An estimated 500,000 French men and women worked for the Resistance during Germany's occupation of France. Resistance workers carried out thousands of acts of sabotage against the German occupiers. The risks were great. More than 90,000 resisters were killed, tortured or deported by the Germans.
Reportedly, if it wasn't for the bravery of the French soldiers, Dunkirk may have turned out very very badly. Poor leadership shouldn't reflect on the reputation of the combatants on the field IMHO.
I suppose mine is too Singer When I started my interest in milsurps, my goal was obtain or build service rifle shooters from all the WW2 allies.
That is pretty much how I started. I wanted an Italian, a German, a Japanese, a Russian, an American, a French and an English gun.
Then I bumped into my first Mauser…, then the Smelly…
Turned out that I skipped several times the Mas or Berthier, the Arisaka 99 once…
Sooner or later, though!
When I do see them at shows the asking prices generally require a second mortgage
my dog got my MAS 36 for me as a gift last Christmas. She saved her treats for months. I have to check my records, but I think it was ~$650. I've seen a couple Lebels in shops now and again, but nothing recently. They were usually ~1000-2000, depending on how many parts were missing, how much pitting or how bad it had been cut up.
Ovideo's Post,
Reminded me of a Web Site I came across that lists most every War time country and their Weapons. I don't know how accurate it is but the link is below.
I was reading a random search result about the Johnson M. 1941 Light Machine Gun a few days back.
It read:
"Built by Johnson to partner the M1941 rifle, the M1941 light machine gun used the same recoil operation, it was fed by a side mounted curved magazine which could hold 20 rounds. Dutch KNIL Forces ordered the Johnson in 1941, but they got overran before the shipment could be made, the remaining stocks were used by US Special Forces, 127 saw action in Italy with the Devils Brigade."
But more interesting was a link I followed that lists most Armies you've heard of.
Once on the Web Site a drop box below the Countries opens to list that Countries':
AFV's, Artillery, Companies, Divisions, Infantry Weapons, Support Vehicles, Regiments, Brigades and Groups, Tanks.... as they pertain from the period 1920-1950.
The Site is called: 'Quartermaster Section'
I'm finding it informative with some great pictures and hope anyone interested also finds it interesting.
Here's the example of the US INFANTRY WEAPONS. There is a Filter on the left where you can choose ALL, WEAPONS or SUPPORT WEAPONS. I use the ALL Option, so everything is included. Remember you can use the drop box under any country listed.
Search results for US INFANTRY WEAPONS with Filter clicked on ALL:
I don't think the 308 converted MAS 36's have problems, it's the MAS 49/56 semi autos that tend to have problems.
Considering the uniqueness of most French firearms, I am of the opinion they deserve their own forum. Back when I was heavily into searching for them to purchase, it would have been helpful.
I am no longer actively searching, I have a Chassepot, Gras, Lebel Rifle, Lebel Carbine, Berthier Rifle, Berthier Carbine, MAS 36, MAS 49/56 and two handguns which wouldn't be in a rifle forum.
Only one I'm still interested in would be a Gras in 8mm Lebel but they aren't exactly easy to find. I suppose if a Gras Carbine walked into my life it might go home with me if the price was right. The RTI Ethiopian ones are too expensive for the condition they are in in my humble opinion.
I don't think the 308 converted MAS 36's have problems, it's the MAS 49/56 semi autos that tend to have problems.
Considering the uniqueness of most French firearms, I am of the opinion they deserve their own forum. Back when I was heavily into searching for them to purchase, it would have been helpful.
I am no longer actively searching, I have a Chassepot, Gras, Lebel Rifle, Lebel Carbine, Berthier Rifle, Berthier Carbine, MAS 36, MAS 49/56 and two handguns which wouldn't be in a rifle forum.
Only one I'm still interested in would be a Gras in 8mm Lebel but they aren't exactly easy to find. I suppose if a Gras Carbine walked into my life it might go home with me if the price was right. The RTI Ethiopian ones are too expensive for the condition they are in in my humble opinion.
I have one of those Gras, pretty cool rifle, possibly the most accurate rifle I own.
To the OP they are going up in popularity thanks partially to Ian McCollum's Chassepot to FAMAS (excellent book by the way), partially due to the internet allowing more information to be shared. I just sold a Berthier M1907/15, which I really liked the rifle just received a better offer than I could refuse. Heres a thread I did years ago on it shooting. https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=54444
Overall though very cool subject matter. Unique firearms development, reliable if unconventional by modern standards arms which have a ton of history and if in good condition (many are not) tend to be very accurate. I personally hope to get more in the future, at least a Berthier, Lebel, and Mas 36 for my action type collection. The prices are only going up though.
I think I posted this pic back when I cleaned it up...My puppy always gets me the best Christmas presents. Attachment 118955
as soon as there is a French Milsurps forum, I'll refit the forend and contribute a step-by-step and results.