Swiss - they issue the rifle, which is now a select-fire 5.56, and it is kept at home by the soldier, kept at home when he transfers to reserves, and the can be purchased by the soldier for a minimal fee at the end of service. There is a reason they have been able to maintain their neutrality. Shooting sports are also a very strong part of the culture there, and marksmanship is emphasized. In fact it has been historically tied to the Swiss view of liberty and national security. Remember William Tell?Streetstar wrote: Is it Switzerland, Sweden or Finland that has a national rifle program? - One country does (or did) - but i thought it was letting their citizens keep their service rifle after their mandatory military duty tour
There is a story from Switzerland that illustrates their historic emphasis on accurate shooters with accurate rifles.
In 1912 Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany visited Switzerland. As the prospect of war was looming on the horizon, with the Germans especially eager to build an empire, the Swiss realized that the Kaiser viewed Switzerland as a possible conquest. In an effort to discourage the germans, the Swiss staged a demonstration of military skills for him, especially marksmanship exhibitions.
As the Kaiser observed the Swiss army exhibition, Swiss President Forrer told him that, “we have the resolute intention of protecting our independence against any attack on this, our dearest possession, and of upholding our neutrality against anyone who fails to respect it.”
During one of the marksmanship exhibitions, the Kaiser reportedly walked up beside a somewhat older reservist who was shooting and said, "This is all very fine, but what will your 250,000 soldiers do when I invade with half a million Prussians?"
The reservist replied, "Then, Sir, we will each fire two bullets."
If you don't have a Swiss K31, you should. Every one i have seen has a bore like a mirror and shoots like you would not believe. Surpluss ammo is all match grade. The Swiss manual has several pages dedicated just to the care of the bore.
