French Roll Call

[Richard Simmons]

Just wondering which members have French Rifles in their collections? I currently have the MAS 36, 36/51 and the 49/56. Looking for MAS 44 and 49 at the moment. A local store has a 49 for $200 IRC but it's rough as a cob and counterbored. May keep looking. I also have a neighbor who has a Lebel rifle and a Berthier Musketoon that he's willing to sell. Anyone have any experience with these older firearms?

[zouavexx]

My screen name is "Zouave" which was a Fierce French Soldier in the 19th and 20th Century.


Sadly I do not have ANY French Rifles.

The Lebel is one of my all time favorite weapons. It is high on my "want" list.

The rifle was tube fed (Like a Winchester 94) and was used with fairly good results in WWI.


Waves of red fez Zouaves died early in the Great War carrying the Lebel. (Dam red target on their heads)

http://www.fortunecity.com/bally/coalbrook/243/13040680.gif

http://www.gunsworld.com/french/bert_leb/graphs/lebelact.jpg

Lebel Stats:
Country Of Origin: France
Designation: Bolt Action Rifle
Cartridge: 8 x 51R Lebel
Production Date: 1886-1919

Weapon Dimensions:
Length: l,307 m
Barrel: 815 mm
Weight: 4.18 kg
Rifling: 4 grooves, lh
Mag Capacity: 8 rounds

http://www.gunsworld.com/french/bert_leb/graphs/leb_l1.jpg

[lpspinner]

Originally posted by Richard Simmons
Just wondering which members have French Rifles in their collections?

I have a MAS 49/56 and am waiting for my 2 MAS 36 U-Fix-um's from Century to arrive.

[RetVet]

Just a MAS 49/56 now, but wanting a 36 and/or 36/51 at a minimum too. I've been tempted to order one of those Fair++ ones listed at WG&A as a fixer upper, but afraid the bores in them are probably hosed.

[REDSTAR]

RetVet, the 36/51 I got from them had a mirror bore but the wood was heavily dinged and filthy. Same with whos2kno I think. Unfortunately they were sold out last time I called to order another one. It shoots nice groups.

I've got two MAS36, a 36/51 and a 49/56.

[bmwguy]

I've got a 49/56 which I haven't had an opportunity to take to the range yet.

[vonmazur]

This is just since 1999 in Alabama.....4 ea Mle 1944, 5 ea Mle 49/56 , 10 ea Mle 49, 2 ea Mle 49 Syrian, 2 ea Mle RSC 1917/18, 4 ea Lebel Mle 1886/93, 2 ea Mle 86/93/R35, I have not counted the various Mle 07/15's and Mle 90/92/16 Rifles and carbines, there are at least 20 in the closet, this does not include the pile of Handguns from France and Spain WW 1 and earlier....It helps to go to every show and work in a gun store!!!! This condition is due to two tours of duty in Indochine, and the pile of guns I encountered there!! Dale in Ala

[vonmazur]

I forgot, 4 ea pre war mle 36's and 2ea mint post war mle 36's, and 3 ea mint unisssued mle 36/51's........7 mle 92 rev's, and 10 various mle 35's.......etc, etc.....When my boss brings back the web cam from our other business, I will put up a picture of all this nice Froggy stuff....Dale

[Richard Simmons]

Originally posted by vonmazur
This is just since 1999 in Alabama.....4 ea Mle 1944, 5 ea Mle 49/56 , 10 ea Mle 49, 2 ea Mle 49 Syrian, 2 ea Mle RSC 1917/18, 4 ea Lebel Mle 1886/93, 2 ea Mle 86/93/R35, I have not counted the various Mle 07/15's and Mle 90/92/16 Rifles and carbines, there are at least 20 in the closet, this does not include the pile of Handguns from France and Spain WW 1 and earlier....It helps to go to every show and work in a gun store!!!! This condition is due to two tours of duty in Indochine, and the pile of guns I encountered there!! Dale in Ala

Damn Dude, how about gettin up off of one of those 49's/:D Sounds like you've got the bases covered. Can't wait for some pics. Seriously, If you decide to let go of something I'm itchin for a 44 or a 49.

[Edmond]

Next time, I go back to Huntsville, AL, I hope I can visit you to see your collection. Félicitations, un Français






Originally posted by vonmazur
This is just since 1999 in Alabama.....4 ea Mle 1944, 5 ea Mle 49/56 , 10 ea Mle 49, 2 ea Mle 49 Syrian, 2 ea Mle RSC 1917/18, 4 ea Lebel Mle 1886/93, 2 ea Mle 86/93/R35, I have not counted the various Mle 07/15's and Mle 90/92/16 Rifles and carbines, there are at least 20 in the closet, this does not include the pile of Handguns from France and Spain WW 1 and earlier....It helps to go to every show and work in a gun store!!!! This condition is due to two tours of duty in Indochine, and the pile of guns I encountered there!! Dale in Ala :)

[Richard Simmons]

Welcome to the board Edmond.

[Edmond]

Thanks

[Gonzotwp]

Have an excellent 36 and a LN 49/56. Passed up a BEAUTIFUL 36/51 at a gun show a couple of weeks ago for $140. Just didn't have the extra funds with all of the other stuff I've bought recently. Hopefully one day I can add a nice one.

Gonzo
:D :D :D

[RCI2950]

I got a french neighbor and i use to go out with a french girl. does that count?

[1886lebel]

What type of information are you wanting on the Lebel and Berthiers.
Patrick

[Richard Simmons]

Originally posted by 1886lebel
What type of information are you wanting on the Lebel and Berthiers.
Patrick

Basically I'm trying to get an idea what these models sell for? The Berthier is, I believe a Musketoon and it has a long ass bayonet with it. I haven't checked the bore and I'm not sure if it's 3 or 5 rd as far as the magazine goes. The Lebel is a standard 1886 I think. I haven't seen either firearm since Xmas. I keep thinking about them off and on. Anything special to look for as far as collectability, rare variants, desireable markings? Also how hard is it to get the ammo made up for one of these? I reload so if it's a brass and bullet thing I can deal with that. TIA

[zouavexx]

Deal a meal, WWI French Reenactors use the Lebel, so I am almost certain that brass is available for it...

[Edmond]

form 348 win cases, it works perfectly, HTH

[Richard Simmons]

Originally posted by Edmond
form 348 win cases, it works perfectly, HTH

Thanks Edmond. Well ther goes my last excuse for not getting into the older rifles.:D

[neilwest]

1. Ive got the MAS 36 and a 49/56

[Guinny_Ire]

Just put an order in for a 36 today