M1886 Lebel

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M1886 Lebel
Weapon: M1886 Lebel
Type: Infantry Rifle
Country of Origin: France
Year Adopted: 1886
Caliber: 8mm Lebel
Action: Bolt-Action
Overall Length (mm): 1300.0
Weight (kg): 4.20
Effective Range (m): 800

The M1886 Lebel was a French bolt-action rifle that introduced the revolutionary smokeless powder cartridge, which would change the course of military firearm development. Chambered in 8mm Lebel, it was the first military rifle to use such a cartridge, giving French soldiers a significant advantage in range, accuracy, and reduced visibility from smoke. The Lebel was designed in response to advancements in ammunition technology and was adopted by the French Army in 1886.

Widely used during World War I, the M1886 Lebel was considered advanced for its time, although it quickly became outdated as other nations adopted more modern rifles with better magazine systems. The Lebel used a tubular magazine, which was cumbersome and slow to reload compared to newer designs like the Mauser's box magazine. Nonetheless, it served French forces well throughout the war.

The M1886 Lebel was eventually replaced by the Berthier and later the MAS-36 rifles. However, its introduction of smokeless powder and its role in World War I ensure its place in firearm history as a groundbreaking weapon.


Related Weapons: M1874 Gras M1916 Berthier M1866 Chassepot Mle. 1892 Berthier Fusil Automatique Modele 1917

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