A .22LR Berthier for the French National Police (CRS)

Published on June 15, 2022
Duration: 12:11

This guide details the disassembly and reassembly of the rare .22LR Berthier Trainer, a conversion used by the French National Police. It covers removing the bolt and trigger group, and inspecting components. The video highlights the unique modifications made to adapt the original Berthier action for .22LR training use.

Quick Summary

The .22LR Berthier Trainer was a unique conversion of French Berthier carbines by MAPF (Unique) for the National Police (CRS), used from 1954 to 2005. Approximately 800 were made, featuring an angled bore for rimfire ignition and a 5-round magazine from the Unique X11 pistol, serving as a training and prison guard rifle.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the .22LR Berthier
  2. 01:25Purpose and Context
  3. 01:51Magazine and Markings
  4. 03:17Sight Modifications
  5. 04:45The Angled Bore Innovation
  6. 06:38Bolt and Trigger Group Mechanics
  7. 10:56Production and Service History

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the .22LR Berthier Trainer used by the French National Police?

The .22LR Berthier Trainer was developed for training purposes and for use by prison guards. It provided a cost-effective small-caliber option by converting existing Berthier carbine surplus.

What unique modifications were made to the Berthier Carbine for the .22LR conversion?

Key modifications include an angled bore for rimfire ignition, a modified bolt head with a rimfire firing pin, recalibrated sights for .22LR ballistics, and a 5-round magazine adapted from the Unique X11 pistol.

Who manufactured the .22LR Berthier Trainer for the French National Police?

The conversion was manufactured by MAPF (Manufacture d'Armes des Pyrénées Françaises), also known for their "Unique" brand of firearms. The rifles bear markings indicating manufacture in Hendaye, France.

How long was the .22LR Berthier Trainer in service with the French National Police?

These specialized training rifles served the French National Police (CRS) for an extended period of 50 years, from their introduction in 1954 until their official retirement in 2005.

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