Carabine de Gendarmerie a Cheval Mle 1874
Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Etienne · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1874
Also known as: Carabine de Gendarmerie a Cheval Modele 1874, Gras 1874 Gendarmerie Carbine, Mle 1874 M80 Gendarmerie
Overview
The Carabine de Gendarmerie a Cheval Mle 1874 is the mounted-gendarmerie carbine variant of the French Gras single-shot bolt-action system designed by Colonel Basile Gras. Chambered for the 11x59mmR Gras black-powder metallic cartridge, it shortens the standard Fusil Gras Mle 1874 into a handier long arm for troopers on horseback, fitted with brass furniture, a bent bolt handle and a cleaning rod. It is nearly identical to the cavalry carbine, differing chiefly in its ramrod and its quadrangular socket bayonet issued to mounted gendarmes.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3560 g (125.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1175 mm (46.26") |
| Barrel Length | 702 mm (27.64") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 11x59mmR Gras · primary — also known as 11mm Gras, Balle 1874 M, 11x59R
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Single Round Manual
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Single Shot, Centerfire Metallic Cartridge, Bent Bolt Handle, Brass Fittings, Leaf Rear Sight, Socket Bayonet Lug, Cleaning Rod
Base model
Service history
Operators
- French Gendarmerie · adopted 1874
- French Army · adopted 1874
Conflicts
- French colonial campaigns (1874-1900s)
Production
Production years: 1874-1884
Produced in modest numbers relative to the infantry rifle; carbine variants (cavalry, gendarmerie, artillery) shared the Gras action and were built at the French state arsenals of Saint-Etienne, Chatellerault and Tulle.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Basile Gras
Discontinued: 1886
Notes
The mounted (a cheval) gendarmerie carbine is distinguished from the foot (a pied) gendarmerie carbine and the cavalry carbine largely by furniture and ramrod details. Surviving examples were often updated to the 1880 (M80) standard, which added a gas-relief groove to the bolt head.
Background
France produced distinct Gras carbines for cavalry, mounted and foot gendarmes, and artillery, each subtly tailored in furniture and bayonet fitting so a soldier's branch of service could be read from his shoulder arm at a glance.