Extremely Rare Restoring an 1866 Chassepot Rifle

Описание: he Chassepot M1866 was a French infantry rifle introduced in 1866 and represents one of the most advanced military firearms of its time. It was a rifled, bolt-action needle gun, developed after France studied the Prussian Dreyse needle rifle, but with a design that was around 25 years more modern.

Named after its inventor Antoine Chassepot (1833–1905), the rifle featured a bolt with a rubber gas-sealing ring, which greatly improved efficiency and muzzle velocity. Compared to the Prussian Dreyse rifle, the Chassepot used a smaller 11 mm caliber, offered a better gas seal, higher projectile velocity, and a significantly longer effective range.

Adopted as the standard French service rifle in 1866, production was rapidly expanded, and by 1868 the entire active French army was equipped with the Chassepot. Due to high demand, large numbers were also produced by foreign manufacturers in England and elsewhere.

The rifle proved highly effective during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871), especially at medium and long distances. However, the paper cartridge system had disadvantages, including fouling and sensitivity to moisture, which eventually led to the development of the Gras rifle (1874) using metallic cartridges.

This video focuses on the restoration and historical significance of this iconic 19th-century firearm.


Chassepot M1866, antique rifle restoration, historical firearms, 19th century rifles, needle gun, French military history, gun restoration, black powder rifle