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
Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History
From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.
Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke
I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.
Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase
Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.
Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite
Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.
The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition
Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.
The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
