1886 lebel advice???

[Aragorn243]

I don't know if the Marlin spring would work or not. Hard to see why it wouldn't, it's held in place on both ends.

Ammo is not exactly easy. It is out there but you have to look pretty hard for it. Privy Partisan makes it but no one ever seems to have it. Surplus is also out there but hard to find. I suggest going to larger gun shows. That's the only place I've been able to find it. Most commercial ammo is good for any Lebel, the surplus only for N marked rifles.

If you can find the Privy, expect to pay $22-$25 a box for it. If you find surplus, should be under or close to $1 a round. Beware of Syrian ammo, only buy French manufacture.

[CaptSimon]

Aragorn243, thanks for all the info so far. BTW, why is the Lebel trigger straight?? It has no curve whatsoever for finger positioning.

[Aragorn243]

No idea other than to keep it simple for production and or cost.

If you look at all early French rifle designs, they are all very similar. Chassepot, Gras, Lebel and Berthier look nearly the same. Some parts are interchangeable. Most are simply slight modifications from the earlier.

[RangeRover]

Congrats again on the purchase. I feel your pain on the ammunition side. Some did show up in the U.S. in the last few months, based on posts online (scooped up right away) but nothing here, north of the 49th for years now, despite pleas from French military rifle owners. Brass is available more readily, however, if you have an interest in reloading.

[ChuckS]

Lots of ammo on Gunbroker.