The First Modern Military Rifle: The Modele 1886 Lebel
This video explores the groundbreaking Model 1886 Lebel rifle, recognized as the first military rifle to utilize smokeless powder. It details the rifle's rapid development, driven by a demanding deadline, and its innovative modification of existing designs like the Gras bolt and Kropatschek tube magazine. The Lebel's introduction provided the French infantry with a significant range advantage, marking a pivotal moment in small arms history. The video touches on its mass production and extended service life through both World Wars, solidifying its status as a pioneering military firearm.














