first semi auto rifle?

[sportee]

here's a quiz question. What was the first semi auto rifle (not shotgun)?

 

[SDC]

Prototype or full production? I believe Maxim had a working recoil-operated prototype by the early 1880s, but Mannlicher had a Model 1885 that worked internally like a Browning MG, and could be fired semi or full.

 

[sportee]

Im thinking production semi auto. Full auto's aside.

 

[Killer Kanuck]

It was the Mondragon wasn't it?

 

[scanner]

I think it was a Browning semi-auto conversion of their 1886 lever action rifle? Not sure, just a guess.

 

[SDC]

Im thinking production semi auto. Full auto's aside.

These were semi rifles (though the Mannlicher could be fired FA); some of Maxim's design's used a compressible buttplate to recock the rifle through recoil (basically a reworked lever-action), while later ones used gas to operate a "flapper valve" to do the same thing. Browning's first design was essentially the same, using a muzzle "flapper valve" to work the action on a lever-action, and that basic mechanism (reworked to belt-feed) became the Colt 1895 "potato digger".

 

[Claven2]

The production first semi-automatic rimfire and centerfire rifle designed especially for the civilian market was Winchester Model 1903.

The firt Semi-auto rifle, production model notwithstanding, is generally accredited to Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher's Model 1885 rifle.

 

[esquif]

it was a mexican gun if i remember right somme one will know around 1880, first pistol is probably the 1894 steyr

 

[Claven2]

I may be wrong, but I think the second production semi-auto was the 1904 Luger toggle-bolt hunting rifle, though it almost qualifies as a custom rifle. Then the Winchester Model 1905.

 

[f_soldaten04]

Although not the first, still interesting:

Mondragon Rifle

Disregard the title! Its not a Soviet Degtyarev!

 

[Juster]

Quant a http://en.wikipedia. org/ wiki/Semi-automatic_firearm
The first successful design for a semi-automatic rifle is attributed to German-born gunsmith Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher, who unveiled the design in 1885.

 

[junkman]

Never owned one. I've always used the old reliable bolt actions. Maybe when I'm to old to work the bolt I'll get a new fangled semi auto........junkman

 

[dingus]

well is the gattleing gun semi auto?
its crank auto!