They are distinguished by the straight-pull bolt action invented by Rudolf Schmidt and use Eduard Rubin's GP90 7.5×53.5 and GP11 7.5×55 Schmidt–Rubin rifle cartridge.

The paper patch helped prevent lead fouling of the bore.

In 1923, long after the discontinuation of the Model 1889, the GP11/23 7.5×54.5mm round was produced without the paper patching instead using a full jacket around the bullet.

The biggest change was moving the locking lugs from the rear to the front of the bolt sleeve, allowing the receiver to be slightly shortened.

Colonel Vogelsgang and his assistant Rebholz worked out the details, which were not complex but required time to retool.

The GP11 cartridge operated at a higher chamber pressure, which the 89/96 action could easily handle.

An improvement over the original 1889 version of the Schmidt–Rubin rifle, the Swiss M1911 placed the locking lugs in the middle of the bolt, rather than at the rear, strengthening the action and allowing a more powerful cartridge, the Gewehrpatrone 11 or GP 11 to be used.

It is distinguished from the 96/11 rifle by a curved buttplate and by a stock with an integral semi-pistol grip.

It became a favorite of the Swiss Army, and its popularity contributed to the design of its successor the K31.