French Surplus Arms

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

I have about a dozen French Military Arms; M1873 11mm Gras, 1892 Carbine, M1886 Lebel carbine and rifle, M1907 rifle, 07/15 rifle and a M1916 Carbine. I have NEVER heard a lucid reason WHY French issue rifles and carbines had NO safties! Will someone please tell me why no safety was incorporated in the design of any of the rifles/carbines listed and even the MAS M36 had no safety while ALL the rest of the world incorporated safties in their WWI and WWII issue small arms? If you have a spare 5-round clip or two, I would pay well for same. Also, any French issue 8mm Lebel ammo or an 07/15 bayonet would be appreciated.

One more thing: The separate screw-secured bolt head on French rifles seems to me to be a weak point. Has anyone ever heard of a bolt head screw loosening in combat to the demise of the Poilou?

Adam