The French Lebel was the gun that ushered in the era of smokeless powder into the world's military powers.
Overnight, entire arsenals were obsolete.
Smokless powder did not produce as much smoke, so it was harder for the enemy to locate where the rounds were coming from.
All jokes aside about the French military, these guns were used a lot, and used hard.
PRVI of Serbia also offers new made ammo for these old guns.
Please have it checked by a competent gunsmith to make sure it is safe to fire.
The old girl wasn't made with the modern heat treated steels. Given it's age, you'll want at least the receiver and bolt checked for stress cracks.
Sometimes folks let kids play with these old guns, and they would sometimes remove parts that let the gun shoot. Sometimes they removed parts because they didn't consider them safe to shoot. For MANY years these guns sold dirt cheap, as ammo was pretty much impossible to find. They have some value now.
If found safe to shoot, be sure to do it. Lots of fun!!!
Good Shootin!!
DarryH
