Of course, it was an FN pistol in the hands of the Black Hand that ignited the Great War in the first place. In this installment of the Handguns of World War I, we look at the Fabrique Nationale pistols, including, the Model 1900 and Model 1903 pistols, used by the Belgian Army during World War I. How good were they? Here’s a hint: They were designed by John Moses Browning. If the Belgians were squared away on handguns, the same could not be said of the French. The standard French sidearm at the start of the war was the anemic 8 mm Modele 1895 double-action revolver. While the French dug the Modele 1873 (made more famous by Brendan Frazier in “The Mummy”) out of mothballs for use in the trenches, France relied on Spanish-made Ruby pistols for more firepower. And firepower is a relative term—these were .32 ACP copies of the Browning 1903. Know what a Ruby is? Better watch this.
For more American Rifleman TV segments, go to americanrifleman.org/artv.
Handguns of The Great War: Belgium and France
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Glock Unveils Its GEN6, V-Series Pistols
"Perfection" is now in its sixth generation, as Glock introduces its new GEN6 line of handguns, which incorporates substantial mechanical and ergonomic changes compared to previous factory offerings.
Tisas Introduces PX-9 2.0 Duty Comp, Carry Comp & Tactical Comp Pistols
Many handgunners are seeing the value of muzzle compensators on their handguns, and Turkish gunmaker Tisas is answering the call with three new models: the PX-9 2.0 Duty Comp, Carry Comp and Tactical Comp.
Preview: Federal BYOB .22LR Ammo Bucket
With 1,375 rounds of .22 Long Rifle ammunition, the stackable, reusable Federal BYOB .22 LR Ammo Bucket is sure to keep even the most ardent shooter of rimfire handguns or rifles busy for a while—even if there’s more than one new gun under the tree.
Gun Of The Week: CZ 600+ American
CZ expanded its 600 series of rifles with a particular version tailored to the American market, and this CZ 600+ American model has a few unique features incorporated into the design.
The Armed Citizen® Dec. 5, 2025
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
30 Years Of Bond Arms Pistols
Bond Arms, the Texas-based maker of a series of double-barrel derringers inspired by a design from the Old West, celebrates 30 years in business in 2025.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
