Fusil mle 1886 M93 "Lebel
Fusil mle 1886 M93 "Lebel"
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| Lebel with APX mle 1921 Scope | |
| Specifications | |
| Type | Bolt-action rifle |
| Caliber | 8mm |
| Feed System | 8 tubular magazine |
| Muzzle Velocity | 610 to 700 m/s |
| Maximum Effective Range | 400 m |
History
When the Lebel was introduced in 1886 in was a truly revolutionary weapon. It was the first military firearm to use smokeless powder. In 1893, an improved version of the M1886 Lebel was designated Fusil Mle 1886 M (modifié) 93. The most useful improvement was a modification of the bolt head so it would divert away from the shooters face any hot gases escaping from a ruptured cartridge case. The Lebel rifle was a hard-hitting and solidly built weapon with a reputation for reliability in adverse environments including those of trench warfare. The Lebel rifle was quite accurate up to 300 yards and still deadly at three times that distance, thanks to the spitzer and boat tail "Balle D" bullet. Nevertheless, the Lebel rifle was not without its flaws: • The slow-to-reload tube magazine was the Lebel's worst handicap when compared to other military rifles of that period. • The Lebel's diminutive sights, while accurate, were low and small thus not easy to align and unprotected against shocks. • The lack of a wooden handguard on top of the barrel led to burned hands after prolonged firings.
Although officially replaced by the MAS36 in service by the outbreak of war in 1939, the adoption of the new rifle came quite late, meaning that plenty of Lebels where to be found in French service during the Second World War particularly with rear line troops. It was also retained for more specialist task such as Sniping as snipers preferred the stopping power of the heavier 8mm cartridge.
Game Play
The French Sniper uses a Lebel fitted with an APX mle 1921 telescope.
