Question for all you Great War big brains

[doowopapocalypse]

At the beginning of the war, what rifle/carbine was issued to French cav? I had thought it would be a Lebel or Berthier but I saw online they were perhaps issued the 1874 single-shot Gras carbine.

Thanks awfully

[former user]

I would be very much surprised about that. Gras carbines in 1914 would be a weapon for reservists, and the cavalry did not have reserve units. The only possibility would be if newly raised squadrons had received those.
What is the source for that?

Anyway, from what I know, rechambered versions (8mm) were used for non-front-line troops and a lot were sent to Russia. Also the Greek army used it.
The French Cavalry would have been armed with the 3-clip Mousqueton Berthier, like the artillery.

[Johnnytodd]

I second the opinion of the 3-shot Berthier Carbine which was adopted in 1892.  BTW I had the pleasure of owning one of these and fired several rounds of Hotchkiss MG ammo through it - a nasty recoil as I remember!

[cdr]

Berthier model 1890 was standard for French cavalry at the start of the war

[carlos marighela]

For what it's worth, the Osprey on the topic mentions the use of Gras rolling block carbines by some cavalry.

[doowopapocalypse]

Thanks all for the help!