M1866 Chassepot

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M1866 Chassepot
Weapon: M1866 Chassepot
Design Family: Chassepot
Type: Infantry Rifle
Country of Origin: France
Caliber: 11mm Needlefire
Action: Bolt-Action

The M1866 Chassepot was a French bolt-action, breech-loading rifle that marked a significant advancement in military firearms technology. Chambered in 11mm and utilizing paper cartridges, the Chassepot was a revolutionary weapon for its time, replacing the outdated muzzle-loading rifles used by French forces. It was named after its designer, Antoine Alphonse Chassepot, and was first adopted by the French Army in 1866.

The Chassepot became famous during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, where its superior range and accuracy gave the French infantry a distinct advantage over the Prussian forces, who were equipped with the Dreyse needle gun. Despite these advantages, the French ultimately lost the war, but the Chassepot's performance on the battlefield was widely praised.

The M1866 Chassepot was later replaced by the Gras rifle, which used metallic cartridges. However, the Chassepot is remembered as one of the most innovative military rifles of the 19th century and played a crucial role in the development of modern breech-loading firearms.


Related Weapons: M1874 Gras M1916 Berthier M1886 Lebel Mle. 1892 Berthier

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