8x50r?

[Dr.Mauser]

So I just got my tax return and I'm buying some new toys, I've already decided on the first, but I'm having trouble deciding on the second. For a while now I've been looking at getting a Berthier M 16 carbine but I don't know if its even worth it due to the rarity of the ammo. Ideas?

[mosinnagantm9130]

If you don't reload, probably not worth it.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

Why not buy another G 33/40? Everyone needs a spare.

[Dr.Mauser]

If I could find a G33/40 or a G.24(t) for under $500 I would be on that like lady gaga to a drag show.

[GOEX FFF]

Privi makes new 8X50R Lebel and is pretty much still widely available out there.
Also, new boxer brass is available as well. Privi's 8mm Lebel is also safe to use in all N or non N rifles.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/711135/prvi-partizan-ammunition-8mm-lebel-8x50mm-rimmed-lebel-200-grain-full-metal-jacket-box-of-20

http://www.jgsales.com/8x50r-lebel-by-prvi-partizan,-200gr-fmj-bt,-20rd-box.-p-4598.html

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/12591

http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=158134&CAT=4452

Also, check Gunbroker and AuctionArms. Surplus surfaces once and a while.

[Dr.Mauser]

I've had an eye for one since I saw this:

[glennsche]

mauser,

i got one of these a few years back for under 300 as i recall. they're relatively common on GB. Just make sure you get the right bayonet for it!

it is without a doubt the LOUDEST carbine you will ever fire. makes the m44 look like a 22. they're not bad but the en bloc system is just... meh.



some more french stuff i shot with harmoniums a while back... (with said carbine second left); french small arms from 1915 through the 70s!

[glennsche]

I've had an eye for one since I saw this:

well after dropping several million k98s in russia at that point, by the time that photo was taken (judging by the uniform, '44 or later) the Jerries were using whatever they could get their hands on.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

As Goex said, ammo is available. 20 years ago I had to have the cases made out of .348 brass turned down and sized. It was a PITA. Now you can order brass or loaded ammo with no difficulty at all. It uses the same .323" bullet as 8x57 Mauser. If the rifle has a large "N" on the barrel shank, it also has an enlarged barrel throat that would let you shoot the old French Balle N rounds that had a slightly larger diameter bullet. The bore remains the same .323" diameter though. The clip system (and yes, it IS a clip in this case) was great in the 1890s, but was outdated by WWI. Try to get the ine that uses the 5 round clip instead of the 3 round clip. The 5 round clips aren't hard to find. The 3 round ones are much rarer and much more expensive. You can use the 5 round ones in a gun made for the 3 round clips, but it can only hold 3 rounds, and the rest sticks out of the bottom of the rifle.

-Mb