Ethiopian Oddities - Single Shot French Mle 1878 Marine

Published on September 9, 2021
Duration: 5:24

This guide details the modification process for a French Mle 1878 Marine Kropatschek rifle, converting it from its original tube-fed configuration to a single-shot variant. The process involves disabling the magazine system, fitting a Gras-style stock, and replacing the rear sight. Expert Ian McCollum highlights this as a common adaptation for rifles imported from Ethiopia due to parts scarcity.

Quick Summary

The French Mle 1878 Marine Kropatschek, a rare bolt-action rifle made by Steyr for the French Navy, was often modified in Ethiopia into a single-shot configuration. These adaptations addressed damaged magazine systems and parts scarcity by disabling the tube magazine and fitting Gras-style stocks, sometimes with non-standard sights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Ethiopian Oddities
  2. 00:24Rifle Overview and History
  3. 01:17Markings and Serial Numbers
  4. 02:00Mechanical Modifications
  5. 02:42Sights and External Fittings
  6. 04:14Conclusion and Rarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the French Mle 1878 Marine Kropatschek rifle?

The French Mle 1878 Marine Kropatschek is a rare, transitional black powder bolt-action rifle originally manufactured by Steyr in Austria for the French Navy. It was chambered in 11mm Gras and featured a tube magazine.

How was the French Mle 1878 Marine Kropatschek modified in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia, these rifles were often converted to a single-shot configuration. This involved disabling the original tube magazine and cartridge lifter, and fitting them into Gras-style stocks that lacked space for the magazine.

Why were these rifles modified into single-shot variants?

The modifications were likely a practical solution to damaged magazine systems and a scarcity of spare parts. This ensured the rifles remained functional, albeit with reduced capacity.

What are some notable features of the modified Mle 1878 Marine?

The modified rifle features a disabled cartridge lifter, a Gras-style stock, and often a non-standard rear sight, such as one taken from a Steyr-Mannlicher M1895. A cleaning rod replaces the magazine tube space.

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