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Military Rifles in the Age of Transition
(Non-U.S.) Black Powder, Metallic Cartidge, Military Rifles
1865 to 1890
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Mle 1874/84 and Mle 1884 French Kropatchek
(Fusil d’Infanterie Mle 1878/84 & 1884)
Mle 1874/84 and Mle 1884 French Kropatchek (Fusil d’Infanterie Mle 1878/84 & 1884) - Photo Credit https://www.aiolfi.com/
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
See Historical Context on the M1878 Naval Kropatschek.
DEVELOPMENT
For more information on the development of the M1878 Kropatschek rifle, please see the Austrian M1881 Kropatschek page.
GENERALLY
Issues of national pride, as well as cost savings which could be achieved (after the concept had been proven of course) drew the French to develop their own slightly modified Kropatschek for adoption by the French army. The M1884 French Kropatschek infantry rifle was in essence a copy of the Steyr made M1878 French Naval Kropatschek rifle slightly modified by the Chatellerault Arms Factory wherein the fore‑end portion of the stock was cut with carrying grooves, barrel was retained with a single barrel band with nose cap, and the saber bayonet lug was placed on the right side of the muzzle. M1884s were made by both converting earlier M1874 M.80 rifles as well as manufacturing newly made M1884 rifles.
I have not yet examined a M1874/84, but I would anticipate that this particular variety, in addition to the distinguishing characteristics of the M1884 noted below, would still carry its original Gras designation on the left receiver flat of M1874 with perhaps a “M84” which would indicate a modification of 1884.
M1874/84 & 1884 French Naval Kropatschek (Fusil de Marine M1878/84& M1884)
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The magazine cut‑off lever for single shot use operated by rotating in a depression fitted into the stock behind the bolt handle. The a cleaning rod was stored in a channel inletted into the left side of the stock, similarly to the earlier M1878 French Naval/Marine and the later M1886 Portuguese Kropatschek and M1887 Turkish Mauser. Metal parts were finished brown. Also distinguishing the M1884 from the Steyr made M1878 was the differing shape of the nosecap with bayonet lug which on the M1884 is curved inward between the magazine tube and barrel to allow the pommel of the standard M1874 bayonet to attach.
Magazine cut off lever on French M1884 Kropatschek
End cap of a French M1884 Kropatschek
Cleaning rod groove on a French M1884 Kropatschek
OPERATING MECHANISM
The French M1878 Kropatschek mechanism is identical to the M1881 Austrian Kropatschek, please view that section for more information. The French M1884 Kropatschek is identical to the M1886 Portuguese Kropatschek, please review that page for more information.
MARKINGS
The French-built Kropatscheks are marked on the left receiver flat “Manufacture d’Armes” in block letters, below which the name of the arsenal, St. Étienne, Tulle or Chatellerault is written in script. To the right of that, “model M1884” in large block letters. Serial numbers are on the left side of the knoxform, and date of manufacture on the right side of the knoxform along with miscellaneous inspection proofs also appearing on the knoxform.
Photo Credit: La grande aventure des fusils reglementaires francais, Henri Vuillemin, Gazette des armes, 1996)
SPECIFICATIONS, STATISTICS & DATA
Mle 1874/84 and Mle 1884 French Kropatchek (Fusil d’Infanterie M1878/84 & M1884)
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Overall Length: 1243 mm
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Weight, empty: 4350 grams (9.59 lbs)
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Barrel Length: 665 mm
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Rifling: 4-groove; RH, concentric
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Sight: Ramp-and-leaf, graduated from up to 1,800 m (1,970 yds)
SHORT RIFLES, CARBINES & SPECIAL VERSIONS
None
BAYONET
M1878 épée bayonet
CARTRIDGE
Utilized the French M1874 Gras series of ammunition, please go to that page for more information.
MANUFACTURING DATA
Around 83,000 M1884 Kropatscheks were made by the French government small-arms factories in Châtellerault and Saint-Étienne.
UTILIZATION BY OTHER COUNTRIES
None
PREDECESSOR & FOLLOW-ON RIFLES
Predecessor Rifle: Mle1866 Chassepot Rifle
Follow-On Rifle(s): M1874 Gras
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
REFERENCES
Die Kropatschek-Repetiersysteme in Österreich-Ungarn (FassungVIII, 2003) - Heino Hintermeier
Page Revised: June 29, 1997
Revised September 24, 1999
Revised October 1, 1999
Revised August 11, 2003
Updated: Oct 29, 2021
Updated Jan 28, 2024