8x57 as loaded in Israel for the IDF in 1957.
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8x57 as loaded in Israel for the IDF in 1957.
Cheers
Looks like a Lebel
I asked specifically about that during the Kosovo and Former Yugo crap...and was told clearly that ANYTHING could be brought back for "Training aids" as long as it was written up by the Battalion Commander at the time. Now I KNOW for a fact most of those people see themselves as a future Chief of Defense and therefore a future Prime Minister...so most wouldn't even consider it. They DID have the authority to bring back though...
Your last photo looks like 7,92x57mm with the Israeli headstamp. I have some Israeli 7,92 that was converted to 7,62 NATO back around the early 1960's as only factory SP cartridges were available at that time. That is how I noticed the headstamp, ball 7,62 was in demand.Attachment 112352Attachment 112353Attachment 112354Attachment 112355
The 8mm Lebel loaded clip is for the RSC Model 1917 French semi auto rifle, they manufactured some 86K during WW!
For a period in the 2000s Brits deemed it acceptable to bring back firearms from Afghan provided they were genuine antiques (..no repros) and were legal to possess in UK. I probably should not have used the term "liberated"! The gun in question was bought quite legally from a local! I was also involved in removing weaponry from the locals on less than friendly terms, however these were either destroyed or re-assigned (..mostly destroyed as they were usually in gash order!)
There was also arrangements for recovering firearms for official use as training aids.. although it was strange the number of gold plated AK's that were needed by training establishments!
Most of the guns that were being traded were of the Martini Henry or Snider variety. How a Lebel ended up in Afghan is anyone's guess. I suspect it came across the Gulf from Djibouti into Pakistan and up to Afghan.. if only they could talk eh!
They had to be checked by Ammo techs/EOD before the RAF would allow them back to ensure they were free from explosives. We also instigated a scheme to filter out modern and reproduction guns which would be illegal in UK. The Lebel was a funny one! The calibre did not appear on either the banned or permitted lists! They were not in production at the time, so were classed as "obsolete" although since then, Privi Partizan now loads them!
After I left the theatre, some idiot airman was caught trying to reload a Martini in UK and the shutters were slammed shut! - There's always one!
Israeli 7.92 x 57.