Berthier Mle 1907-15 M34 MAS 7.5 Conversion

[Seamie]

This is a Berthier 1907-15 converted by the french to 7.5x54 following the adoption of that cartridge in 1929. Changes include, new bolt face, mauser type magazine, tangent sight and cut down stock. All numbers match. Approximately 50,000 units were produced before WW2.
More information is available at the very informative website:
armement reglementaire francais les fusils

Whilst shooting 1960s French produced 7,5 I experienced double feeds, 'hard' extractions and difficulty closing the bolt on catridges.
105 yd group of 4 rounds. The duffle cut repair broke during 5 round but has since been re-repaired.

A short video of the gun in action. Other videos are on my youtube channel.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[RCS]

That is a rare conversion to both find and still be able to shoot, some that did make it to the USA were also sporterized and worth the effort to restore. The Lebel rifles that were converted (M27) and also very difficult to find and there are very few know in the USA. It just cost the French too much to convert the Lebel to 7,5 cal while the Berthier could be converted with less work.

[Seamie]

That is a rare conversion to both find and still be able to shoot, some that did make it to the USA were also sporterized and worth the effort to restore. The Lebel rifles that were converted (M27) and also very difficult to find and there are very few know in the USA. It just cost the French too much to convert the Lebel to 7,5 cal while the Berthier could be converted with less work.

I just corresponded with a guy in the US with a M27. He wanted to trade it for a G43. Sadly, I sold my G43 months before. Eventually I will get my hands on a working RSC 1917/18.

[Eaglelord17]

That is one neat rifle. I was unaware the French had made any attempt to convert there existing rifles in 8mm Lebel to 7.5 Mas. Thanks for showing

[RCS]

I found this RSC clip from a man in Texas a few years ago, they are very, very rare as an original can sell for $100, repros about half that price. I have a good friend that owns one, the Model 1918 RSC used the Berthier five round clip

[jmoore]

the Model 1918 RSC used the Berthier five round clip

That I need to try in my currently pitiful condition rifle. (Can't remember which it "was".) Basically it needs a donor Lebel rifle to put right. One of these days...

BTW, some older threads that deal with the 7,5 conversion. (Thought there was some more, but that's all so far.) :

* Berthier Carbine and Rifle Information *

FRENCH LE 1907-15M 34MAS 7.5 x 54 BERTHIER CARBINE INFORMATION NEEDED

[samnev]

Berthier Mle 1907-15 M34 MAS 7.5 Conversion. I also own one of these conversions. It took me over 30 years to find one. It's all matching with an excellent bore and wood. I have no feeding problems using Graf's 7.5 French brass and USGI M80 150 grain projos. I've never shot it on paper.