Foreign Weapons Evaluation.

[pony express]

As requested by Col Drydock, my report of performance of certain foreign weapons:

On Sunday, Sept 18, I tested examples of the new French, Argentine, and Russian rifles at in simulated combat situations at the town of Windy Ridge, Pulaski County, Missouri. For comparison, fired two stages with the US cal 30 Krag.

All ammunition for the test was loaded with 11gr Trailboss powder, with the appropriate cast lead bullet.

First fired was the Krag, which was smooth and accurate as usual.

Next up was the 1891 Argentine Mauser, also plenty accurate at the range tested. I expected it to be less smooth to operate, but the long straight bolt handle gave a good grip to operate it quickly. I did not have any stripper clips, so reloading single rounds was slower than the Krag.

Next was the Lebel. The ammunition problems from the last outing have been successfully addressed, so no more occurances of the cartridge lifter "catapaulting" live rounds out of the action. It also was accurate enough for the task at hand. A bit slow to reload, almost easier to use as a single shot after the magazine is empty.

Last tested was the Russian "three line" rifle. This one was a bit stiffer to operate than the others, but overall it seems very strong and reliable. Accuracy was as good as the others, reloading was a bit slow due to the fact that the stripper clips were still at my reloading room, instead of being at the range with me.

Overall all the rifles performed well, They were capable of a clean match, if only I and my Colt's .38 DA could hold up our part!

[Drydock]

Excellent!  I look forward to further reports on these and their ammunition systems. 

[Fingers McGee]

Enjoyed watching you test the foriegn weapons.  Look forward to future tests of the Kropatchek and Berthier rifles.

[pony express]

Unfortunately, don't have a Kropatchek(yet) and the Berthier that I have is the M-16 model, 5 shot long rifle, would work for "Expansion Era", but out of the usual time period. A 3 shot 1890 Berthier carbine is on my wish list, too. That's the only one that is actually pre-1900, and many got rebuilt later, and got the 5 shot magazine extension.

[Drydock]

I think we'd let you use the M-16 Berthier, just use the 3 round clips.  Just to make Fingers happy . . .

[Delmonico]

He needs to get him one of these 1899 Renaults:

[Texas Lawdog]

Does it have the town and country horns?

[Drydock]

Perhaps one of these for the Expansion match?

http://www.hayesotoupalik.com/images/DSCF3062.jpg

[Pony Racer]

I have two berthier carbines.  One converted to M16 variant but one left as a pre wwi set up (both were redone at arsenal since they have the chambers marked "N"). The pre WWI variant not only does not have five round magazine there are changes in the hard guard as well.

I have 40 rounds loaded by GAD custom that are purpose built for a GAF test.  I just need to get some range time in my immediate future...

Both berthiers did quite well with semi jacketed hollowpoints and decimated several gords/pumpkins at my families small farm in Northern VA

PE I can send you results if it get to it first.

I can also take some pics to provide the actual differences in how the two carbines are set-up.


PR

[pony express]

I think we'd let you use the M-16 Berthier, just use the 3 round clips.  Just to make Fingers happy . . .

Sure, 3 round clips.......There's supposed to be some reproductions available, just in the last couple of months. But for 4 origional ones, enough to shoot a stage....would cost me more than the rifle cost!

As for the car and the tank....they'd be great toys too! great gun cart idea.....

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Perhaps one of these for the Expansion match?

http://www.hayesotoupalik.com/images/DSCF3062.jpg

How cute! A Renault "Baby Tank!"  They've sure grown up since then!