St Etienne Berthier M16 Carbine in 8x50r

The M16 Berthier Carbine produced during the First World War and through into the early 1920’s By France as an improvement on the 1890 and 1892 Berthier Carbines. The two earlier models only had a 3 round Enbloc clip magazine which was upgraded to 5 rounds in the M16 with a magazine extension and a new 5 round clip. The M16 can however also take the earlier 3 round clips, the rifle aslo had a change in foresight to a chunkier battle sight more suited to the trench combat of the western front. These rifles stayed in service through the second world war and into the 1950’s with the French Gendarme and for guards at colonial prisons.

This example is in fantastic condition and is one of the later rifles made with the Action being produced by St Etienne and the Barrel by the Tulle arsenal which dates the rifle to 1921. The rifling is clear and sharp with no pitting and shoots well.

£750