Waffenfabrik Bern – Swiss ZfK 55 Sniper Rifle 7.5×55 Swiss

Matching Serial Numbers – Very Good/Excellent Condition

1958 Production year. 2nd year of production.

The Swiss ZfK55 or formally known as the Zielfernrohr Karabiner 1955 (Scoped Carbine) was the Swiss service sniper rifle and designated marksman rifle (DMR). Unlike its predecessor (Zf.K31/42 & Zf.K31/43) this rifle was not issued as a K31. The ZfK55 was developed by Adolf Furrer, the same man who designed the K31 Swiss service rifle utilizing advances from the famous Schmidt & Rubin straight-pull action design. The ZfK 55’s action and design are strikingly like the K31. However, some major design differences make very few parts interchangeable between the two. The ZfK55 features mounting lugs milled into the receiver for a quick detachable 3.5×22 power scope, made by Kern and Sohn. The scope itself was also an upgrade from the early K31/42 & 43 models. The condition of the scope is excellent, there the glass is clean and crisp and the reticle looks very good. One may notice that the action of the rifle is offset when compared to the K31. This is true and was done to allow soldiers to use stripper clips if the scope was still attached. This also aided accuracy as spent shells would not hit the scope on the way out of the action. The rifle features a deployable bipod that is near the action of the rifle and utilizes springs and grooves to allow for quick and mobile aim, especially on uneven terrain like in the mountains of Switzerland. The ZfK55 has an incredibly unique-looking muzzle device that was designed to mitigate recoil and aid in suppressing flash signature. The barrel is thicker than a standard K31 to support a long barrel life by keeping the barrel cooler over long shooting durations. The standard Swiss military bayonet lug is still present, and the front iron sight post also has a notable change. It features a drifting track for the front post to be adjusted for windage. The pistol grip on the stock is more aggressive and allows for more area to grip, it is also textured with a checkered pattern. These rifles were made by Waffenfabrik Bern from 1957 till 1959, making them incredibly rare, as only around 4150 were made in total! The ZfK55 still uses the 7.5x55mm (GP11) Swiss cartridge which is regarded as a great round for accuracy and long-distance shooting. Six round charger clips or detachable magazines can be used for the ZfK55.

The ZfK.55 sniper rifle pictured is the rifle for sale. This ZfK-55 is in very excellent condition. There is only one area of concern, and many ZfK enthusiasts likely know. We identified a small crack forming that has been professionally sealed on the left-hand side neck of the stock/grip where the receiver tang sits. The small crack is thin and is likely 2mm long at most. The rest of the rifle looks fantastic. The bore is fantastic we would rate the bore a 4.5/5 it is clean, shiny and has nice strong crisp rifling from the whole length. The rifle includes an original Kern scope that is matching serial numbers to the gun and includes it’s original Swiss leather sling. The stock asside from the minute crack is in very good shape and retains much of its finish. Considering the crack is sealed we likely can infer this was likely refinished by Waffenfabrik Bern. Bluing condtion is about 90% intact with most of the original blued finish strong and even throughout the rifle.

Please view all photos.

• Waffenfabrik post-1940 inspection mark 
• Shooting test pass 
• Swiss Shield 
• Zf. Kar (Mag) 

ALL MATCHING S/N’s

+M – On sling.