The
"Gras"
Pictures
- F3315B
Gras: Fusil d'Infanterie Mle. 1874. Tulle, 1879. In 1880, most rifles
then
in service were modified by the addition of 
an
annular channel and longitudinal groove cut into the left side of the
bolt way to act as a gas escape in the event of a ruptured primer or
case head failure. These rifles then became the "Mle. 1874 Modifle
1880 ( Mle. 1874 M80)" and had the inscription "M80"
stamped on the left side of the receiver (see the photo at left -
Mle. 1874 top and Mle. 1874 M80 bottom). Very few weapons survived
in the original configuration - this is one of those rifles! Overall
condition is 98%+, bore excellent. Wood excellent walnut with flawless
cartouching and appears to be untouched since manufacture. All numbers
match including sight leaf and sight slide, stock, etc. Although we
are always reluctant to make such an assertion -
