Fusil Gras mle 1874

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The Fusil Gras mle 1874 used by the French Army was an adaptation to metallic cartridge of the Chassepot breechloading rifle by general (then captain) Basile Gras. This gun was an 11 mm caliber and used cartridges that weighed 25 grams. It was a robust and hard-hitting weapon, but could only fire one shot at a time. It also had a triangular-shaped saber/bayonet. It was replaced by the Lebel rifle in 1886.

The Greek Army adopted the Gras in 1877, and it was used in all conflicts up until the Second World War. It became the favourite weapon of guerrilla fighters, from the various revolts against the Ottoman Empire to the resistance against the Germans, acquiring legendary status. The name entered the language, and Grades (γκράδες) was a term colloquially applied to all rifles during the first half of the 20th century.