FRENCH MLE 1892 ST. ETIENNE for sale in Dallas Texas

$450.00

This was France's first smokeless powder revolver, adopted in 1892 and fielded in 1893. My revolver's barrel is dated 1893, a first-year issue. The gun remained in use from 1892 until the 1960s. It was initially issued to French military officers in WWI and later to the French police.

Here is an interesting link with much information and historical photos about the MLE 1892. Even shows Kirk Douglas wielding one in the movie Paths of Glory:

https://www.firearmsnews.com/editorial/french-mode-1892-revolver/492736

It fires the 8mm Lebel, which is available in modern loading. One unique feature is that the left side plate swings open for cleaning or repair. It is in good mechanical working order. The finish could be better as it has some mottled bluing and minor swallow pitting, as seen in the photo. The bore is excellent. Beautiful checkered grips. Overall, it's pretty nice for a gun that's been around for 131 years, and who knows in how many armed conflicts. It could have even seen service in the French Foreign Legion!

The MLE 1892 served in the following conflicts: French colonial expeditions, the World War, the Polish-Soviet War, the Rif War, the Constitutionalist Revolution, World War II, and the First Indochina War.