Original French Fusil Gras Modèle 1874 M80 .22 Converted Training Rifle by St. Etiénne – Serial FH 94327 – Dated 1883 Original Items

Original item: Only One Available. The Fusil Gras Modèle 1874 M80 was one of the primary French service rifle of the late 19th century. The Gras used by the French Army was an adaptation to metallic cartridge of the Chassepot Mle 1866 breech-loading rifle, developed by Colonel Basile Gras. The first examples were in fact conversions of the Chassepot, replacing the needle-fire system with a bolt action one.

This is very interesting example of the Fusil Gras Modèle 1874 M80, which was converted at arsenal to a .22 trainer for target practice, most likely during the WWI era or later. The bolt was modified, and the barrel was sleeved down to .22. The barrel was also shortened slightly, and the stock “sporterized” to reduce weight. The rear sight was replaced with a modern style sight adjustable for windage, and the front sight was replaced as well. It is fitted with a very nice leather target sling, which looks to be from the mid 20th century.

The receiver on the rifle is clearly marked MANUFACTURE D’ARMES / St. Étienne over M80, and to the right is the model designation Mle 1874. The rifle has a clear issue date marking of S. 1883 stamped into the right barrel nocks form, for manufacture at the Imperial Arsenal of St. Étienne in 1883. The left side of the barrel is marked with serial number FH 94327, which does not match the number on the bolt. During the arsenal conversion, parts on hand were most likely used.

Condition is very good, with a lovely finish on the metalwork and wood, as it was most likely completely refinished when converted to a trainer. The action functions well, with a crisp dry fire. The bore still shows clear rifling, and does not look to have been used much at all since it was converted.

An excellent condition very interesting Antique French Gras Rifle, converted to a .22 Training target rifle. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1883 – Converted Later
Caliber: .22
Cartridge Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 27 3/4 Inches
Overall Length: 47 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: Single Shot

This rifle had a caliber of 11mm and used black powder centerfire cartridges that weighed 25 grams. It was a robust and hard-hitting weapon, but it had no magazine and so could only fire one shot after loading. It also had a triangular-shaped sword bayonet, known as the Model 1874 “Gras” sword bayonet. It was replaced by the Lebel rifle in 1886, the first rifle to use smokeless gunpowder. In the meantime, about 400,000 Gras rifles had been manufactured.

The metallic-cartridge Gras was manufactured in response to the development of the metallic cartridge designed by Colonel Boxer in 1866 (Boxer cartridge), and the British 1870 Martini-Henry rifle. Those were soon emulated by the Germans with the 1871 Mauser.

The Hellenic Army adopted the Gras in 1877, and it was used in all conflicts up until the Second World War. It became the favourite weapon of Greek guerrilla fighters, from the various revolts against the Ottoman Empire to the resistance against the Axis, acquiring legendary status. The name entered the Greek language, and grades (γκράδες) was a term colloquially applied to all rifles during the first half of the 20th century. It was manufactured by various arms factories in France, though most of the rifles sent to Greece were made by the ŒWG Austrian Arms Factory at Steyr.

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.