Infanteriegewehr Modell 1911

Introduction

Although the first generation of straight-pulls had proven themselves to be serviceable rifles, the 7.5x53mm Gewehrpatrone 1890 (Rifle Cartridge 1890) which they fired left more than a little to be desired, in terms of performance. It used smokeless powder and a relatively small-bore bullet, both positive attributes to have, but it fired a reasonably heavy 13.6g (210 grain) round-nosed, heeled, paper patched lead bullet with steel cap. Operating pressures - and thus muzzle velocity - were low, partly restricted by the weakness of the rear-locking Ig. 89 action. 

By the mid-1900s, however, developments in ammunition technology were beginning to make themselves apparent. The German invention of the Spitzegeschoss (pointed bullet) allowed for greatly improved bullet aerodynamics. Less affected by air resistance, bullets could fly straighter, flatter, and further, retaining their energy over longer distances. The Swiss Army was well aware of these advantages, and with the significantly stronger Ig. 89/96 action available, a series of experiments were undertaken. Under the leadership of Colonel Eduard Rubin, head of the Eidgenössische Munitionsfabrik (Federal Ammunition Factory) in Thun (abbreviated as MF+T), an experimental high-velocity, spitzer cartridge was trialled in 1907, and the Army subsequently convened a committee in the following year to thrash out the design of a corresponding rifle. 

The result of their meetings was that a new rifle and cartridge were recommended for adoption - both designated as the Modell 1908 - in 1909. This process was delayed somewhat, however, with the government finally issuing a decree to adopt the new designs (thereafter known as the Infanteriegewehr 1911 (Ig. 11) and Gewehrpatrone 1911 (GP 11)) in April 1911. 

[To be completed]