Name the rifle

LT Col Long · 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???

Niederlander · 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.

Major 2 · July 17, 2019, 03:39:19 PM

I agree a M 16 Berthier

pony express · 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.

Drydock · 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.

LT Col Long · 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

DeaconKC · July 17, 2019, 08:25:17 PM

Here's a very good review of the rifle

Major 2 · 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