Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this antique Swiss bolt-action rifle for a penny-start auction… This is the Waffenfabrik 78.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Waffenfabrik
Model: M78
Serial: 163177
Caliber: 10.4mm 67RF
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 33 ¼"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood Stock
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Waffenfabrik M78, more properly known as the Swiss Vetterli Model 1878, represents a refined stage in the development of late-19th-century military small arms and reflects the high manufacturing standards of Waffenfabrik Bern, the state arsenal responsible for producing Switzerland’s service rifles of the era. Chambered for the distinctive 10.4×38mmR rimfire cartridge, the M78 was a bolt-action repeating rifle derived from earlier Vetterli designs, incorporating a tubular magazine housed beneath the barrel that allowed the rifle to carry multiple rounds—an advanced feature at a time when many European armies still relied on single-shot rifles. The M78 featured a robust, straight-pull bolt system with a large external cocking piece, offering positive handling and mechanical simplicity while maintaining excellent reliability in harsh alpine conditions. Its long, well-finished barrel and carefully cut rifling contributed to notable accuracy for the period, aligning with Switzerland’s emphasis on marksmanship and militia training. Typically stocked in high-quality walnut with precise inletting, the rifle displayed excellent craftsmanship, from its blued steel components to its finely fitted sights, which were regulated for relatively long engagement distances by 19th-century standards. The Model 1878 also incorporated incremental improvements over earlier Vetterli variants, including refinements to the action and sights, making it one of the most mature and user-friendly iterations of the Vetterli system before Switzerland transitioned to smaller-caliber, smokeless-powder rifles. Today, the Waffenfabrik M78 is valued by collectors and historians as a well-made, transitional military rifle that exemplifies the peak of large-bore, blackpowder repeating rifle design just before the dawn of modern military firearms.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: M78
Serial: 163177
Caliber: 10.4mm 67RF
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 33 ¼"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood Stock
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Waffenfabrik M78, more properly known as the Swiss Vetterli Model 1878, represents a refined stage in the development of late-19th-century military small arms and reflects the high manufacturing standards of Waffenfabrik Bern, the state arsenal responsible for producing Switzerland’s service rifles of the era. Chambered for the distinctive 10.4×38mmR rimfire cartridge, the M78 was a bolt-action repeating rifle derived from earlier Vetterli designs, incorporating a tubular magazine housed beneath the barrel that allowed the rifle to carry multiple rounds—an advanced feature at a time when many European armies still relied on single-shot rifles. The M78 featured a robust, straight-pull bolt system with a large external cocking piece, offering positive handling and mechanical simplicity while maintaining excellent reliability in harsh alpine conditions. Its long, well-finished barrel and carefully cut rifling contributed to notable accuracy for the period, aligning with Switzerland’s emphasis on marksmanship and militia training. Typically stocked in high-quality walnut with precise inletting, the rifle displayed excellent craftsmanship, from its blued steel components to its finely fitted sights, which were regulated for relatively long engagement distances by 19th-century standards. The Model 1878 also incorporated incremental improvements over earlier Vetterli variants, including refinements to the action and sights, making it one of the most mature and user-friendly iterations of the Vetterli system before Switzerland transitioned to smaller-caliber, smokeless-powder rifles. Today, the Waffenfabrik M78 is valued by collectors and historians as a well-made, transitional military rifle that exemplifies the peak of large-bore, blackpowder repeating rifle design just before the dawn of modern military firearms.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
