Fusil Standardisé Modèle 1889

Mechanics & Inner Workings

The FS-89 uses a straight-pull bolt-action mechanism kept secure by symmetrical front locks, trading increased complexity for higher rate of fire and ease of training. A two-stage trigger is used to provide a smoother action for precision firing with a cock-on-close mechanism. Ammunition can be either the older 8mm Renaud round-nose projectile or the newer 8mm FAE spire-nose projectile, though original FS-89 rifles without the -89/01 sight updates only have range marking for the Renaud. Either way it is fed through 8-rounds, double-stack enbloc clips inserted from above into a fixed magazine. The magazine does not have a clip chute and instead releases upwards empty clips via spring tension, producing a characteristic plink noise.
In the -89/02G version, the symmetrical front locks are replaced by a stiffer screw-like lock instead, allowing it to handle hotter ammunition loads due to its higher resistance. All -89/02G are sighted for 8mm FAE exclusively.

Manufacturing process

The barrel of the FS-89 features roughly 3 and a half twists across its length, following an hexagon-shaped sub-set of polygonal rifling. It is formed by inserting a cold mandrel into a heated blank barrel and imprinting it through a steam-powered press. The receiver is machined from a single block of mild steel while additional, simple moving parts are stamped from sheet metal. The stock is a two-piece assembly and is treated with 3 coats of flaxseed oil as finish.

History

The Fusil Standardisé modèle 1889 is a typical example of military procurement within the Seilurid Empire. With the advent of nitrocellulose-based smokeless gunpowder in 1886, all nations scrambled to quickly design and adopt new rifles to take advantage of this innovation that provided a considerable advantage over armies still equipped with older black powder weapons. The Seilurid, confident in their regional position of force in eastern Achaean as well as in the quality of their soldiery's training and morale, decided to take their time in designing a new, smokeless powder rifle, believing no nation would be foolish enough to start a war in the intermission.
Though it it was one of the last service rifles to be designed and introduced among the major nations of Achaea, the fact that the design process was allowed to follow its due course resulted in a final weapon that came into service with most of its pre-production kinks ironed out and avoiding flaws caused by the re-using of older parts and ammunition components seen elsewhere to save time. Procurement has also been somewhat slow due to the relatively complex and expensive design of its bolt and feed system, but stockpiles have been steadily increasing throughout the 1890s, resulting in a sizable amount of the rifles equipping Seilurid armed forces as standard.
Several variants have been introduced as well, including a shortened carbine version for cavalry use designated FS-89D for Dragon which was introduced at the same time as the original. The FS-89/01 version introduced in 1901 features a stack hook and a new sight with markings in both old and new ammunition, while the FS-89/02G is a further improved 1902 version for the use of Imperial Guard units, easily recognized by its semi-pistol grip and black ebony stock.

Item type

Weapon, Ranged

Creation Date

1889

Manufacturer

Fabrique d'Armes d'Elfame

Owning Organization

Seilurid Empire

Weight

3.9kg

Dimensions

120cm

Base Price

24 Scinti

Raw materials & Components

The barrel, bolt and locks of the FS-89 are made of carbon steel, while its receiver and other mechanical parts are made of mild steel. The stock is made of birch wood and treated with flaxseed oil.