Gun show finds

[Olevern]

Went to the show in Roulette, Pa. yesterday and picked up two cans of IMR 3031 powder (older metal cans with the metal seals intact) for $12.50 each. Purchased a Winchester 177 cal. break barrel pellet gun for $60.00(no pic as it went home with one of the Austins [12 year olds I mentor, both named Austin])
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac56/Olevern/DSC_6937cropcopy.jpg

Bought three cans of 250 each .22 cal pellets for total of $10.00
Then, found an old French model 1874 military carbine single shot with a mint bore in 11mmX59 R that intrieged me. I was especially surprised to find the bore like new, given that this was Frances first metallic cartridge military arm and, of course designed for black powder. Obviously either this firearm was used little or well taken care of after firing. a 135 year old piece of history and I bought it for $275.00 (asking price was $350.00 until I pointed out to the owner that it was missing the extractor).

Left inquiries all over the internet looking for an extractor, many of them will have to wait until after the weekend for responses. I am dying to get this old gal up and running, so if anybody out there can help with a resource for the part I would definately appreciate it.

I hope to use black powder for hunting loads and a pinch of Unique for plinking.

Anybody else shooting one of these?

Any idea if firing it without the extractor in place poses any kind of danger?

(I could use a cleaning rod to tap out the empties) If I am unable to purchase an extractor, I will have one made. Already talked to my 'smith and he says he would have to have another example on hand to copy one, but given that I or he can locate one and borrow it, he is confident he can make the required part.

Let's see, now to order the custom dies and a boolit mold.....

http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac56/Olevern/DSC_6965.jpg

http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac56/Olevern/DSC_6953.jpg

http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac56/Olevern/DSC_6970.jpg

[runfiverun]

airc the 11 was the fore runner to the 8mm lebel. but fed from a tube type mag?? instead from a clip. [going from memory here]
they were converted around 1914-1916 in several arsenals most common was the st.etienne arsenal.
you may be able to use an 8mm lebel extractor.
i don't recall having seen an 8 with the bent handle however, even the one i have converted by remington to a sporterized rifle, has the straight bolt.

[Olevern]

runfiverun,
I know little about these (or any) military rifles, my primary interest has been in lever actions by Marlin and Winchester - in any event commercial stuff. Only other military firearm I currently own is a springfield 03. This French 11 mm (model 1874)is a single shot, don't know if they made a subsequent 11mm with a tube mag. Perhaps others will weigh in from their knowledge base and answer this and the other questions I posed in the op

[Czech_too]

If you haven't already checked out this forum... There's a wealth of information on it and maybe a source for an extractor.
http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewforum.php?f=20

[troyboy]

The old milsurp stuff is so neat. If that rifle could tell a story..... just imagine.

[4given]

Nice!... I love gun shows!