Videos tagged with French Military Rifle

This video from Legacy Collectibles provides an expert look at the rare French RSC Model 1917 rifle, one of the first WWI battle rifles produced in significant quantities. The presenter, an experienced firearms instructor, details its historical context and production numbers, noting its limited popularity with soldiers due to its weight and maintenance requirements. The shorter Model 1918 variant is also briefly mentioned.

This video provides an in-depth look at 100 French FR-F2 sniper rifles, brought in by Navy Arms. The presenter highlights unique findings such as early production examples with three-digit serial numbers and renumbered rifles. The video also covers the Scrome J8 optic, modern picatinny scope mounts for the FR-F2, and depot refurbishment markings, offering a valuable resource for firearm enthusiasts interested in this specific sniper rifle system and its history.

The FAMAS Valorisé represents a significant modernization of the French FAMAS rifle, driven by the FELIN program. Key upgrades include a practical Picatinny rail for optics, a 1:7 twist barrel for NATO standard ammunition, and external modifications like a side-mounted charging handle and redesigned bipod. While approximately 20,000 were produced, it never achieved general issue status and faced criticism for fragility and ergonomics.

This video segment from American Rifleman Television explores the French Tabatière rifle, a fascinating transitional firearm from the mid-19th century. It details how obsolete muzzleloading muskets, including those already converted to percussion, were modified into breechloaders to meet the demand for modern arms before the Chassepot rifle was widely available. The video highlights the historical significance of these conversions for collectors, comparing them to other transitional firearms like the trapdoor Springfield and Snider.

This review details the rare Mle 1866 Chassepot rifle specifically modified for French African Cavalry. Key differences from the standard infantry model include a reinforced stock, altered sling swivels for horseback carry, and a unique 'O' serial number prefix. While 12,000 were produced, they were quickly replaced by the 1870 carbine and often later converted.

The FUSTAN was a rare .22 LR competition variant of the French MAS-36 rifle, developed in the early 1940s and revived for North African shooting societies in 1947. Unlike military trainers, it was a dedicated single-shot rimfire rifle with precision features like an adjustable aperture sight, a specialized two-prong firing pin, and a heavy barrel with adjustable balance. Production was limited to around 200 units, yet these rifles achieved significant success in junior championships.

This entry details the three main types of Chassepot-Gras cavalry carbines, focusing on their historical context and technical variations. It highlights the evolution from the Chassepot 1866 to the Gras 1874 conversion, emphasizing differences in markings and production eras under French imperial and republican rule. The carbines' design philosophy for cavalry use and specific features like brass furniture and bent bolt handles are also covered.

This video explores an experimental Gras-Vetterli repeating rifle from the late 19th century, highlighting its unique Vetterli-style side loading gate and internal cartridge elevator. Despite its innovative design, it was ultimately rejected by the French military in favor of the Kropatschek system, illustrating the competitive landscape of repeating rifle development during that era.

This review of the Berthier Mousqueton Modèle 1892 carbine highlights its compact 37.2-inch length and 6.8-pound weight, making it relatively handy. The Mannlicher-style en bloc clip allows for fast loading of its 3-round capacity. However, the firearm presents challenges with its somewhat brutalist ergonomics, significant recoil from the 8mm Lebel cartridge, and susceptibility to mud, with a noted preference for higher capacities.

The Peabody Sidehammer rifle, patented in 1862 by Henry Peabody, features a unique tilting block action with an external side hammer. Despite passing US military trials, it was not adopted domestically but found success internationally, with significant contracts from Spain, Canada, Switzerland, and France. Both rifle and carbine variants were produced, chambered in calibers like .41 Rimfire, .43 Spanish, and .50 Rimfire.

This video from Brownells takes viewers to Rock Island Auctions to showcase a rare French FAMAS rifle. Keith Ford and Paul Levy discuss the history and features of the FAMAS, which served as France's standard service rifle for decades. They highlight its distinctive bullpup design, lever-delayed blowback action, built-in bipod, and top-mounted charging handle. The video also touches on the scarcity and high cost of semi-automatic FAMAS variants imported into the US, often by Century Arms as the "MAS .223".

This video offers a detailed book review of "The Modèle 1866 Chassepot" by Guy & Leonard A-R-West. The book comprehensively covers the development, mechanics, ammunition, production, markings, and historical impact of the Chassepot needle-fire rifle. It highlights the Chassepot's technological superiority over the Prussian Dreyse rifles during the Franco-Prussian War and mentions its later conversion to 11mm Mauser cartridges. The review notes the book's use of photographs and hand drawings for illustration, as well as firsthand soldier commentary, and provides purchasing information. The book is a 145-page softcover in color, published in the UK.