New to RTI!

We now have Ethiopian Cut-Down 1874 Gras Rifles Now Available. These rifles were converted into carbines by the Ethiopian forces. These rifles were usually shortened about 4-12 inches, but lengths do vary a bit. The rifles are otherwise unmodified besides the barrel being shortened.

The rifles are in fair to good condition. May have the rear sight damaged or missing. Metal has some patina and/or minor rust pitting. Many feature Ethiopian markings along the barrel and/or receiver. The wood is all there but has some dents, dings or minor cracks. Please look at detailed pictures and the video below.

We do have several grades available. We have 4 variations available: the full length infantry rifle, cavalry carbine, Gendarmerie carbine, and artillery carbine.

Bolts are all functioning and trigger mechanism works as well. These rifles are about 130 to 140 years old. The firearms are considered an Antique and no FFL is required. Only a photo I.D. is required to verify age, please send a photo of your photo I.D. (Driver’s License, Passport, Military I.D., etc) to ffl@rtifirearms.com.

The Chassepot (pronounced “shas-poh”), officially known as Fusil modèle 1866, was a bolt action military breechloading rifle, famous as the arm of the French forces in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871. It replaced an assortment of Minié muzzleloading rifles many of which were converted in 1864 to breech loading (the Tabatière rifles). A great improvement to existing military rifles in 1866, the Chassepot marked the commencement of the era of modern bolt action, breech-loading military rifles. Beginning in 1874, the rifle was easily converted to fire metallic cartridges (under the name of Gras rifle), a step which would have been impossible to achieve with the Dreyse needle rifle.