A watershed moment in military history — the world's first rifle to use smokeless powder in service. The Poudre B propellant developed by Paul Vieille made the Lebel's 8mm bullet nearly twice as fast as black powder equivalents with far less smoke. Every other nation scrambled to redesign their rifles within years. An 8-shot tubular magazine fed by an awkward single-loading system. Carried by French troops through WWI despite being obsolescent by 1914. Type: Rifle Action: Bolt-Action Caliber: 8x50mmR Lebel Capacity: 8 Year introduced: 1886, France Weight: 112 oz Overall length: 44" Status: Discontinued Military use: Yes Intended use: military