The Frenchicon have been at the front of a few bits of kit over the years. There 75mm artillery field gun was I believe the first to have a recoil system built in so it did not move on the wheels when fired; therefore keeping the aim point. Probably the best field gun of WWI. Developed in the 1890's, it was years ahead of everyone else.
Although to be honest, I prefer my Lee Enfield's to the MAS36