JensF. Posted October 4, 2005 Share Posted October 4, 2005 One of my newest acquisitions is this french Berthier model 1907-15. This beautiful and very long rifle, over 1,30 m, has the french standart caliber 8 mm Lebel (8 x 50R) and can be loaded with 3-cartridge loading frames (like the Mannlicher or the obsolete german Gewehr 88). However it is, in my opinion, not the best rifle. It hasn't got a safety and to remove the bolt you have to remove a screw in the bolthead with a screwdriver. No comparision to a german Gewehr 98 with its perfect bolt system which can be removed in 1 second.This is a deactivated decoration rifle matching the german laws. For example the cartridge chamber is closed (welded). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JensF. Posted October 4, 2005 Author Share Posted October 4, 2005 Closeup of the buttstock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JensF. Posted October 4, 2005 Author Share Posted October 4, 2005 Made for the standart Lebel spike bayonet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JensF. Posted October 4, 2005 Author Share Posted October 4, 2005 Closeup of the bolt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JensF. Posted October 4, 2005 Author Share Posted October 4, 2005 The markings on the right side. Dated 1917. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JensF. Posted October 4, 2005 Author Share Posted October 4, 2005 Markings on the left side. The rifle model and the maker; the french arsenal of Continsouza. I think this is a rare maker for a Berthier. All guns I saw before were made in the arsenal at St. Etienne. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JensF. Posted October 4, 2005 Author Share Posted October 4, 2005 More technical data:Caliber: 8 x 50R LebelLength: 1.306 m Barrel: 803 mm Weight: 3.81 kg Rifling: 4 groovesMagazine capacity: 3 rounds There is also a model 16 of this rifle. As far as I know the only difference is, that this model also accepts 5-Round loading frames. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hun Helmet Posted February 26, 2006 Share Posted February 26, 2006 Hello, I too bought a berthier and it's on the way. I just sent payment for it. Here is the auction link,http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=44003675 I think mine is a latter version with the magazine extentsion. I am in the USA and no laws require we de mill our old rifles at least not yet. Can you tell me more about why some european nations have laws requiring such awful things be done to such old works of art and history? I don't undersatand why the ammo can't be banned instread. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JensF. Posted February 27, 2006 Author Share Posted February 27, 2006 Hun Helmet: Thats because the rifle can be sold for decoration only to everyone with the min. age of 18 years. Otherwise you need a gun licence for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hun Helmet Posted February 27, 2006 Share Posted February 27, 2006 What else is a near 100 year old rifle for other then decoration? In the U.S. you need a lisense or permit for some classes of guns. There seems to be no reason to regulate antiques to the same degree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Boonzaier Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 Hi Jens...what did you pay for this and are there any more?If I am not mistaken, Lebel ammunition is as rare as chicken teeth? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JensF. Posted April 10, 2007 Author Share Posted April 10, 2007 I think I paid 160 Euros for it and no, there are not more of them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Boonzaier Posted April 10, 2007 Share Posted April 10, 2007 I was offered one for EUR230 and stupidly turned it down.... now I cannot find one anywhere.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Johnson Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 When I first started collecting c. 1974, Ed Denby had two Berthiers for sale - $65.00 each (Canadian) - and that included the bayonet and scabbard.Sigh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JensF. Posted April 11, 2007 Author Share Posted April 11, 2007 Have you got a Lebel?I was offered one for EUR230 and stupidly turned it down.... now I cannot find one anywhere.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Boonzaier Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Have you got a Lebel?Not yet.... I just seem to find those silly little carbines... :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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