Carabine de Gendarmerie a Pied Mle 1874
Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Etienne · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1874
Also known as: Carabine de Gendarmerie a Pied Modele 1874, Gras 1874 Foot Gendarmerie Carbine, Mle 1874 M80 Gendarmerie a Pied
Overview
The Carabine de Gendarmerie a Pied Mle 1874 is the foot-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 shares the dimensions of the cavalry carbine but is furnished for dismounted gendarmes, with a brass muzzle band and upper band (but no reinforcing capucine) and a bent bolt handle. Unlike the mounted gendarmerie and cavalry carbines, it was issued to take the Modele 1866 yatagan sabre-bayonet.
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 Muzzle Band, Brass Upper Band, Leaf Rear Sight, Sabre 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, mounted and foot 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 foot (a pied) gendarmerie carbine is distinguished from the mounted (a cheval) carbine chiefly by its furniture and by its sabre-bayonet fitting rather than a socket bayonet. Surviving examples were commonly 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.