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FM Chauchat M1915

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MSRP:

$27000.00

Used Price:

$27,000.00

Sale Price:

$30000.00

FM Chauchat M1915 Gun Stats

Palmetto State Armory Palmetto State Armory
Old

From $30,300.00

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The Chauchat is a WWI-era French automatic rifle with design aspects that left it with a tarnished history. Its intended use was similar to how modern light machine guns are used today where one user could carry the weapon and ammo on their own while easily and quickly moving to and setting up on a firing position. Its performance in trials was impressive enough for the United States to purchase a large number of these guns in .30-06, however the open magazine, the metallurgy and the unique internal design proved detrimental in the muddy trenches of the Great War.

FM Chauchat M1915 For Sale

Guns.com

FM Chauchat M1915

Guns.com
Guns.com

$30,600.00

See Deal
Sportsman's Warehouse

FM Chauchat M1915

Sportsman's Warehouse
Sportsman's Warehouse

$30,900.00

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Guns.com

FM Chauchat M1915

Guns.com
Guns.com

$31,200.00

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GrabAGun

FM Chauchat M1915

GrabAGun
GrabAGun

$31,500.00

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EuroOptic.com

FM Chauchat M1915

EuroOptic.com
EuroOptic.com

$29,700.00

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KYGUNCO

FM Chauchat M1915

KYGUNCO
KYGUNCO

$30,900.00

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Academy Sports + Outdoors

FM Chauchat M1915

Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy Sports + Outdoors

$30,900.00

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Firearms Depot

FM Chauchat M1915

Firearms Depot
Firearms Depot

$29,400.00

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Optics Planet

FM Chauchat M1915

Optics Planet
Optics Planet

$29,400.00

See Deal

FM Chauchat M1915 Specs

1 Brand

Gladiator

2 Category

Other Rifle

Technical Data

Capacity

20+1

Weight

320 oz

Length

45"

Barrel Length

19"

FM Chauchat M1915 Features

The Chauchat is a select-fire, full-powered rifle that operates on a long recoil action and fires from the open bolt.  When the trigger is pulled, the bolt picks up a round from the magazine and feeds it into the chamber.  It locks and then fires as soon as the round is in battery.  Recoil forces then push the barrel and bolt assembly rearward where the bolt locks back and the barrel returns forward until the barrel is at the front of travel, then allowing the bolt to move freely again.


FM Chauchat M1915 Capacity

The Chauchat is originally chambered in 8mm Lebel, however it did have variants chambered in .30-06 and 8mm Mauser.  Each of these used their own 20 round magazines that were specific to the caliber being used.  On the 8mm Lebel magazines, there are large viewing holes on the right side of the magazine to let the assistant gunner know how many rounds remain, however this quickly and easily allowed mud and other foreign materials into the system.


The Chauchat measures 45 inches long and has an unloaded weight of 20 pounds.  The best comparison would be against the Browning BAR which, though the BAR measured two inches longer, the Chauchat weighed in 4 pounds heavier.  The Chauchat was easily moved from one firing position to the next, however using it to advance on the enemy trenches made it a very cumbersome weapon.


FM Chauchat M1915 Mobility

Mobility

FM Chauchat M1915 Ergonomics

Ergonomics
The 8mm Lebel versions of the Chauchat have a vertical front grip behind the magazine well, but the .30-06 and 8mm Mauser models use a more traditional, straighter magazine that doesn’t extend to the front of the receiver, so the vertical front grip is thus moved further forward.  The correct position to fire the Chauchat on the ground is to have your body aligned 45 degrees to the left so your face doesn’t get hit by the receiver extension (Think: feet southwest).


FM Chauchat M1915 Fit & Finish

The Chauchat is known for being unreliable, and this is mostly due to the conditions where it was used.  Mud would easily get into the magazine and the open action causing malfunctions and damage to internal parts.  They were also made as quickly as possible which caused sub-par results in manufacturing.  A well-oiled and well-maintained Chauchat should have no notable reliability issues if the magazines are in good shape.


Fit and Finish

How much is a FM Chauchat M1915 worth?

In 2025 a new or used FM Chauchat M1915 value varies depending on supply and demand. In the last 12 months there is great demand for a FM Chauchat M1915 and most other rifles. The Price for a FM Chauchat M1915 has increased in cost by $0.00 in 2025 compared to 2024.

Estimated New and Used Values for a FM Chauchat M1915 Values are based on a basic model with no options or colors.

Condition Trade-In Private Party Dealer
New In box $19,500.00 $25,500.00 $30,000.00
Excellent $18,000.00 $24,000.00 $27,000.00
Very Good $16,500.00 $24,000.00 $27,000.00
Good $15,000.00 $22,500.00 $25,500.00
Fair $10,500.00 $19,500.00 $24,000.00
Poor $7,500.00 $15,000.00 N/A

Gun Value Conditions explained:

New in box - 100% condition in unopened box. Excellent - 95%+ condition with or without box.

Very Good - 90% - 95% condition (all parts/finish should be original).

Good - 80-90% condition (all parts/finish should be original).

Fair - 30% - 80% condition, parts, and finish may or may not be original. Must function properly and shoot.

Poor - under 30% condition. Firearm has severe wear and tear, does not function, or is damaged.

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