French 1890 berthier cavalry carbine

[rayg]

Bought this off of one of the gun forums many years ago on a buy it now. I hadn't seen too many of these little carbines for sale at the time as apparently these little carbines are fairly scarce if still in their original as cavalry configuration having no bayonet attachment as the cavalry was issued sabers. It's serial is #F45186. Most of these carbines were altered in WWI to have bayonet lugs added as the cavalry was drastically reduced. It's all matching except for the original cleaning rod which has a different number. The only upgrade was the rear sight has been modified for the "new" 1898 cartridge. The barrel is dated 1891. The metal finish is a very dark untouched patina with no pitting and it still has about an excellent bore but the stock shows a lot of use having numerous small dents/dings and one small hair line crack on the stock wrist. The stock has a small crown stock cartouche but the roundle cartouche is no longer visible. It has no import stamps and is complete with a sling. This is my last remaining French rifle as due to my age, I've been reducing my collection but I'm kind of hanging on to this carbine because it is so cute. I have shot it a few times with my cast reloads but don't remember how it shot, but as it remains my last French rifle with no others left to shoot, I will put it to use. Possibly a GI bringback from from North Africa Ray

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.

[rayg]

You can see how heavy the patina is by the shinny area on the handle by the serial number were the handle rubs on the receiver when the bolt slides in and out and it rubs/wears off the patina were it comes in contact with the action body. Ray

[rayg]

Oops forgot to show the bbl date,
Attachment 898091891, Ray

[rayg]

Well I found the old target that I shot when I first got it. Only shot 10rds at 35 yds. Not full loads either but, very light 13 grs of Red Dot powder with cast bullets. A very light load. But all shot high and to the right with that light cast load.Brought the sight picture down to the left corner of the page after several shots then it held a fairly good group. Probably not enough power/pressure to flex the bbl down and to the left., Ray
Attachment 89846