The Model 1886 was a strange mating of ideas into what as to be a "modern" rifle system. The Model 1886 allowed its operator the ability to target enemies at greater ranges than its contemporaries while at the same time carry a lighter type of ammunition. The standard French soldier armed with his Lebel M1886/M93 brought along anywhere between 88 and 120 rounds of ammunition. While the weapon also introduced the revolutionary smokeless cartridge, the internal makeup of the Model 1886 design was something of a reverse approach considering that in some short years to follow, better rifle systems would outclass the Model 1886. The tube magazine was something of a throwback to earlier 19th Century rifle design - most commonly associated with "Wild West" Winchester lever-action rifles and the like - an arrangement that dangerously fitted each live cartridge in a nose-to-base arrangement and thereby potentially increasing the chances of an internal explosion within the magazine tube. Several steps were eventually initiated to the design of the Model 1886 that reduced the chance of such explosions including a double primer cup design for French-issued ammunition. The acceptance of "clip-loading" rifles such as the .303 Lee Enfield of 1895 would replace the spring-loaded tube magazine in due time.
The Model 1886 entered service with the French Army in 1886, immediately replacing the single-shot Fusile Gras M80 Modele 1874 rifle. Production was handled by a variety of factories that included Manufacture d'Armes de Chatellerault (beginning 1887), Manufacture d'Armes de St. Etienne (early 1900s) and Manufactured 'Armes de Tulle (throughout World War 1). At the time of its inception, the Model 1886 put the French Army ahead of the competition at least in the short term, particularly when in comparison to its immediate neighbors still using black gunpowder rifles and with whom France would most likely be placed into combat against. Once in circulation, practical experience revealed several drawbacks of the base Model 1886. This resulted in the entire receiver being revised and reinforced. The rear site was also redesigned for the better and a hook was added to the muzzle. The bolt-head had a hole bored into its design to allow for the escape of gasses resulting from a ruptured cartridge. The resulting changes produced the new "Model 1886/93".
As the length of the original Model 1886 and the improved Model 1886/M93 left something to be desired by mounted (cavalry) troops and battlefield support personnel, the "Model 1886R35" was devised as a shortened form of the base long rifle. As the original rifle measured in at over 4 feet long, the Model 1886R35 created a more manageable battlefield tool. The new variant featured both a shortened forestock and barrel assembly as well as a new rear sight to compensate for the rifles reduced length - now listed at 37.20 inches, down from its original 51 inches.
The Lebel Model 1886 saw official service with the French Army from 1887 to 1936 though many were in circulation that it survived long enough to see combat into the Second World War (including use by the French resistance). While the Lebel of World War 2 was often of a cut-down length, the full-length Lebel rifle was available as reserve weapons. The Lebel was also used in actions encompassing the Boxer Rebellion and during the French colonial battles at the turn of the century.
The Lebel was eventually supplemented in French Army service during World War 1 by the clip-loading Berthier Rifle introduced in 1902, this being issued primarily to colonial troops. While a general upgrade to the Lebel and also making use of the 8mm Lebel cartridge, the rifle in its early form offered only a three-shot capability. This was a drastic detriment to the French soldier when his German enemy would be fielding a 5-shot Gewehr 98 rifle. Likewise, his British counterparts would make use of their 10-shot Enfield rifles. A later revision finally introduced a five-shot cartridge version.
Similarly, the 7mm Meunier Rifle became the product of a secret French program begun in 1909. The program's goal was to develop a new-generation, semi-automatic infantry rifle of accuracy and reliability. The weapon was officially introduced in 1910 as a Lebel replacement intended to take the field as early as 1914 but the beginning of World War 1 cancelled the plan for its mass production - the fear being that introduction of an entirely new weapon system on the eve of war would be detrimental to the defense of France.
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