[Jim McDougall]

David,

So in my crash course on these French rifles, am I correct in assuming this is a Gras conversion or upgraded version of the Gendarmes M1866 Chassepot musketoon? These seem to have been modified in 1874 for metallic cartridges. When you mention the 'riffs', does this refer to the Berber tribes in Morocco?
While the Foreign Legion was not officially situated in Morocco, they certainly had occasions for forays into these areas, and actually occupied Oudja, near the border.
It seems Berber tribesmen often had captured rifles, many of course Spanish Mausers, but also French weapons.
As always said, weapons transcend geographic borders, as well as cultural.

Thank you again!
Jim