olderer military rifle

[ben g]

A friend was give an older military rifle, I told her I would see what I can find out about if any of you folks can help.

It is a fairly big bore, has a straight bolt, inscribed on stock, barrel and fireing pin is O14336,
Manufacturer is D'armes St. Etienne, and also on the receiver is M LE 1866.

Also inscribed is M.S. Septembre.J. 1873 with the latter encircled. Thanks

[1911crazy]

It sounds like a French Grasr Antique Military Rifle.    BigBill

Go to; http://www.militaryrifles.com/France/MoreGras.htm

[ben g]

Were these in 8mm lebel you think?

[1911crazy]

I was going to say 8mm lebel but i think there was an another 8mm caliber before that but i can't remember??   It maybe "11mm X 59gras"?                                                                   BigBill

There's a French Chassepot rifle 1866 in 11mm too?
go to; http://www.sarcoinc.com/a272.html

If you do a search for;  "french mle1866"  lots of info comes up its funny if i put in the whole "french st.estinne mle1866" nothing happens computers you have to love them?  With doing searches for guns just break up the words into each search and something should come up.

[ben g]

appreciate it

[judson3rd]

This is a first for me so I hope it works.  I think that you have a Chassepot needle fire rifle.  They used a paper cartridge and were quite successful in the war against Germany (1870).  The Germans used a Dryse rifle which also used a paper cartridge.  Many of the Chassepots were later converted to take conventional center fire ammunition, often 11x59 Gras.