Videos tagged with Gras Bolt

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.

The French Model 1886 Lebel rifle was a revolutionary firearm, being the first military rifle to adopt smokeless powder, significantly increasing range and reducing battlefield smoke. Developed under extreme time constraints, it adapted the Kropatschek action and featured a strengthened bolt head with dual locking lugs to handle higher pressures. Despite its initial advantages, its tube magazine was soon surpassed by stripper clip systems, though it served through WWI.