The Lebel Model 1886 rifle changed the world of warfare and set a precedent for that was quickly followed by the legendary Mauser.
The Lebel 1886 M93 is an 8 mm bolt action (the bolt action was added in 1893) infantry rifle that stayed in service from 1887 through 1940. The Lebel was the first military rifle to use smokeless powder cartridges.
Smokeless powder was a relatively new invention created by French chemist Paul Vieille in 1884 as were full-metal-jacket rifle bullets. French war minister, General Georges Ernest Boulanger wanted to take advantage of these groundbreaking developments in weapons technology and the Lebel rifle project was born.
More than 3.4 million units were produced in France between 1887 and 1916.
Take a closer look at this incredible weapon’s history and see it in action below.