The limitation was a concern since the number of logistics and artillery units in the military were increasing but doctrine often put these units in close contact with the infantry where positional self-defence was a real possibility. Mounted security forces, cavalry units, and artillery units were forced to use single shot M le 1874 carbines, most not even converted to fire the modern 8mm Lebel ammunition. The shortcomings of the M le 1886 were noticed almost as soon as it was issued, especially in the colonies. Its small magazine capacity was not seen as a drawback, but the cut-down tube magazine of prototype M le 1886 was unreliable and efforts to improve it proved impossible ( 1). In addition, the short carbine version proved untenable. It was slow to load, impossible to reload from horseback, complex to maintain, and expensive to manufacture. The French adoption of the M le 1886 rifle and the 8mm Lebel cartridge was a revolutionary move in the development of small arms because of its ammunition, but the M le 1886 itself had many drawbacks. 07/15 m34, World War Two, Post War, Ownership. Subjects: Berthier Clip, APX, Adoption, M le.
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