1895 Daudeteau Indochina Trials Carbine

Published on July 10, 2017
Duration: 18:08

This guide provides an overview of the key markings and features of the 1895 Daudeteau Carbine, as presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It details how to identify arsenal stamps, the designer's signature, and specific components like the sights, action, and magazine, emphasizing its historical context within French military trials.

Quick Summary

The 1895 Daudeteau Carbine, designed by Louis Marie Daudeteau, was a French bolt-action rifle tested for military use. Chambered in 6.5mm Daudeteau, it offered superior ballistics to the 8mm Lebel but was rejected by the Army for lacking a magazine cutoff. The French Navy tested Model S carbines in Indochina, and the design later saw commercial success as the Manufrance 'Rival' sporting rifle.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 1895 Daudeteau Carbine
  2. 00:33Designer: Louis Marie Daudeteau
  3. 02:27Design Features & 6.5mm Cartridge
  4. 04:13Ballistics & Penetration Tests
  5. 05:44Military Rejection & Indochina Trials
  6. 09:26Markings & Arsenal Stamps
  7. 10:44Sights & Muzzle Features
  8. 11:50Action & Magazine Mechanics
  9. 14:51Cartridge Comparison: 6.5mm vs 8mm Lebel
  10. 16:27Commercial Success: Rival Rifle

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguished the 6.5mm Daudeteau cartridge from the 8mm Lebel?

The 6.5mm Daudeteau cartridge offered superior ballistics, including flatter trajectories and better penetration power, making it a more advanced round compared to the standard 8mm Lebel used in French service rifles at the time.

Why was the 1895 Daudeteau Carbine rejected by the French Army?

The French Army rejected the Daudeteau carbine primarily because it lacked a magazine cutoff, a feature considered essential for controlled loading and unloading during that era's military rifle designs.

Where was the 1895 Daudeteau Carbine tested, and what markings are significant?

The Model S Daudeteau carbines were tested by the French Navy in Indochina. Significant markings include the 'S' in a shield, the designer's signature 'L. Daudeteau', and arsenal stamps from St. Chamond and S.F.A.P. St. Denis.

What was the commercial success of the Daudeteau design?

Although it failed military adoption, Louis Marie Daudeteau's design found commercial success as the 'Rival' sporting rifle, sold by Manufrance in various calibers until the onset of World War I.

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