French Model 1874 Service Gras Rifle

~ French Model 1874 Service Gras Rifle ~

Made by MAS, the side of the breech is stamped Manufacture D’ Armes St. Etienne M Le  1874.

~ Model 1874 ~

The Fusil Modèle 1874 or Gras was the French Army’s primary service rifle from 1874 to 1886. Designed by Colonel Basile Gras, the Gras was a metallic cartridge adaptation of the single-shot, breech-loading, black powder Chassepot rifle. It was developed from 1872 to 1874 as a response to the German adoption of the Mauser Model 1871 metallic cartridge rifle.

Modified in 1880 as the M80 with an improved breechblock and in 1914 as the M14 to accommodate the 8×50mmR Lebel smokeless powder cartridge, the Gras was replaced as the standard-issue service rifle by the Lebel in 1886.

~ Condition ~

A good honest piece in fair cosmetic condition, with general service wear, the stock is complete but would benefit from a slight polish. It cocks and dry fires sweetly. The strap is missing its buckle end.

~ Dimensions ~

The rifle is 99 cm (39 inches) in total length with a 52 cm (20.5 inches) barrel.

#11964