Repurposing Obsolete Rifles: The Lebel R35 Carbine

Published on December 19, 2017
Duration: 12:40

The Lebel R35 carbine was a French military conversion of obsolete Lebel 1886 rifles in the 1930s. It featured a shortened 17.7-inch barrel, a 3-round tube magazine, and updated Berthier-style sights. Approximately 45,000 were delivered before the 1940 armistice, intended for second-line troops like artillery and engineers. Standard bayonets were also shortened to match the carbine's profile.

Quick Summary

The Lebel R35 carbine was a French military conversion of the Lebel 1886 rifle, featuring a shortened 17.7-inch barrel, a 3-round magazine, and updated sights. Produced by Tulle Arsenal, around 45,000 were made for second-line troops before the 1940 armistice.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Lebel R35 & Historical Context
  2. 01:131930s Need for Carbines
  3. 02:25Tulle Arsenal Production
  4. 03:09Technical Modifications: Barrel, Mag, Sights
  5. 04:09Adoption & Production Numbers
  6. 05:05Receiver & Barrel Markings
  7. 08:21Front-End & Furniture Details
  8. 10:30Shortened Lebel Bayonets
  9. 11:32Shooting Advice & Ammunition

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the French Lebel R35 carbine?

The Lebel R35 carbine was created in the mid-1930s by converting obsolete Lebel 1886 rifles. Its purpose was to equip second-line troops, such as artillery and engineer units, with a more compact firearm than the standard rifle.

What were the main technical modifications made to the Lebel R35 carbine?

The Lebel R35 featured a shortened barrel (17.7 inches), a reduced 3-round tube magazine, and updated sights similar to the Berthier carbine for improved low-light visibility. Receivers were re-marked as 'R 35'.

Who manufactured the Lebel R35 carbines?

The conversions were primarily handled by the Tulle Arsenal in France. Barrels for the R35 carbines were sourced from four different manufacturers: MAC, MAP, MF, and SACM.

How many Lebel R35 carbines were produced?

France ordered 100,000 Lebel R35 carbines, but only approximately 45,000 were delivered before the armistice with Germany in 1940. Deliveries began in 1937.

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