Lebel from RTI

[shooter556]

I am seriously thinking of getting one of these. From what I've seen on youtube, they are in terrible condition but they are shooters.

$400 for a piece of history? Doesn't seem like a horrible deal to me considering I've never even seen a Lebel in any of my LGS so they seem hard to come by. This might be my only chance to get one, even if it's in horrid condition. Plus, I love old junky C&Rs, it gives them character.

Even on Simpson Ltd I can't find one to compare the prices.

https://royaltigerimports.com/shop/c-grade-french-1886-m93-lebel-rifle/

Does anyone have one? If so how did you like it?

[Rogerbutthead]

I have seen worn Lebels go for over 2k on Gunbroker.

That being said, these Grade "C" rifles are described as:

They will have pitting and rust on the metal parts such as the receiver, bolt, barrel. etc. The wood furniture will have large cracks and missing sections of wood on the handguard and stock. The handguard or stock may be an Ethiopian replacement piece. The rifles are not guaranteed functional and may need some work to operate the bolt properly (ex: bolt stuck in place, non-functional cartridge lifter, etc). The bores range from poor and heavily worn to good, we do not offer hand select bores on these C grade rifles. May have broken or missing small parts such as an ejector, stacking rod, extractor, and/or sling swivel. May be missing the magazine spring and follower. The rear sight may be damaged or missing on these rifles. These are the last of what we have!

If you have 400 to burn, then you may want one, but they sound like rusty junk to me.

[shooter556]

I have seen worn Lebels go for over 2k on Gunbroker.

That being said, these Grade "C" rifles are described as:

They will have pitting and rust on the metal parts such as the receiver, bolt, barrel. etc. The wood furniture will have large cracks and missing sections of wood on the handguard and stock. The handguard or stock may be an Ethiopian replacement piece. The rifles are not guaranteed functional and may need some work to operate the bolt properly (ex: bolt stuck in place, non-functional cartridge lifter, etc). The bores range from poor and heavily worn to good, we do not offer hand select bores on these C grade rifles. May have broken or missing small parts such as an ejector, stacking rod, extractor, and/or sling swivel. May be missing the magazine spring and follower. The rear sight may be damaged or missing on these rifles. These are the last of what we have!

If you have 400 to burn, then you may want one, but they sound like rusty junk to me.

Yea they are definitely not in the best condition.



But they seem like they are whole enough to slowly restore. I mean I'm sure there are wood stocks that pop up hear and there. I think I might just get one.

[Rogerbutthead]

From the comments, looks hit and miss.

With my luck, I'd get a rust bucket boat anchor.

Good luck

[DennisCA]

From the comments, looks hit and miss.

With my luck, I'd get a rust bucket boat anchor.

Good luck

That happens with a lot of guns from RTI.

[sbo80]

I would not describe the C-grades as "shooters". "Bore is completely shot out" as he said. Most likely be a wall hanger for a while, maybe forever. It's the "broken or missing parts" that's the kicker. Small parts and stocks are rarer than the guns themselves, so I wouldn't count on being able to restore. There's actually a firing pin on GB right now. But I search for Lebel regularly, and hardly ever see parts, I'm not sure I've ever seen a stock. End up spending at least another $1000 and the next two years just trying to put it all together to function.
I want a Lebel too, but I'll save up and get one that I can see its actual condition before spending money. If you want a shooter, buy a known shooter.

[hambam105]

Not too long ago at a local gun show....I passed on a set of C&H practically new, reloading dies, with shell holder, for this
Lebel caliber. I never heard of it before and I hadn't gained an appreciation for precision dies yet.

$20 bucks was just too high of financial risk. The seller had matching brass & bullets at fire sale prices as well.

What this means to the OP is to hold on. Hold on until you get a deal on a rifle that isn't BTS. And if you intend to shoot it,
you might come across a reloading deal too. Good Luck.

[kcheung2]

Here's an idea - buy 2. Between the pair you might be able to piece together a decent condition gun, and if spare parts as as scarce as described, you could part out the extras fairly easily.