Make: Remington

Model: MLE 1907-15

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: 1916

Caliber: 8mm Lebel (8x50mmR)

Action Type: Bolt Action, Enbloc Clip fed

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “REMINGTON / MLE 1907-15”. The right side of the breech is marked "RAG 1907-15".

Barrel Length: 27”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a base. The rear sight is a tangent leaf sight marked from 400 to 2400 meters. The top of the bolt is mounted with an aperture sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a shortened smooth wood straight grip with a straight comb and a steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is no visible cracking. The buttplate shows moderate oxidation and wear. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: Internal magazine with 3-round capacity. Follower and spring are intact and functional.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, the rifling is mostly-sharp. There is light visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows general operational wear and handling, with thinning and finish loss on high edges and exposed areas. There is scattered surface oxidation and patina throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The pins are clean. The markings are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Remington MLE 1907-15 is a rare and desirable variant of the French Berthier rifle, manufactured in the US under contract during WWI. While most Berthier rifles were produced in France, Remington was contracted to produce the Model 1907-15 to supplement those coming from French arsenals. The 1907-15 design was favored for its simplified and robust construction, and saw heavy use on the Western Front. Chambered in 8mm Lebel and equipped with an internal 3-round magazine, the MLE 1907-15 represented a step forward from the older M-1886 Lebel with its tubular magazine. Remington was not able to keep up with contract requirements, and their production was stopped with a few thousand delivered to France, and many more left in Remington's inventory to be sold on the commercial market. This Remington WWI MLE 1907-15 RAG 8mm Lebel 27" French Berthier Bolt Action Short Rifle is in a unique carbine configuration, with a shortened 27" barrel, shortened stock, and turned-down bolt handle. It features 75% of its original blued finish, solid mechanics, and a semi-bright bore with mostly-sharp rifling and only light visible erosion. For collectors of WWI firearms, foreign military rifles, or US-made contract arms, this Remington MLE 1907-15 is a historically significant and interesting piece.