Videos tagged with 11mm Gras

This review details a modified French Mle 1878 Marine Kropatschek rifle, originally a black powder bolt-action with a tube magazine, manufactured by Steyr in 1879. The specific example was converted to single-shot in Ethiopia, featuring a disabled magazine system and a non-standard rear sight. Such modifications were likely due to damage and parts scarcity, with few of these Marine models identified.

This entry details the three main types of Chassepot-Gras cavalry carbines, focusing on their historical context and technical variations. It highlights the evolution from the Chassepot 1866 to the Gras 1874 conversion, emphasizing differences in markings and production eras under French imperial and republican rule. The carbines' design philosophy for cavalry use and specific features like brass furniture and bent bolt handles are also covered.

This video explores an experimental Gras-Vetterli repeating rifle from the late 19th century, highlighting its unique Vetterli-style side loading gate and internal cartridge elevator. Despite its innovative design, it was ultimately rejected by the French military in favor of the Kropatschek system, illustrating the competitive landscape of repeating rifle development during that era.

This review details the French 1878 Marine Kropatschek rifle, a significant precursor to later French military arms. It highlights the Kropatschek tube magazine and pivoting lifter system, noting its reliability over Winchester designs. The video also covers the rifle's adoption by the French Navy before the Army and its production by Steyr-Werndl in Austria.

The Mle 1874 Gras rifle marked France's entry into the brass cartridge era, serving as a modernization of the Chassepot rifle after the Franco-Prussian War. While it required a new bolt and barrel, it allowed for the reuse of existing Chassepot receivers and stocks. The Gras saw extensive colonial service and was eventually replaced by the smokeless powder Lebel rifle.

This video delves into the evolution of French rifle ammunition, specifically the 8mm Lebel and 7.5mm French cartridges. It details the 8mm Lebel's development from the 11mm Gras, its various bullet types (round-nose, Balle D, Balle N), and safety features for tube magazines. The transition to the modern 7.5x54mm French cartridge post-WWI is also covered, highlighting design changes for safety and performance.

The French Model 1874 Gras rifle, though technically obsolete by WWI, saw extensive use due to its robust metallic cartridge system and conversion capabilities. This documentary details its transition from the Chassepot, its production by French arsenals, and its M.14 conversion to fire 8mm Lebel smokeless cartridges for rear-echelon troops. Despite its dated design, the Gras proved a reliable, albeit heavy and long, reserve weapon.