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Special Interests - Groups & Societies => The Barracks => Topic started by: LT Col Long on July 17, 2019, 01:08:12 PM

Title: Name the rifle
Post by: LT Col Long on July 17, 2019, 01:08:12 PM
I run across an old rifle while setting up some work for a customer.  Barrel length is aprox 30-31 inches.  Bolt action and the bolt handle is straight.  There is a projection of a straight metal piece under and to the right of the barrel end.  There are 2 sling mounts one near the butt and one on the left side of the forearm.  The only markings are: Le Etienne  MLE  M16 top left side of receiver.  I would have posted a pic, but I always screw that up. Oh yes, and the mag protrudes at an angle from the bottom of the receiver.


Any guesses???
Title: Re: Name the rifle
Post by: Niederlander on July 17, 2019, 01:45:12 PM
Sounds like a Berthier.  I believe it would have been a five shot if the magazine protrudes like that.  Should be in 8mm Lebel.  Look on Liberty Tree Collectors.  They have pictures and lots of parts if you need them.
Title: Re: Name the rifle
Post by: Major 2 on July 17, 2019, 03:39:19 PM
I agree a M 16 Berthier


Title: Re: Name the rifle
Post by: pony express on July 17, 2019, 04:55:01 PM
Yup, Mle-16 Berthier, although M-2s picture is the earlier 3 shot rifle. Prvi Partisan makes ammo, and sometimes Graf's has it in stock, as well as brass. To be a repeater, it needs an en-block style clip, if it's a 5 shot it can use either 3 or 5 shot clips. A 3 shooter can use the five shot clips, but with only 3 rounds loaded in it. Is the wood intact? There's a lot of them with "Bubba-sporter" stocks, and the barrel bands can be hard to find.
Title: Re: Name the rifle
Post by: Drydock on July 17, 2019, 05:12:58 PM
As it has the stacking hook (he describes it as the straight metal piece to the right of the barrel end) It sounds to me like a full length intact stock.  "Surement" a Berthier M-16 infantry rifle.
Title: Re: Name the rifle
Post by: LT Col Long on July 17, 2019, 06:55:19 PM

Thanks, guys!!  And, yes it is all intact.  Looks pretty rough, but nothing a good cleaning  and some elbow grease could not fix.  No I did not buy it, all three safes are maxed. 

Don
Title: Re: Name the rifle
Post by: DeaconKC on July 17, 2019, 08:25:17 PM
Here's a very good review of the rifle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrKN31COHxY
Title: Re: Name the rifle
Post by: Major 2 on July 17, 2019, 09:23:00 PM
PE is correct , I posted the photo in general from a copy on the web  just to ID

I Realized then it was 3 shot magazine pre 07..

I have the earlier 1893  3 round Artillery Carbine ,  found the clips on eBay and 8mm Label & new brass at Graf's.

A friend cast the bullets & I use 80% Trailboss