Page 1 of 1

Chassepot Rifles and Bayonets

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 2:16 pm
by Dave Lindauer
When I was a kid someone gave me a French bayonet off a Chassepot rifle. Over the years I've seen many Chassepot bayonets, but never a rifle. Questions for the firearm experts: Why are these bayonets so common in the US, and the rifles so rare?

Re: Chassepot Rifles and Bayonets

Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 5:02 pm
by Dave Lindauer
Bump

Re: Chassepot Rifles and Bayonets

Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2013 6:18 pm
by shrike
Most of the Chassepot rifles were converted to fire metalic cartridges of Gras type, and issued with new pattern triangular bladed bayonets. Many were subsequently shipped to either Russia or the African colonies during WWI
The long bladed zouave style bayonets were surplussed through Bannerman's on the US and world market.