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French Fusil Gras 1874/M80, Ethiopian "Wujira", 1881 production, 11x59

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MSRP: $850.00
Our Sale Price: $650.00
You Save: $200.00 (24 %)
1 In Stock
Item Number: gras
Manufacturer: Antique
Manufacturer UPC Code: gras

ALL ANTIQUE RIFLES SOLD AS-IS. NEVER ATTEMPT TO FIRE AN ANTIQUE WEAPON WITHOUT CONSULTING A GUNSMITH. SEE PICTURES FOR CONDITION AND DETAILS

The Fusil Modele 1874 Gras was, in many ways, an update of the legendary Chassepot, considered by many to be the finest rifle of its day - and even used many of the same parts and features.  The Gras was the French Army's primary long arm from 1874 until replacement in 1886.
Unlike the Chassepot, which used a linen cartridge and a rubber seal to contain the gasses, the Gras utilized a brass cartridge, loosely based off the 1871 Mauser cartridge. In 1880, the rifles were given an improved breechblock.

After 1886, the guns were surplused, mainly to African colonies and allies, with Ethiopia getting the bulk.

In Ethiopia, the Gras, or "Wujira" - a localized portmanteau of Fusil Gras - became legendary as the rifle that saved Ethiopia from Italian invasion in 1896. Unfortunately, the rifle became so legendary that the Ethiopians refused to fully phase it out; a decision that would go on to haunt them when the Italians invaded again in 1935. Despite the Italian Carcano being roughly 40 years obsolete by European standards in 1935, it was far superior to what Ethiopia had - a single-shot bolt action.

The example for sale is in very good condition to have come from Ethiopia. All serial numbers match, the action is tight, the bolt is smooth, the rifling is frosty but still pretty nice. Most of the original finish is missing, and there is some eternal pitting on some of the metal. The rear sight and loading rod are missing. Ethiopian writing has been deeply engraved in the barrel, with the only symbol we recognize to be the symbol for King Menelek III of Ethiopia.

The rear sight was removed by the Ethiopians, theoretically for police/riot use, as there was an apparent doctrine to aim the guns only using the front sight, possibly from the hip. There has never been a good explanation why they removed the rods. Maybe 1/3 of all examples from Ethiopia are missing one, or both, of these things.



All antiques sold as-is, no refunds or returns. Additional photos can be requested for questions of markings, condition, or to answer any other questions. Information provided is based on our best research. Do not fire any antique weapon without having that weapon inspected by a licensed gunsmith. Other questions can be answered by calling 205-533-8595. PLEASE INSURE ALL ITEMS AS THEY ARE IRREPLACEABLE AND WILL NOT BE REFUNDED OR REPLACED.

Black powder firearms cannot be shipped directly to Canada, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Massachusets, Ohio, Rhode Island, Delaware or New Jersey,  See  Footnotes for the following locatons: *New York City; Bronx, Kings, Staten Island, Manhattan, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Long Island **Illinois and Washington State ***Michigan and Maryland , *****California.

California: We will not ship firearms to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Ana, Berkeley, Tiburon, Carson, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Oakland,  Orange County, Marin County, Loyo County, Contra Costa County, Ventura County, or Napa County, except to an FFL dealer.  Please check your local regulations for all other locations before ordering.  It is your responsibility to know and understand the laws regarding firearms in your area.

* Will ship to the rest of New York State, contingent on state and local requirements.

** Illinois and Washington state: Will ship to a local FFL Dealer of your choice. Call before placing your order.

*** Michigan and Maryland: Revolvers may not be shipped, all other black powder firearms are OK with the exceptions of Annapolis and Baltimore.
 
For all other states, please review your state and local laws before ordering any blackpowder firearms.

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