French RSC MLE1917 - Single Shot Conversion?

[cipherk98]

FRENCH MLE 1917 SEMI AUTO RIFLE 8MM LEBEL : Curios Relics at GunBroker.com

I'm curious as to what people make of this gun. I did hear the French converted some 1917s to straight pull bolt actions after the war by mucking with the gas screw for training and garrison use but nothing about single shot use or chopped like this. Is it possible someone did this after the fact to an aforementioned converted gun to save weight on a hunting rifle?

Just guessing but probably not restorable either? I wouldn't know where to find a magazine or gas system parts, nor know what was done to the feeding system. Wonder if you could at least still put a Lebel stock on to hide the missing gas parts? A real shame either way, I'm fascinated by these guns and it's tough to see one neutered like this, I'd almost rather a completely deactivated, but intact example.

Edit: I'm now aware this gun has been relisted quite a few times... the most bidding reached was $750, no sale. Still curious about it's back ground.

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