In those days, there were Model 94 Winchesters found all over Africa. The only thing unusual about the rifles I saw was the cartridge was the 30wcf. Most were in other chamberings, and they had the distinctive fore end/side butt swivel. The original slings were long gone.
The French milsurp rifle p@rn thread!
- Thread starter Claven2
- Start date
Here's an odd one. Originally an 1866 Chassepot, then converted to an 1866-74 Gras in 11mm Gras in 1879, and later bored out to 24 gauge smoothbore (who knows why or when). I wish it was still in 11mm Gras, and I have a decent candidate rifle on the way that might fit that bill, but in the meantime, this one looks the part. I like that it's still a Manufacture Imperiale version, meaning it was made before the end of the war of 1870 and likely saw service against the Prussians.
That's really cool. Locate it in Canada, or stateside?
This is another uncommon one I was able to track down. Indochina Colonial Berthier 1902/16, this was part of the second batch sent in the 20’s however it’s a mismatch rifle and sits in a 1902 stock with the ramrod channel filled in. Interesting how the middle band wasn’t changed on these the handguard was given metal tabs that go under the original band.
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Finally found an M1974-80 Gras that's still in 11mm with a shootable original bore. This one made in 1881 at Chatellerault. It's has seen a thing or two, definitely carried a lot, sometimes not stored well, etc., but it's all there and the bore is decent. Total mixmaster apart from the barrel, receiver group, bayonet bar and rear sight assembly. That all matches. The rest has been mixed around at various refurbs. Stock wood is as dark as the Public Safety Ministers' soul, but I'm still psyched to have one in shootable nick. A tough find in Canada.
Will be making up some ammo (have bertram cases, a mold, etc.) to try it out.
Will be making up some ammo (have bertram cases, a mold, etc.) to try it out.
