Repurposing Obsolete Rifles: The Lebel R35 Carbine

Published on December 19, 2017
Duration: 12:40

This guide details the Lebel R35 carbine, a conversion of the obsolete Lebel rifle into a shorter carbine for French second-line troops in the 1930s. It covers the carbine's technical specifications, production details, modifications, and provides crucial advice on safe ammunition selection, drawing on expert insights from Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons.

Quick Summary

The Lebel R35 carbine is a converted French Lebel 1886 rifle, modified in the 1930s for second-line troops. It features a bolt action, 8mm Lebel caliber, a 3-round tube magazine, and a 17.7-inch barrel. Key modifications include a shortened barrel and updated sights. Modern Prvi Partizan (PPU) 8mm Lebel ammunition is recommended for safety and comfort.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Lebel R35
  2. 01:13Development Context in the 1930s
  3. 02:25Production at Tulle Arsenal
  4. 03:09Technical Modifications
  5. 04:09Adoption and Production Numbers
  6. 05:05Receiver and Barrel Markings
  7. 08:21Front-End and Furniture Details
  8. 10:30Shortened Bayonets
  9. 11:32Shooting and Ammunition Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lebel R35 carbine?

The Lebel R35 carbine is a converted French Lebel 1886 rifle, shortened and modified in the 1930s to equip second-line military personnel. It features a bolt action, 8mm Lebel caliber, and a 3-round tube magazine.

What were the key modifications made to create the Lebel R35 carbine?

Key modifications include shortening the barrel to 17.7 inches, reducing the tube magazine capacity to 3 rounds, updating the rear sight, and altering the nose cap and adding a new barrel band with a sling ring.

Which ammunition is recommended for the Lebel R35 carbine?

Due to significant recoil with older surplus ammunition like 'Balle N', modern Prvi Partizan (PPU) 8mm Lebel ammunition is recommended for improved safety and shooting comfort.

Who manufactured the barrels for the Lebel R35 carbine?

Barrels for the Lebel R35 carbine were sourced from multiple French manufacturers, including Manufacture d'Armes de Châtellerault (MAC), Manufacture d'Armes de Paris (MAP), Manufrance (MF), and Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques (SACM).

Related News

All News →

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →