{"id":2529,"date":"2025-03-06T19:04:53","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T19:04:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/wiki\/zfk-55-the-exceptional-swiss-precision-rifle\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T12:46:51","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T12:46:51","slug":"zfk-55-the-exceptional-swiss-precision-rifle","status":"publish","type":"wiki","link":"https:\/\/nextgun.ch\/en\/wiki\/zfk-55-the-exceptional-swiss-precision-rifle\/","title":{"rendered":"ZfK 55 | The exceptional Swiss precision rifle"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Introduction<\/strong><\/h2>

The ZfK 55<\/strong>(Zielfernrohr Karabiner 55<\/strong>) is a precision rifle designed and manufactured in Switzerland in the 1950s. Known for its remarkable accuracy and robust design<\/strong>, it is derived from the Stgw 57 assault rifle<\/strong>, but specifically optimized for precision shooting. Intended for the Swiss army’s elite marksmen, the ZfK 55<\/strong> is today a highly prized collector’s rifle and a symbol of Swiss weapons expertise. <\/p>

History of the ZfK 55<\/strong><\/h2>

Development and adoption<\/strong><\/h3>

In the 1950s, the Swiss army sought to equip its snipers with a semi-automatic precision rifle derived from the Sturmgewehr 57<\/strong>. The ZfK 55<\/strong> was developed from this platform, incorporating modifications to improve accuracy and shooting stability. <\/p>

Officially adopted in 1955<\/strong>, it is produced in limited quantities<\/strong> (around 4,150 units), making it a rare and sought-after rifle today. Its use remained limited to specialized units and snipers in the Swiss army, until it was gradually replaced by more modern rifles in the 1980s. <\/p>

Technical data<\/strong><\/h2>
Caliber<\/strong><\/th>7.5\u00d755 mm Swiss (GP11)<\/th><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>7.25 kg<\/td><\/tr>
Overall length<\/strong><\/td>1,225 mm<\/td><\/tr>
Barrel length<\/strong><\/td>652 mm<\/td><\/tr>
Magazine capacity<\/strong><\/td>6 shots<\/td><\/tr>
Mechanism<\/strong><\/td>Semi-automatic, gas borrowing<\/td><\/tr>
Optics<\/strong><\/td>Kern 3.5x telescope<\/td><\/tr>
Materials<\/strong><\/td>Steel, wood<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

Design and ergonomics<\/strong><\/h2>

The ZfK 55<\/strong> is designed for maximum stability and extreme precision<\/strong>, with several distinctive features:<\/p>

  • Kern 3.5x rifle scope<\/strong>: Specifically developed for rifles, it provides excellent target acquisition at long range.<\/p><\/li>

  • Heavy, floating barrel<\/strong>: Improves stability and reduces vibration when firing.<\/p><\/li>

  • Solid muzzle brake<\/strong>: Reduces recoil and improves shooter comfort.<\/p><\/li>

  • Folding side handle<\/strong>: makes the rifle easy to carry and handle.<\/p><\/li>

  • Semi-automatic system with gas borrowing<\/strong>: Inspired by the Stgw 57, but modified to guarantee greater precision.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

    Comparison with other precision rifles<\/strong><\/h2>
    Model<\/strong><\/td>Caliber<\/strong><\/td>Weight (kg)<\/strong><\/td>Effective range (m)<\/strong><\/td>Capacity<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    ZfK 55<\/strong><\/td>7.5\u00d755 mm Swiss<\/td>7,25<\/td>800<\/td>6<\/td><\/tr>
    M1 Garand M1D<\/strong><\/td>.30-06 Springfield<\/td>5,3<\/td>700<\/td>8<\/td><\/tr>
    Dragunov SVD<\/strong><\/td>7,62\u00d754R<\/td>4,3<\/td>800<\/td>10<\/td><\/tr>
    Remington 700<\/strong><\/td>.308 Win<\/td>3,9 – 4,5<\/td>900<\/td>5-10<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

    Compared with the Dragunov SVD<\/strong>, the ZfK 55<\/strong> is heavier and more accurate, thanks to its floating barrel and dedicated scope<\/strong>. Compared with the Remington 700<\/strong>, it offers the advantage of a semi-automatic system<\/strong>, although its ammunition capacity is more limited. <\/p>

    Contemporary use<\/strong><\/h2>

    Today, ZfK 55<\/strong> is no longer used by the armed forces, but is still sought after by :<\/p>

    • Collectors of Swiss military weapons<\/strong>: Because of its rarity and history.<\/p><\/li>

    • Sport shooters<\/strong>: For its precision and Swiss-made quality.<\/p><\/li>

    • Museums and enthusiasts of historic weapons<\/strong>: a testimony to Swiss military know-how in the 1950s.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>

      Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>

      The ZfK 55<\/strong> is an exceptional precision rifle<\/strong>, designed for maximum accuracy and incomparable robustness<\/strong>. Although produced in limited numbers, it has left its mark on the history of Swiss weaponry, and remains a sought-after model for its build quality and legendary accuracy. Its unique design and performance make it a must-have for enthusiasts of historic military weapons<\/strong>. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"featured_media":2338,"template":"elementor_theme","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"class_list":["post-2529","wiki","type-wiki","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t