As a history buff it’s easy to find numerous interesting tidbits by studying World War I, but what’s really fascinating is the firearms. World War I may have run its course between 1914 and 1918 but that doesn’t mean there weren’t advances in firearms technology going on. For example, the French took it upon themselves to a semi-automatic rifle for their infantry. That rifle was the Fusil Automatique Modele 1917, more commonly known as the RSC 1917, and although it didn’t see use until the tail end of the war it was a fantastic weapon.

Today the RSC 1917 is hard to come by; there are simply far more collectors than there are guns. 86,000 of the rifles were manufactured running up the halt of production in November of 1918, and today you’d be hard-pressed to find one that actually works. These rifles are gas operated, featured a rotating bolt, and chambered in 8x50mmR Lebel.

YouTuber Forgotten Weapons has covered countless historically interesting firearms, and this one is no different. I readily admit his is the first YouTube channel I typically check, because, well, history is awesome, and when you combine history and firearms? Even better. Take a look at the video below to learn a bit about World War I and France’s RSC 1917. Then hit the comments and let us know what your favorite historically relevant firearm is – aside from the 1911, guys.