Old Rifle Identification

[jbos6]

A buddy of mine had this in a cabinet at his house last night, and I was curious about what it was. He seemed rather unsure (he'd gotten it from his father a number of years ago), but I said I just might know of some folks that could tell me about it. Have at it!

 

[Dirtypacman]

Sure looks like an Enfield to me but I have been known to be wrong every couple years or so ... or today. I can't really say because I don't remember the magazine looking like that but that is my guess.

 

[atmay]

Some more pictures might be helpful.

ETA: Doesn't look like an Enfield. Wrong magazine shape and no metal band around the wrist of the stock.

 

[Dirtypacman]

Some more pictures might be helpful.

And markings please - any markings or manufacturer information stamped on it... even if you can only make out a little bit of it will help.

 

[jbos6]

I'll ask my buddy to take more!

 

[whatluck]

Not an enfield, the bolt handle on the enfields is above the trigger, and the mag touches the trigger guard. Other than that it looks like an Enfield action to me.

 

[Dirtypacman]

Not an enfield, the bolt handle on the enfields is above the trigger, and the mag touches the trigger guard. Other than that it looks like an Enfield action to me.

Yup did not realize that till I looked at a few google pics again. Good call.

 

[jhrosier]

It is French
I don't recall the model off the top of my head.

Jack

 

[jbos6]

Annnnd we have a winner! Thanks very much, jhrosier ... I knew someone would come through!

 

[atmay]

It is French
I don't recall the model off the top of my head.

Jack

Fusil de Tirailleur Indochinois Modèle 1902 Modifié 1916

aka Berthier

 

[Ron Swanson]

It looks like a Gew. 88 and an Enfield had sex and that popped out

 

[WanMan99]

Never fired and only dropped once...(just had to say it).

 

[jbos6]

So, I took a bunch more pictures tonight. It's a Berthier 1892/16 (as its been updated with the 5-round magazine), however it was never restamped with the /16, interestingly).

My buddy is selling and I'm *very* interested in buying, just not sure what fair value would be! Also, it was originally manufactured in 1892, making it an antique with no FA10 transfer requirements. However, does the 1916 update make it NOT an antique?

All matching serial numbers, from what I see. I did not get the chance to take off the front strap to check the actual manufacture date.

(edit: removed pics, readding below)

 

[USMA-82]

For values, check the auction sites and here:

http://www.fo.com/cr-buds/prices.asp

This carbine in very good condition runs $200 - $300.

Lots of fun to shoot, but plan on reloading the 8mm Lebel round, or plan on going broke!

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[jbos6]

(Reposting so all photos are attached)

So, I took a bunch more pictures tonight. It's a Berthier 1892/16 (as its been updated with the 5-round magazine), however it was never restamped with the /16, interestingly).

This was originally manufactured in 1892, making it an antique with no FA10 transfer requirements. However, does the 1916 update make it NOT an antique? All matching serial numbers, from what I see. I did not get the chance to take off the front strap to check the actual manufacture date.

Thanks, USMA-82, for the link!! I've passed the info along to my buddy, now let's see if I can get it for a reasonable price!

 

[SkuaSeptember]

Once you bill for the research time and effort a fair price might be dinner and a few rounds as your treat.

 

[jbos6]

Once you bill for the research time and effort a fair price might be dinner and a few rounds as your treat.

LOL!! I like how you think! Given the condition of the rifle, it would probably have to be one hell of a dinner ... my buddy is a bandmate of mine, so our hourly rate is pretty low. :-D

 

[jbos6]

Now, I wouldn't dare *refinish* that stock, but what would y'all recommend for *cleaning* the stock? While I like the character of dead-original as it is now, I'd love to bring out the wood a little bit by cleaning some of the crud off.

 

[USMA-82]

Now, I wouldn't dare *refinish* that stock, but what would y'all recommend for *cleaning* the stock? While I like the character of dead-original as it is now, I'd love to bring out the wood a little bit by cleaning some of the crud off.

Here's what I do with most of my milsurp rifles:

1. Completely disassemble and remove all metal parts from the stock.

2. Mix a solution of 1/2 cup Murphy's oil soap and 1/2 cup Hydrogen Peroxide, with about a cap full of turpentine.

3. Lightly scrub down the stock with this solution using a pot-scrubber sponge. Wipe off with a rag, scrub again, then wipe off again. Scrub hard enough to remove the crud, but not hard enough to scratch the wood or "round" corners.

4. Let the stock dry completely - at least 24 to 48 hours.

5. Protect with multiple coats of Boiled Linseed oil, letting it dry completely between coats, and rubbing with 0000 steel wool and wiping off before each coat.

6. Go out and shoot that bad girl!

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