Original Item: Only One Available. The Lebel Model 1886 rifle (French: Fusil Modèle 1886 dit "Fusil Lebel") is also known as the "Fusil Mle 1886 M93", after a bolt modification was added in 1893. It is an 8 mm bolt action infantry rifle that entered service in the French Army in 1887. It is a repeating rifle that can hold eight rounds in its forestock tube magazine, one round in the transporter plus one round in the chamber.

The Lebel rifle has the distinction of being the first military firearm to use smokeless powder ammunition. The new propellant powder, "Poudre B," was nitrocellulose-based and had been invented in 1884 by French chemist Paul Vieille. Lieutenant Colonel Nicolas Lebel contributed a flat nosed 8 mm full metal jacket bullet ("Balle M," or "Balle Lebel"). Twelve years later, in 1898, a solid brass pointed (spitzer) and boat-tail bullet called "Balle D" was retained for all 8mm Lebel ammunition. Each case was protected against accidental percussion inside the tube magazine by a primer cover and by a circular groove around the primer cup which caught the tip of the following pointed bullet.

Featuring an oversized bolt with front locking lugs and a massive receiver, the Lebel rifle was a durable design capable of long range performance. In spite of early obsolete features, such as its tube magazine and the shape of 8mm Lebel rimmed ammunition, the Lebel rifle remained the basic weapon of French line infantry during World War I (1914–1918). Altogether, 3.45 million Lebel rifles were produced by the three French state factories between 1887 and 1916. In 1893 the design received a minor update in the form of modified bolt head which directed hot gases from ruptured cartridge cases away from the shooter's face, improving safety on the first design to use smokeless powder.

The left side of the receiver on this fine example is marked with a clear MANUFACTURE D'ARMES / St.-Étienne marking, and to the right MLE 1886   M 93, indicating manufacture at the government arsenal at Saint-Étienne. The "M93" is a separate stamping, indicating the receiver was produced before the modification was introduced in 1893, so it is definitely a Pre-1899 Antique. It would have been marked when it was updated with the bolt modification. The rifle has arsenal proofs on virtually all parts, and also is marked MA S 1887 indicating that it was produced in 1887, and later updated with the bolt modification after 1893. The rifle has serial number F 74905 on the barrel, receiver floor plate (remarked), and stocks (faint) with research indicating that "F-Series" serial numbers were made 1887-1888. The bolt is not matching, as we often see. Parts were often swapped at arsenal when these were reissued for WWI, so this was quite common.

Condition of the rifle is very good, though it definitely has seen long service, indicated by the numerous dents, dings, scratches, and other wear on the stock. There is a dowel repair through the fore stock under the rear sight, which we have seen on many other examples. The metalwork is in very good condition, still showing the original bluing on the receiver and barrel in areas, though we can also see some past peppering and other removed oxidation. The top of the barrel in particular shows some areas of light past pitting, which were ground out. There are no signs of refinishing, as the receiver and barrel markings are still quite crisp. We also noted that it has not been painted black, as many examples were when sent into colonial service. We did note that the bayonet guide lug on the bottom of the barrel was removed at some point, but the locking lug is still present, and the included bayonet locks on securely.

The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is some light wear to the lands, and there is also a bit of past oxidation and fouling in the grooves, but overall it's definitely quite nice for a rifle that saw long service such as this one. The rifle cycles correctly and dry fires, and the magazine cutoff functions correctly, though we have no way to check to see if it still feeds. The rear sight is present and fully functional, as are both sling swivels.

The included Lebel M.1886 Steel Handle Cruciform Épée Bayonet is a rare example, still with the original 20 ½” long cruciform blade! These were almost always cut down to 16" or shorter after WWI, but this one is still the full length. It still has a lovely condition blade, showing much of the original finish, and locks onto the barrel securely.

Made famous by the GARY COOPER Movie of BEAU GESTE, all about the French Foreign Legion, this was the rifle of the time in the later 1880's. A very nice Mle 1886 M93 Lebel rifle with bayonet, fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications (rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1887 - updated later
Caliber: 8×50mmR Lebel
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 31.5 Inches
Overall Length: 51.2 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 8 round tube magazine

Specifications (bayonet):-
Blade length: 20 ½”
Blade style: Cruciform "Épée"
Overall length: 25”
Crossguard: 2“

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to most addresses within the United States.