The Beuret Brothers arms manufacturers in Liège rue Derrière Saint-Thomas were registered with the Liège proofhouse from 1836 to 1879. Beuret Freres at the time was one of the largest firearm/small arms manufacturers in the region. The Infanteriegewehr Modell 1842 was the first standardized rifle used by the Swiss.
The rifle was introduced in 1842 and was a result of a decision made by the authorities of the Old Swiss Confederacy to standardize weapons among the Cantons but still have separate armies/entities.
In 1859 the weapons were updated. (T.59) The rifles were updated again in 1867 (T.67) utilizing a Milbank-Amsler receiver which converted it into a breech loader. Some of these even received rifled barrels in the 1860’s, the Swiss were considered to be late to the development of rifling their musket barrels. The Swiss would experiment between 2 groove rifling and 4 groove rifling. Original rifles could be differentiated from modified rifles by how the iron sights are set up. Muskets modified for rifled barrels would feature an additional rear sight that is able to be adjusted for distance and bullet drop. The Swiss measure this with a sight gauged in paces, the modified rifles retain the original rear notch sites on the tang that mounts to the barrel and stock. The locking section is also another way to identify rifle generations.
The rifle fires the Swiss GP1859. Black powder charges only.
Just like in modern times these converted muskets had a series of testing that they were required to pass for adoption and use. Accuracy tests would be conducted at 200,400,600 and 800 paces. Penetration at 600 paces through wooden boards, which the musket was able to penetrate 3 boards at that distance. Recorded recoil impulse was tested along with the influence of fouling against accuracy where the test would leave the rifle uncleaned overnight. The Swiss also needed the ammunition to be easy to manufacture and have an ability to use older types of ammo. We see this principle with the Swiss throughout history where they recycle older designs or material into their current designs.
Just like in modern day times the Swiss were eager to sell some of their rifle designs internationally. Their first venture was among both Russia as well as France in their war effort.
This musket would be phased out for the Vetterli rifle system.