French MLE 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle 8mm Lebel Bolt Action C&R
Sold For: $1,250.00
LSB#: 220316CA216
Make: Manufacture d’armes de Châtellerault (MAC). France
Model: 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle. A Model 1886 with the 1893 bolt modification.
Serial Number: 18581
Year of Manufacture: 1887 to 1920. 1936 barrel date.
Caliber: 8mm Lebel
Action Type: Bolt Action, 8 Round Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURE D’ARMES / Chatellerault” and “MLE 1886 M93”; these marks are faded. The left side of the barrel shank, top of the bolt handle, bottom metal, belly of the stock, and left side of the butt are each marked with the serial number. The barrel shank is also marked “MF 1936”, “N”, and “PG”. The belly of the stock has “NH” carved into it. The rifle is stamped with other small marks including “script letters”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 31 1/2 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade atop a raised base. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to a sight escalator when down. When flipped up it becomes a sight ladder that uses a sliding “U” notched blade.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a straight grip, finger grooves, nosecap with stacking rod, barrel band, two sling loops, through bolt and a metal butt plate. The buttplate & stock hardware show surface erosion. The wood shows numerous scrapes & scratches. Several have damaged small areas of the surface wood. The left side of the grip shows several deep compression marks. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle is light gray, the grooves are gray and the rifling is deep. There is frosting near the muzzle. There is erosion in the bore; more prominent in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish as refinished. Scratches and surface erosion show through the new finish. Surface erosion is also bleeding through the finish causing discoloration from oxidation. The bolt and interior of the receiver show oxidation. The screw heads show moderate use and oxidation. The markings are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
The magazine tube spring has little tension remaining. The magazine tray and magazine cutoff function. This rifle was made without a safety.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This French MLE 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle was made by Manufacture d’armes de Châtellerault (MAC) sometime between 1887 and 1920. It was eventually arsenal rebuilt and a 1936 dated barrel was added. This rifle has been refinished and still has a good bore. It will add to your collection and can do work at the range. Good luck.
