Berthier Fusil Mle 1907/15 M16 8mm Lebel 31.6″ Excellent Condition
$2,300.00
Model Number: Berthier 1907/15 M16
Make: Manufacture D’armes de Saint-étienne
Model: Berthier 1907/15 M16
Caliber: 8mm Lebel
Barrel Length: 31.6 Inch
Color/Finish: Wood
Mag Capacity: 5
Type: Rifle
Action: Bolt-action
Classification: Non-Restricted
We are pleased to offer a solid and historically significant example of French World War I small arms: a Berthier Mle 1907/15-M16 rifle in excellent overall condition, featuring matching serial numbers on the receiver, magazine, and stock, and accompanied by a sling and a non-matching bayonet.
The Berthier M16 represents the final evolution of the Berthier system, incorporating the crucial upgrade to a five-round Mannlicher-style clip—a significant improvement over the original three-round capacity that gave French soldiers a much-needed advantage in firepower during the Great War. Chambered in the 8mm Lebel cartridge, it served as a primary infantry arm for French and colonial forces through the final years of WWI and beyond.
This particular example is in excellent condition. The metal retains strong finish with clear arsenal markings, the stock is solid and attractive with minimal handling marks, and the bore is bright with sharp rifling. The receiver, magazine, and stock share matching serial numbers, confirming the core integrity of the rifle. As is common with rifles that saw long service and arsenal maintenance, the bolt is non-matching—a typical and accepted characteristic that does not detract from its function or historical authenticity.
The included sling and non-matching bayonet complete the classic military presentation, making this a ready-to-display ensemble.
For the collector of Great War militaria or French arms, this Berthier M16 offers a fantastic opportunity. It combines the historical importance of a five-round infantry rifle, the desirability of matching numbers on its core components, and excellent overall condition—all at an accessible value. This is a tangible piece of the Poilu’s experience in the trenches, ready for display or the range.
6 reviews for Berthier Fusil Mle 1907/15 M16 8mm Lebel 31.6″ Excellent Condition
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PeepSight –
I ordered this Berthier Fusil online to sit alongside my Lebel 1886. The extended 5-round M16 magazine assembly is completely matching and functions flawlessly. Finding the original steel 5-round en-bloc clips is tough, but when you drop a loaded packet into the action, the mechanical lockup is incredibly positive and smooth.
Dale –
Shooting original 8mm Lebel ammo out of carbines is brutal, but this 31.6″ infantry barrel balances the recoil beautifully. The sight radius is massive, making it easy to track targets on open sights out at the 100-meter line. The chrome-moly steel bore arrived surprisingly bright with sharp, deep rifling.
Murray –
After a careful teardown and cleaning with mineral spirits, a gorgeous dark walnut stock emerged with clear French military acceptance cartouches stamped into the buttstock. The metal finish shows honest trench wear but retains about 75% of its original deep bluing.
Neil –
The rear locking lugs on the Berthier bolt lock up rock-solid inside the receiver channel. Tested a few maximum-velocity handloads over the chronograph, and checking the spent primer cups showed perfectly uniform strikes with zero gas leakage or signs of excessive headspace. It’s built like an absolute tank.
Jean-Guy –
Military surplus triggers are usually notoriously mushy, but this Berthier breaks cleanly at right around 5.5 pounds after a long, smooth take-up. It makes shooting tight groups with the traditional v-notch tangent rear sight highly repeatable once you learn the point-of-aim hold.
Lorne –
The wood-to-metal fitment across the entire 31.6-inch barrel length is highly precise.