvy on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 6:49pm
Local boy,  thank you.  However, I already ordered one from S&S.  Too bad cause it was $5 more.

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by butlersrangers on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 9:46pm
Local Boy' - Thanks for the Butch's Antique Gun Parts link. He makes reproductions of some very desirable "ram-rods".

Come on Phil! You could have given us a clue it was a Swiss Vetterli.  :D

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Philngruvy on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 9:55pm
The only markings on the rifle are:

                   Waffenfabrik
                         Bern
                       155055
                          M78

This rifle is SWEET!   great shape.  I wish I had some ammo for it.  I am challenged when it comes to posting pics.  The file is too large and I DNK how to make it smaller.
Anyway, I ordered a cleaning rod from S&S and they have already shipped it.  :)
oh yea,  my handle is Philngruvy but my name is Ron.
                      

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Parashooter on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 10:15pm
The Vetterli M78 rod is 32.4" long. Shank is .200", gently swelling to .220", starting 1.5" from the head.

The front end has a hemi-ovoid recess about 6.5mm diameter.

Threads on the other end are 5mm x 1mm - or very close to it.

Images of rod attached below -
Vetrod3.jpg ( 5 KB | 0 Downloads )
Vetrod4.jpg ( 3 KB | 0 Downloads )
Vetrodhead.jpg ( 9 KB | 1 Download )
Vetrodhead2.jpg ( 2 KB | 0 Downloads )

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Philngruvy on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 10:21pm
Thank you Parashooter.  Where on the rod is the Swiss cross and V ?

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Parashooter on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 10:28pm
Maybe 3" from the big end IIRC. :-/

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Philngruvy on Oct 23rd, 2018 at 10:49pm
Thanks. 

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Local Boy on Oct 24th, 2018 at 3:59am
I currently have a bid on 40 rounds of Remington Kleanbore and 20 rounds of Windfield Arms Corporation .41 Swiss rimfire ammo for my Veterlli.

It's an online estate auction being held locally for an individual who must have had a gun store at one time... mega reloading supplies are listed.

I mainly want them as collectibles, but, I just might pop off a few rounds.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

Here's some pics of my W.v. Stieger Thun Vetterli with reproduction cleaning rod and sling.

Vetterli_002a.jpg ( 176 KB | 0 Downloads )
Vetterli_004a.jpg ( 203 KB | 0 Downloads )
Vetterli_007a.jpg ( 183 KB | 0 Downloads )

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by butlersrangers on Oct 24th, 2018 at 5:32am
IIRC - The Swiss Rifle Forum has quite a body of information and 'how to methods' to convert the rim-fire Vetterli into a center-fire (and inexpensive to shoot arm).

I believe 'Parashooter' is quite an authority on this subject.

p.s. - Ron, you probably know this, but, "Waffenfabrik Bern" was one of the Swiss Arsenals that manufactured the Vetterli for the Swiss Cantons. #155055 is your rifle's serial number and 'M78' is the model.

Something not always appreciated is that the Swiss Vetterli and .41 Swiss rim-fire cartridge were early surplus items that came to the U.S., in the 1890's and early 1900's.
The ammo was also loaded by some American companies. The (inexpensive military surplus) Swiss Vetterli and its cartridge played a role in 'homesteading' the American West. 

Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Local Boy on Oct 24th, 2018 at 6:46am
Lots of Vetterli videos for your viewing pleasure:

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Title: Re: Waffenfabrik M78
Post by Philngruvy on Oct 24th, 2018 at 1:33pm
Thanks everyone for your help.  I really do appreciate it.

Ron

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