Large bore rimfire rifle

ClayInTx · January 22, 2010, 06:54 AM

Many years ago, 1948, I saw a rifle in the attic of an older gentleman which seemed very odd (the rifle, not him or the attic). Even then the rifle was very old.

It used a cartridge similar in size to a .44-70 and was rimfire. It had the general appearance of a military rifle; much like an M1A, except it was bolt action, single shot.

I have never since seen anything like it.

Does anyone have a lead to where I might start looking for information on large bore, rimfire rifles?

thallub · January 22, 2010, 07:52 AM

Look at the Italian and Swiss Vetterli rifles. The Italian Vetterli uses a .41 caliber rimfire cartridge and the Swiss model uses an 11 mm cartridge: It may be the same cartridge as the .41 Swiss. During the 1950s Vetterli rifleas were very cheap and several of my friends hunted with them.

http://www.militaryrifles.com/Italy/ItalVet.htm

http://www.swissrifles.com/vetterli/

mapsjanhere · January 22, 2010, 08:22 AM

Not a bolt action, but the Spencer Rifles used during the civil war used a .56 rimfire cartridge.

ClayInTx · January 22, 2010, 01:12 PM

As I try to recall the details it seems the Italian Vetterli might be what it was. The rear sight of the Vetterli is a match for what I saw.

So—I’ll call it mystery solved.

Thanks, guys, you’ve been a big help.

Clay

January 22, 2010, 06:54 AM	#1
ClayInTx Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,066	Large bore rimfire rifle Many years ago, 1948, I saw a rifle in the attic of an older gentleman which seemed very odd (the rifle, not him or the attic). Even then the rifle was very old. It used a cartridge similar in size to a .44-70 and was rimfire. It had the general appearance of a military rifle; much like an M1A, except it was bolt action, single shot. I have never since seen anything like it. Does anyone have a lead to where I might start looking for information on large bore, rimfire rifles?

January 22, 2010, 08:22 AM	#3
mapsjanhere Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,832	Not a bolt action, but the Spencer Rifles used during the civil war used a .56 rimfire cartridge. __________________ I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.

January 22, 2010, 01:12 PM	#4
ClayInTx Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,066	Done As I try to recall the details it seems the Italian Vetterli might be what it was. The rear sight of the Vetterli is a match for what I saw. So—I’ll call it mystery solved. Thanks, guys, you’ve been a big help. Clay

January 22, 2010, 07:52 AM	#2
thallub Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Location: South Western OK Posts: 3,112	Look at the Italian and Swiss Vetterli rifles. The Italian Vetterli uses a .41 caliber rimfire cartridge and the Swiss model uses an 11 mm cartridge: It may be the same cartridge as the .41 Swiss. During the 1950s Vetterli rifleas were very cheap and several of my friends hunted with them. http://www.militaryrifles.com/Italy/ItalVet.htm http://www.swissrifles.com/vetterli/