The Fusil Automatique Modèle 1917 (also called the RSC M1917) was a semi-automatic, gas-operated, infantry rifle that the French Army placed in service during the latter part (1918) of World War I. It was chambered in then-standard 8mm Lebel, the rimmed cartridge used in other French Army infantry weapons of the time.
History[]
The M1917 RSC (for: Ribeyrolles, Sutter and Chauchat) was formally adopted in May 1916 and a fairly large number (86,000) had been manufactured by November 1918. It was less expensive to manufacture than the Meunier rifle since it used standard Lebel rifle components, notably: the barrel, stock, handguard, barrel bands and trigger guard. Above all else, it was chambered for the standard 8mm Lebel ammunition, which was loaded on special five-round en-bloc clips. The Mle 1917 RSC was gas operated with a rotating bolt, the gas port being located underneath the barrel and near the muzzle as in the later M1 Garand rifle.
Dr. Nowak and Mr. Syahir, being avid firearms enthusiasts, decided to do the unimaginable; to produce a near-exact replica of a once-prevalent rifle in service. They decided to recreate the RSC 1917 after a discussion was held with the armourers at their HQ. After going through the blueprints and design details, the project began in late August 2017. The presentation model was ready for the public eye in early September.
Design Detail[]
The RSC 1917 was recreated with almost the exact specifications as the original. It is a gas-operated, long-stroke piston action with a rotating bolt. It is chambered for the 8x50mmR Lebel, as it was with the original model. However, if the public decided to vote for the rifle to be produced, alternate calibres will be considered.
Weapon Information[]
.PNG){kind=link}
The recreation of the RSC 1917 as produced by NS Arms Corporation. Note the visual difference compared with the original design.
- Weight: 5.3 kg (11.7 lbs)
- Length: 52.36 in. (133 cm)
- Barrel length: 31 in. (788 mm)
- Cartridge: 8x50mmR Lebel
- Operation: Long-stroke gas piston, rotating bolt
- Fire mode: Safe, semi-auto
- Muzzle velocity: 730 m/s (2400 ft/s)
- Effective range: 250 m (273 yards)
- Feed system: 5-round en-bloc clip
- Sights: Rear adjustable tangent, front fixed blade
- Attachments: Bayonet
- User: French Army (Historical)