French MLE 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle 8mm Lebel Bolt Action MFD 1899 C&R
Sold For: $1580
LSB#: 201021MW22
Make: Manufacture d’Armes Tulle (MAT), France
Model: 1886 M93 Infantry Rifle. A Model 1886 with the 1893 bolt modification.
Serial Number: 79803
Year of Manufacture: 1899
Caliber: 8mm Lebel
Action Type: Bolt Action, 8 Round Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURE D’ARMES / Tulle” and “MLE 1886 M93”. The left side of the barrel shank, the left side of the buttstock and the bottom metal are marked with 2 script “letters” and with the serial number. The top of the bolt handle is marked with numbers that do not match 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 “MA T.1899”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked “JH”, “circled A” and “circled D”. The rear of the trigger guard is marked “L / L”. The bottom of the grip is marked “4B”. The left side of the stock is marked “E” next to the receiver.
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. 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 and stock hardware show scratches, surface erosion and discoloration. The left side of the grip is missing a portion of wood. 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 overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is deep. There is erosion present; heavier in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish, as refinished. Scratches and surface erosion show through the new finish. The barrel (at the wood line) has pitting showing through the new finish. The metal shows various scrapes & scratches, as well as areas of discoloration. The trigger guard shows pin prick surface erosion and discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads show use. The markings are well defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to 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 tray and magazine cutoff function. There is light tension in the magazine tube spring. This rifle was made without a safety.
Box, Paperwork& Accessories: None