Mexican Mondragon semi-auto

[snowhunter]

With facination, I just learned about the earliest known, semi-auto rifle issuet to troops, the 1908 Mexican Mondragon rifle in 7 X 57 Mauser.

Find it on the web under "Mondragon rifle" and www.cruffler.com/historic-february01.html

 

[Dark Alley Dan]

I've actually seen one, believe it or not, in the Lithuanian National War Museum, in Kaunas.

And like every other firearm in that museum, from C96 Mausers to Artillery Lugers and sweet S&W breaktop Russians, it had a half-inch hole drilled in the chamber.

Yet another reason for the Lithuanians to despise the Soviets.

 

[f_soldaten04]

I belive early reconnaisance pilots were issued with the mondragon rifle. cant remember where I read this.

 

[MarkCNP]

It was only useful for pilots because it jammed too easily in the trenches.

 

[snowhunter]

The story about the Mondragon semi-auto's use by the german airforce, which used a 30 round snail drum for the 7x57 Mauser cartridge, was so poor that to overcome malfunctions, an aircraft would carry two Mondragon rifles, and later, the germans scrapped all Mondragon rifles.

 

[victorm]

The story about the Mondragon semi-auto's use by the german airforce, which used a 30 round snail drum for the 7x57 Mauser cartridge, was so poor that to overcome malfunctions, an aircraft would carry two Mondragon rifles, and later, the germans scrapped all Mondragon rifles.

It is easier to switch guns than to reload a 30 round magazine. Three magazines were serial numbered to the gun, two guns per aircraft. Once machine guns became more plentiful the Mondragon was emergency use only. Yes, it was terrible in the trenches just like the Ross. You will see them issued to reconnaisance airplanes, balloons, and navy as long as its a clean environment.
More of an issue was the ammunition, thats why Mexico changed their minds about purchasing them. Bolt action and single shots don't care about the quality of the ammo as long as it goes bang. Autoloaders are finicky. There is a YouTube video showing a woman shooting the 30 round FSK15.