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

Published on June 15, 2022
Duration: 12:11

This review details a rare .22LR conversion of the Berthier carbine, specifically manufactured by MAPF (Unique) for the French National Police (CRS) in the 1950s. The conversion utilized surplus Berthier carbines, adapting them for training and prison guard duties with a unique angled bore design to accommodate a rimfire firing pin and a 5-round magazine from the Unique X11 pistol. Approximately 800 units were produced, serving the police for 50 years until 2005.

Quick Summary

The .22LR Berthier carbine conversion, made by MAPF (Unique) for the French National Police (CRS) in the 1950s, featured an innovative angled bore to accommodate rimfire ammunition and used a 5-round magazine from the Unique X11 pistol. Approximately 800 were produced and served for 50 years.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rare .22LR Berthier for French Police
  2. 01:25Purpose: Police Training & Prison Guard Use
  3. 01:51Magazine & Markings: Unique X11 Adaptation
  4. 03:17Sight Modifications for .22LR
  5. 04:45The Clever Angled Bore Innovation
  6. 06:38Bolt and Trigger Group Mechanics
  7. 10:56Production & 50-Year Service History

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the .22LR Berthier carbine conversion for the French National Police?

The .22LR Berthier carbine conversion was developed for the French National Police (CRS) primarily for training purposes and for use by prison guards. It provided a less powerful, more economical option than the standard 8mm Lebel service rifle.

What unique mechanical feature did the .22LR Berthier conversion employ?

The most ingenious feature was the angled bore, drilled slightly downwards. This allowed the rimfire firing pin to strike the .22LR cartridge correctly while keeping the original bolt body largely intact, a clever solution for converting a centerfire rifle.

What magazine was used in the .22LR Berthier conversion?

The conversion utilized a 5-round detachable magazine from the Unique X11 pistol. This required modifying the receiver to accept the magazine well, creating a distinctive protruding feature.

How long did the .22LR Berthier carbines serve with the French Police?

Manufactured around 1954, these .22LR Berthier trainers served with the French National Police for an impressive 50 years. They were officially retired from service in 2005.

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