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Quick Look
The Lewis Gun, mistakenly referred to here, is unrelated to the 'RSC 1917'—the RSC 1917 is a French semi-automatic rifle introduced during World War I. Designed for rapid fire and durability, it offered French troops increased firepower. Today, the RSC 1917 is a rare collector’s piece prized for its historical significance.
Why It's a Top Choice
- Early semi-automatic design for increased rate of fire
- Robust and resistant to battlefield conditions
- Significant in development of automatic rifles
- Unique gas-operated system for its era
- Collectors value its World War I heritage
Key Variants
The RSC 1917 primarily exists in its standard infantry rifle configuration; limited documented variants exist.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Feature | RSC 1917 | Chauchat | Berthier |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | N/A (historic) | N/A (historic) | N/A (historic) |
| Capacity/Size | 5-round magazine | 20-round magazine | 5-round magazine |
| Weight | 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs) | 9.07 kg (20 lbs) | 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs) |
| Optics-Ready | No | No | No |
| Trigger Type | Gas-operated semi-auto | Gas-operated automatic | Bolt-action |
| Notable Pro | Early semi-auto adoption | High capacity, automatic fire | Reliable bolt-action accuracy |
| Notable Con | Limited magazine capacity | Prone to jamming | Slow rate of fire |
Best Use Cases
- Historical collections
- Military history study
- World War I reenactments
- Museum exhibitions
- Firearm education
FAQs
Can I purchase an RSC 1917 today?
Original RSC 1917 rifles are rare collector's items and typically found through private sales or auctions with proper legal compliance.
What caliber does the RSC 1917 use?
The RSC 1917 chambers the 8mm Lebel cartridge, standard for French service rifles in World War I.
How does the RSC 1917 operate?
It uses a gas-operated, semi-automatic mechanism with a fixed 5-round magazine.
