French MLE 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle 8mm Lebel Bolt Action C&R

SOLD FOR: $1225

LSB#: 201702RD25

Make: Manufacture d’armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS). France

Model: 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle. A Model 1886 with the 1893 bolt modification.

Serial Number: 98401

Year of Manufacture: 1916 barrel date. These rifles were produced between 1887 to 1920.

Caliber: 8mm Lebel

Action Type: Bolt Action, 8 Round Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURE D’ARMES / St. Etienne” and “MLE 1886 M93”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with 2 “script letters and the serial number. The left side of the buttstock, bottom metal, belly of the stock, and bolt handle are marked with script “letters” and numbers that do not correlate to  the serial number. The top of the receiver and the top of the barrel shank are each marked “N” next to each other. The right side of the barrel shank is marked “EDB 1916”. The barrel shank is also marked “circled S” and “G”. There are a few other small marks on the rifle.

Barrel Length: Approximately 31 1/2 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a thick post atop a raised base. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade attached to a sight escalator when down. The left side of the rear sight base is marked from “4-8” for use with the escalator. When flipped up it becomes a sight ladder marked from “9-24”.

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 & nosecap show surface erosion. The stock hardware shows scrapes and discoloration. The bottom of the stock shows a repair next to the barrel band. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Several have damaged small areas of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over.  The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stock rates in about Good to Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Rebuild

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is deep. There is erosion throughout the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle has lost its metal finish to oxidation. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches and discoloration from oxidation. The front of the barrel shows surface erosion.The screw heads show use and discoloration from oxidation. The markings are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.

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 and follower are missing. 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 Saint-Étienne (MAS) sometime between 1887 and 1920. It was eventually arsenal rebuilt and a 1916 dated barrel was added. This rifle has seen better days but should clean up a bit.