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9/18/2024 8:35:24 PM EDT
Does anyone know where I can find a live barrel for a 1915 8mm Lebel Chauchat? Tried to post on EE but can not.
9/18/2024 8:54:36 PM EDT
[#1]
Thats rare as hens teeth to find a spare barrel.

can you have one made? I think it would be cheaper to have one cut from a blank.
9/18/2024 11:55:04 PM EDT
[#2]
One of the problems is finding a blank with a true 8mm bore and not 7.9mm. If I had the dimensions of the barrel, i.e. diameters, thread pitches etc. then possibility it can be done, however if I found a Berthier barrel which is what the barrel the Chauchat is based on, then that would make replicating easier for the machinist. Who knows, I might get lucky. The first and last pristine Chauchat barrel I saw, I was one week too late in getting it. I am patient though.
9/19/2024 1:18:57 AM EDT
[#3]
Have you tried contacting Ian McCollum?  I would think he'd take measurements for you in exchange for some 7.5 French pistol cartridges.  
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
9/19/2024 5:18:35 AM EDT
[#4]
You might want to check with Gary Szechy from Gary's Bunker.  My memory is a little hazy, but I think he's made Chauchat barrels before.
9/20/2024 9:24:25 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By StevenE:
One of the problems is finding a blank with a true 8mm bore and not 7.9mm.
View Quote


8mm Mauser is 7.92x57mm. Does the Chauchat use on oversized bore?
AK building addict in recovery. Fell off the wagon.
9/20/2024 11:20:04 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By AEnemaBay:


8mm Mauser is 7.92x57mm. Does the Chauchat use on oversized bore?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By AEnemaBay:
Originally Posted By StevenE:  One of the problems is finding a blank with a true 8mm bore and not 7.9mm.


8mm Mauser is 7.92x57mm. Does the Chauchat use on oversized bore?


8mm Lebel is 8mm.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
9/20/2024 1:16:30 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:


8mm Lebel is 8mm.
View Quote


Wow, I flat out glossed over that in the OP. Ooof.

AK building addict in recovery. Fell off the wagon.
11/20/2024 3:02:46 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By StevenE:
One of the problems is finding a blank with a true 8mm bore and not 7.9mm. If I had the dimensions of the barrel, i.e. diameters, thread pitches etc. then possibility it can be done, however if I found a Berthier barrel which is what the barrel the Chauchat is based on, then that would make replicating easier for the machinist. Who knows, I might get lucky. The first and last pristine Chauchat barrel I saw, I was one week too late in getting it. I am patient though.
View Quote


I have a friend that knows him personally who is contacting Ian to find out the dimensions of the barrel. Once we have the dimensions, the machinist will make one from a 7.92mm barrel blank. We will use an 8 Lebel chamber reamer and have custom dies made for the 8 Lebel using a 7.92mm diameter bullet. That is the plan unless I find a Chauchat barrel.
11/20/2024 3:07:41 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By StevenE:


I have a friend that knows him personally who is contacting Ian to find out the dimensions of the barrel. Once we have the dimensions, the machinist will make one from a 7.92mm barrel blank. We will use an 8 Lebel chamber reamer and have custom dies made for the 8 Lebel using a 7.92mm diameter bullet. That is the plan unless I find a Chauchat barrel.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By StevenE:
Originally Posted By StevenE:  One of the problems is finding a blank with a true 8mm bore and not 7.9mm. If I had the dimensions of the barrel, i.e. diameters, thread pitches etc. then possibility it can be done, however if I found a Berthier barrel which is what the barrel the Chauchat is based on, then that would make replicating easier for the machinist. Who knows, I might get lucky. The first and last pristine Chauchat barrel I saw, I was one week too late in getting it. I am patient though.


I have a friend that knows him personally who is contacting Ian to find out the dimensions of the barrel. Once we have the dimensions, the machinist will make one from a 7.92mm barrel blank. We will use an 8 Lebel chamber reamer and have custom dies made for the 8 Lebel using a 7.92mm diameter bullet. That is the plan unless I find a Chauchat barrel.


Could you drill out the barrel blank & use it as a sleeve around a turned down 8mm Lebel barrel as a liner?  Lebel rifle barrels should be long enough.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
11/22/2024 5:53:02 PM EDT
[Last Edit: prebans][Edited] [#10]
Every now and again, and I mean don’t-hold-your-breath, an unmolested one shows up for sale.  They're usually on GB.  Bidding is fierce.

Occasionally one from a DEWAT shows up.  If you’re lucky, it was just brazed at the muzzle and chamber ends and is easily reclaimed.  If not, it’ll be … worse.

Even a truly beyond-saving barrel is worth it if only for measurements.

Idea: If you’re going to have one made, make five, ten, or 12.  Sell those off and you’ll either get your barrel for free or even make some money.

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