In 1866 Switzerland takes the bold step to universally adopt a breachloading repeating rifle. Why the sudden transition? What was their first choice? All this is explaining in this very nerdy video which contains NO SHOOTING!

We also take a very very deep dive into the mechanics of the rifle design and discover a very unique primary extraction system.

Part deux will feature the individual rifle patterns, ammunition and some shooting.

For those interested in the predecessors of the Vetterli:

Prelaz-Burnand rifled musket: https://youtu.be/dNdqlnM2mXA

Milbank-Amsler conversions: https://youtu.be/lOrLi2I4w5A

Swiss Peabody: https://youtu.be/lOrLi2I4w5A