Fusil Gras Mle 1874
Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Etienne · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1874
Also known as: Mle 1874, Gras rifle, Fusil modele 1874, Mle 1874 M80
Overview
The Fusil Gras Mle 1874 is a French single-shot bolt-action rifle designed by artillery officer Colonel Basile Gras. Developed in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War, it adapted the earlier Chassepot needle-rifle bolt to fire a self-contained 11mm centerfire metallic black-powder cartridge, replacing the Chassepot's combustible paper rounds. Robust and hard-hitting, it served as the standard French infantry rifle until superseded by the Lebel Mle 1886, and remained in colonial and reserve service for decades afterward.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1310 mm (51.57") |
| Barrel Length | 795 mm (31.30") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 454 m/s (1490 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2566 J (1893 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 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, Leaf Rear Sight, Bayonet Lug, Cleaning Rod
Variants
- Carabine de Cavalerie Mle 1874 — Cavalry Carbine
- Mousqueton d'Artillerie Mle 1874 — Artillery Musketoon
Service history
Operators
- French Army · adopted 1874 · as Fusil Mle 1874
- Hellenic Army · adopted 1877
Conflicts
- French colonial campaigns (1874-1900s)
- World War I (1914-1918)
- Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922)
- World War II (Battle of Crete) (1941)
Production
Estimated total produced: 2,500,000 · Production years: 1874-1884
Approximately 1,244,502 newly manufactured rifles plus large numbers of Chassepot conversions; total reached around 2.5 million by the early 1880s. Built at the French state arsenals of Saint-Etienne, Chatellerault and Tulle.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Basile Gras
Discontinued: 1886
Notes
Many existing Chassepot Mle 1866 rifles were converted to the Gras pattern and designated Mle 1866-74. Surviving rifles were later widely sold off and saw use into the Second World War, notably with Greek forces.
Background
The Gras became the favourite weapon of Greek guerrilla fighters, carried from the revolts against the Ottoman Empire through to the resistance against the Axis in 1941, where it acquired near-legendary status as a symbol of Greek independence.