MAS Mle 1874 Carabine de Cavalerie M.80 - 11x59mmR Gras, Single-Shot, 27 in Barrel, Made in France (1880)
This antique French cavalry carbine was manufactured at MAS Saint-Étienne in 1880 and is marked on the receiver "MANUFACTURE D'ARMES St Étienne Mle 1874" with "M.80". As the Carabine de Cavalerie variant, it features the M.80 gas-relief update, a turned-down bolt handle, brass furniture, and a full-length stock. Chambered in 11x59mmR Gras and built as a single-shot bolt action, it is a notable, Made in France example of the Gras family configured for mounted service.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal surfaces show scattered cosmetic imperfections, including scratches, blemishes, and areas of finish loss.
What's Included
- MAS Mle 1874 Carabine de Cavalerie M.80 rifle
- Cleaning rod with slotted head
This Carabine de Cavalerie M.80 is the cavalry-configured version of the Mle 1874 Gras, produced by Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne. The receiver is correctly marked with the Saint-Étienne legend and M.80 designation, and the action incorporates the standard M.80 gas-relief modification. It is an antique 1880 production and Made in France.
The rifle uses a single-shot bolt-action system in 11x59mmR Gras with a nominal 27 in steel barrel and a steel receiver. It is stocked in walnut with a full-length, straight-wrist profile that runs to the muzzle. Brass furniture includes the buttplate, trigger guard, and barrel bands.
As a cavalry carbine, it features a turned-down bolt handle and omits a bayonet lug. Sling hardware consists of a left-side sling ring at the forward band and a lower sling swivel on the underside of the rear barrel band. A cleaning rod with a slotted head is fitted beneath the barrel.
Sighting is via iron sights, with a fixed blade front and a rear sight leaf. The rifle has a single-round capacity, and the length of pull measures 13.0 in.