The FN Model 1900

[canuck]

With many thanks to board member "Noel", I recently aquired my third Fabrique Nationale Model 1900 autoloading rifle.

As was the case with many of John Browning's designs, this is the European version of an American licenced firearm (the Remington Model 8).
There were only 4913 of these rifles produced (ref. "Henwood") before the outbreak of WW1 when the FN plant was occupied by German forces and it is not known how many actually survived, and moreso, how many came to Canada.

I am attempting to establish some sort of database of known rifles in North America, and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has one of these rifles and would be willing to send some info on thier gun. This info would be willingly shared among interested persons once I put something together.
A picture of the rifle and at least the first two digits of the serial number would be most helpfull.
Other relevent info would be presence/absence of the ribbed barrel jacket, type of sights, description of the cocking handle, and any history you may have of the gun.
Any, and all, input would be very much appreciated.

Here are some pics of my FN1900s

 

[sgt.rock]

WOW, such beautiful rifles. Glad to see some people interested in preserving history. Word of mouth just doesn't quite capture the beauty of design that a real life piece of metal and wood can. I am assuming that these are chambered in 9.3x57?? Seems to be a common caliber of the times. I ask, as I am not familiar with these rifles and some info would be nice. What were the barrel lengths? Capacity? Rifling twist rate? Any other info you have would be nice. OAL? etc. I love learning about rifles unknown to me.

 

[canuck]

Thanks for the interest!
The FN 1900 was chambered in only one calibre - 9mm (same as .35 Remington), and the internal mag holds 4 rounds.
The barrel length is 22", same as the Model 8, but the overall length is slightly longer.

I forgot to mention in my original post, there were two basic variations of this rifle - the later production differs from the earlier rifles with the addition of the barrel jacket rib, differnt sights, cocking knob, buttplate and proof mark location - I'm not certain at what point in production these changes happened.


Interestingly, in October of 1915, the French air force had 90 of these rifles in thier front line service (as well as Remington Model 8s and Winchester 1907s !) (ref; "Henwood")

 

[Noel]

Hey Canuck.
Is that one ever NICE!!!!!!

Happy it went to a good home, and you are most welcome.
Mitch had a line on another one in Ontario if you have his email.
I can't recall where it was. Was similar money but I doubt that nice. I checked back not long after mentioning it to you and found it was already gone. You move fast!

Did they all have that rib on top the barrel?

 

[canuck]

Thanks again Noel, yes its in fantastic condition!
Mitch?
From Great Model 8?
Don't believe I have any contact info for him.


Re; the rib on the barrel jacket, it would appear tha only the later guns had this - the other two rifles I have do not have the rib.

 

[Noel]

Thanks again Noel, yes its in fantastic condition!
Mitch?
From Great Model 8?
Don't believe I have any contact info for him.


Re; the rib on the barrel jacket, it would appear tha only the later guns had this - the other two rifles I have do not have the rib.

Yeah, there's only 'one Mitch'.

I wish my 8 had that rib, finishes that barrel nicely.
Shoot it yet?

 

[Nyles]

Beautiful rifle!