*Original French Lebel Rifle 1886-1893, 8mm Caliber. Deactivated*
This is a wonderful example of the Lebel Model 1886 rifle also known as the “Fusil Mle 1886 M93”, after a bolt modification was added in 1893. It bears the manufacturers mark “Darmes St Etienne. Mle 1886 M93”. The serial number 46069 is stamped on the receiver, barrel, and bolt of the rifle and various proof marks are present. The leather butt plate on the underside of the rifle appears to have a different serial number 357466, refer to pictures for all markings.
The French Lebel rifle, officially known as the Fusil Modèle 1886, was the first military rifle to use smokeless powder ammunition. It was developed in the late 19th century and was the standard service rifle of the French military from its adoption in 1887 until the early years of World War I. It was designed by Colonel Nicolas Lebel and was manufactured by several French armories, including the government-owned Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne. The rifle featured a 8mm cartridge that used a smokeless powder propellant, which was a significant improvement over the black powder cartridges used in previous rifles. The Lebel’s cartridge had a pointed bullet, which gave it greater accuracy and range than the round-nosed bullets used in other military rifles at the time.
The Lebel rifle had a bolt action mechanism and a five-round magazine. The rifle’s barrel was 800 mm (31.5 in) long and had a 4-groove rifling system with a 1:240 mm twist rate.
In spite of early obsolete features, such as its tube magazine and the shape of 8mm Lebel rimmed cartridge, the Lebel rifle remained the basic weapon of French infantry during World War I & beyond. although it was eventually replaced by the Berthier rifle in the mid-1910s. Nevertheless, it remained in service with various French military units until the end of World War II.
3.5 Million Lebel rifles were produced by the three French state factories between 1887 and 1916.
*Condition*
This rifle is in good condition with some minor pitting on the receiver and have minor scarring in the hand guard and stock. Please see photographs as these form part of the description.
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