Just can't pass up a Berthier

[RayG]

Especially for $150. Picked this one up at the Louisville show. Looks like it was hanging on a wall for years as the bolt has taken on a great natual goldish looking patina. Mixed numbers as most are, no pitting, and a great looking bore. Couldn't wait to get it home to clean it. But after I did, and that patina on the bolt looks so good, (the photos don't do it justice), that I now have mixed emotions about removing it.
The other metal still has about 98% bluing so I will brighten that up with a little oil.
I reload cast bullets for these rifles so it will be going to the range with it next week.

[RayG]

Well just used oil and wiped the rifle down and it took the patina off the bolt so apparently it was only dried oil. The bluing is beautiful however the bore is not as great as I first thought but still good, Ray

[Adrian Stevenson]

She looks great after that.

Cheers, Ade.

[thekid]

Great Gun! At a good price you are a very lucky man!

all the best,
Stefan

[mauser9]

Nice piece. Hate to admit it by I am not familiar with with the Berthier sir. Could you inform me which country of origin and what caliber it is in. looks like a fine example and you did well for the amount you paid. Thanks for showing.

[RayG]

Thanks gentleman, Mauser9, it is a French rifle and in 8MM Lebel caliber, Ray

[Eric Zentner]

Nice one and a well known maker, (MAS) Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne.

Eric

[lebus12]

Very nice.
It's funny : he was made in St Etiene, now, it is the place where weapons are neutralized. MG 42, MG 34...

[lazer4856]

[samnev]

I also like French wepons and have quite a few of them. I think they are very under appreciated in the US.Nice pickup at a great price.