Berthier Model 1916

[Guest sqlightning]

I have a Model 1916 Berthier that I got from my grandfather a while back. it is chambered in 8x50r Lebel. I was wanting to go shoot it soon but was wondering what i need to do to make sure it is safe. The bore looks good and I have gotten most of the cosmoline out of it. does anyone know an easy way to check headspace on it without a set of guages? i had heard somewhere to put a piece of aluminum foil on a round and see if the bolt will close. i have ammo for it, but just haven't been sure about shooting it.

[1gewehr]

Wow, the world of 8mm Lebel cartridges is bizarre. Look over the chamber for a stamped "N". That will let you know whether the rifle has been modified for the 'Balle N' (232gr lead core) adopted in 1930 or is still chambered for the WWI standard 'Balle D' (198gr brass bullet). The Balle N has a larger neck diameter and will safely shoot any of the earlier ammo. commercial Remington or Prvi ammo is safe to shoot in either chamber. You only need to be careful when shooting surplus.

Clips for these rifles come in two sizes; 3rd and 5rd. The 5rd clips are pretty expensive at about $7 each, but a 3rd clip will run you about $20! So if you have some clips, don't lose them! The rifle works fine as a single-shot, but needs the clips to function as a repeater.

[DMark]

Prvi Partizan still loads the ammo.

I shoot it out of both my Fusil Mle 1907/15-M16 and Mousqueton de Artillerie Modèle Modifié 1916 avec Sabre-Baïonnette Modèle 1892-1915 du troisième (3ème) type. WOW - - - I finally get to use some of that high school French class.

Aim is out of stock, but Midway has it.

Ammo 8mm Lebel (8x50mm Rimmed Lebel) 200 Grain Full Metal Jacket Box of 20

And Numrich still has the clips.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Detail.aspx?pid=259950&filter=berthier

Edited November 22, 2011 by DMark