Fusil Gras Modele 1874 M80
Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Etienne · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1880
Also known as: Mle 1874 M80, Fusil modele 1874 M80, Gras M80, Fusil Gras M80
Overview
The Fusil Gras Modele 1874 M80 is the improved 1880 pattern of the French single-shot bolt-action Gras rifle, chambered in the 11x59mmR Gras black-powder centerfire cartridge. The M80 modification introduced a receiver relieved behind the bolt head to vent propellant gas in the event of a ruptured case, together with strengthened components and refined sights, correcting a key safety weakness of the original Mle 1874. It remained the standard French infantry rifle until replaced by the smokeless Lebel Mle 1886, after which large numbers passed into colonial, reserve and foreign service.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1310 mm (51.57") |
| Barrel Length | 820 mm (32.28") |
| 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, Gas Relief Cut Receiver
- Features: Single Shot, Centerfire Metallic Cartridge, Ladder Rear Sight, Bayonet Lug, Cleaning Rod, Relieved Receiver Gas Escape
Variants
- Carabine de Cavalerie Mle 1874 M80 - Cavalry Carbine
- Mousqueton d'Artillerie Mle 1874 M80 - Artillery Musketoon
- Carabine de Gendarmerie Mle 1874 M80 - Gendarmerie Carbine
Base model
Service history
Operators
- French Army · adopted 1880 · as Fusil Mle 1874 M80
- Hellenic Army · adopted 1877
Conflicts
- French colonial campaigns (1880-1900s)
- 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
Most Gras rifles produced or converted to the M80 pattern; combined new-build and Chassepot conversions reached around 2.5 million. Built at the French state arsenals of Saint-Etienne, Chatellerault and Tulle.
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Basile Gras
Discontinued: 1886
Notes
Existing Mle 1874 rifles and Chassepot-to-Gras conversions were widely brought up to the M80 standard; the M80's defining feature is the gas-relief cut in the receiver just behind the bolt head. Surviving rifles were sold off internationally and saw service into the Second World War, notably with Greek forces.
Background
The M80 modification exists because early Gras rifles could injure the shooter when a black-powder case ruptured; French engineers cut a relief into the receiver behind the bolt head so escaping gas would vent away from the firer's face, a fix stamped onto hundreds of thousands of existing rifles.