Vetterli rechamber, feasible?

conor_90

conor_90

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
91   0   0
Location
NW BC
I know that many have converted vetterli rifles to centerfire and load ammo for them from brass they form. I am wondering if it would be possible to chamber the rifle in a more common modern center fire cartridge. Has anyone done this? Does anyone know what the price on such a project would be if you outsourced all the work?

Thanks
 
conor_90 said:
I know that many have converted vetterli rifles to centerfire and load ammo for them from brass they form. I am wondering if it would be possible to chamber the rifle in a more common modern center fire cartridge. Has anyone done this? Does anyone know what the price on such a project would be if you outsourced all the work?

Thanks
Click to expand...
I don't know about the actual conversion but you should be aware that if you change to a modern calibre it will negate any antique status the gun might have.
 
As it stands are they not considered to be "firearms" by the law? They can be openly traded as antiques? I was not aware such a distinction existed, I thought if you could shoot it it was a firearm.

I am aware that it would lose it's value as an antique, but I was looking at one for 100 dollars today that was in good condition with the exception of severe bore damage and some pitting on the outside of the barrel. I just want a shootable piece of history.
 
Rimfire = antique. Centerfire, not antique, non-restricted.
Were you thinking about rebarrelling in another caliber?
 
I think the .410 shells may have issues feeding judging by some stuff I saw online.

Tiriaq thanks for the info on that.

Yes the plan would be to:
- rebarrel after modifying the firing pin, either that or use a barrel sleeve to make it into a smaller caliber.
-Preferably the action would be maintained as much as possible with obvious exceptions.
- I would like it to be in a caliber that will be available for the foreseeable future, preferably something well adapted to black powder. I think low pressure .45 colt may be possible.

The real question to you nutters is; is any of this possible?
 
The centerfire conversion process is established, so that is a go.
The boltface & extractors are designed for a large diameter rim. Centerfire conversions use cartridges based on the .348 Winchester, which is close to the .41 rimfire rim diameter. .45-70 is smaller. If the boltface/extractors could be altered to work with the smaller diameter, a .45-70 based round might work.
Anything smaller would require even more extensive extractor rework.
The round would have to be of an appropriate length.
Lining the bore would be a challenge. Probably a large diameter bushing would be needed to fill the chamber, and then the chamber sleeve and bore could be drilled for the liner.
There is no ready supply of liners in this country.
I'll have a look at my Vetterli later today, see if any ideas come to mind.

I am confident that such a project could only make sense if all the work were done for free, or by the owner. If a 'smith were to be paid to do the work, the cost would be ridiculous.
 
Machine a chamber adapter much like a 12 gauge to 410. Just this week end I picked up a couple at the Montreal gun show, 450/577 to 410, 12 to410and two 303 Brit in two different smaller calibers yet to be determined ,haven't got to it yet, the next question is how to get it to fire a center fire cartridges, it the rifle being a rim fire. The Vetterli is a side hinge block right( sorry never really played with one yet) you would have to fab a new one witch would be involved ( the angle of firing pin to hammer) not a simple task. In reality how many times do you think you're going to shoot it I mean ,ammo under standing is not readily available but it can be gotten, I see it hear and there It probably cheaper to hunt down ammo than doing a change over to a different cartridge. So best of luck what ever you decide:cheers:
 
Thanks for the advice guys, it seems like I will have to wait until I have more money or experience for this one.

Would be cool to bring what was at one time a super modern firearm back to relevance.
 
Last edited:
An Vetterli rifle is relevant. It's an example of early military cartridge rifles.
Severe bore damage and pitting means it's not in good condition. Means it was fired long ago and not cleaned properly.
 
Do you know what the word relevant means?

The rifles are rimfire and do not shoot factory available ammo, most are little more than wallhangers.
 
The centerfire conversion is quite easy and forming brass from 348 Winchester isn't that difficult. I would consider a vetterli to be a good first antique for someone who is interested in shooting guns that you can't get ammo for.

As for rechambering a vetterli I don't think I'd do it. The action leaves much to be desired in the strength department and reworking the boltface/extract to work with a modern round may be a challenge.
 
To function as a repeater, cartridge length is critical. This would be another factor affecting conversion to another cartridge.
 
I am going to have conduct this someday as a noble experiment/hare brained scheme. Don't be surprised when chiappa starts manufacturing replica vetterli's chambered in .45 colt to feed the "19th century mercenary action shooting" market.

Seriously though, is there any special equipment required to reload for the center fire conversion? Do you simply use a trimmer and die to convert the 348 win?
 
conor_90 said:
I am going to have conduct this someday as a noble experiment/hare brained scheme. Don't be surprised when chiappa starts manufacturing replica vetterli's chambered in .45 colt to feed the "19th century mercenary action shooting" market.

Seriously though, is there any special equipment required to reload for the center fire conversion? Do you simply use a trimmer and die to convert the 348 win?
Click to expand...

Look here:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?21917-Vetterli-centerfire-conversion

http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=297-Shooting-the-Vetterli-(Centerfire-Conversions)

I've done four thus far.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...213-Converting-A-Swiss-Vetterli-to-Centrefire
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom