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| ==Design and Capabilities== | ==Design and Capabilities== | ||
| The Girandoni Air Rifle was a rifle designed by Bartholomäus Girandoni circa 1779. Also known as the Windbüchse, it was of the same basic size and shape as other muskets of the time, but was powered by compressed air instead of |
The Girandoni Air Rifle was a ] designed by ] circa ]. Also known as the Windbüchse, it was of the same basic size and shape as other muskets of the time, but was powered by compressed air instead of ]. It fired a .51 caliber ball, at a velocity similar to that of a modern ], from a tubular ] with a capacity of 20 balls. With a full air reservoir in the buttstock the Girandoni Air Rifle had the capacity to shoot 30 shots. These balls were effective to approximately 150 yards.<br /> | ||
| ==History and Use== | ==History and Use== | ||
| The Girandoni Air Rifle was in service with the Austrian army from 1780 to around 1815. The advantages of a high rate of fire, no smoke from propellants, and low muzzle report granted it initial acceptance, but it was eventually removed from service for several reasons. While the detachable air reservoir was capable of around 30 shots it took nearly 1500 pumps of a hand pump to pump those reservoirs. In addition, the weapon was very delicate and a small break could make it inoperable. Finally, it was very different from any other weapon of the time and any soldier using it needed to be highly trained.<br /> | The Girandoni Air Rifle was in service with the ] army from ] to around ]. The advantages of a high rate of fire, no smoke from propellants, and low muzzle report granted it initial acceptance, but it was eventually removed from service for several reasons. While the detachable air reservoir was capable of around 30 shots it took nearly 1500 pumps of a hand pump to pump those reservoirs. In addition, the weapon was very delicate and a small break could make it inoperable. Finally, it was very different from any other weapon of the time and any ] using it needed to be highly trained.<br /> | ||
| ==Importance== | ==Importance== | ||
| The Girandoni Air Rifle was an important first. It was one of the first uses of a tubular magazine, the coil spring, and air compression for firearms. And, although it saw service for only 35 years, it was more advanced in design and technology then the Henry rifle which didn't arrive for another fifty years. | The Girandoni Air Rifle was an important first. It was one of the first uses of a tubular ], the coil spring, and air compression for firearms. And, although it saw service for only 35 years, it was more advanced in design and technology then the ] which didn't arrive for another fifty years. | ||
| ==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
| * | * | ||
Revision as of 22:57, 29 November 2006
Design and Capabilities
The Girandoni Air Rifle was a rifle designed by Bartholomäus Girandoni circa 1779. Also known as the Windbüchse, it was of the same basic size and shape as other muskets of the time, but was powered by compressed air instead of gunpowder. It fired a .51 caliber ball, at a velocity similar to that of a modern .45 ACP, from a tubular magazine with a capacity of 20 balls. With a full air reservoir in the buttstock the Girandoni Air Rifle had the capacity to shoot 30 shots. These balls were effective to approximately 150 yards.
History and Use
The Girandoni Air Rifle was in service with the Austrian army from 1780 to around 1815. The advantages of a high rate of fire, no smoke from propellants, and low muzzle report granted it initial acceptance, but it was eventually removed from service for several reasons. While the detachable air reservoir was capable of around 30 shots it took nearly 1500 pumps of a hand pump to pump those reservoirs. In addition, the weapon was very delicate and a small break could make it inoperable. Finally, it was very different from any other weapon of the time and any soldier using it needed to be highly trained.
Importance
The Girandoni Air Rifle was an important first. It was one of the first uses of a tubular magazine, the coil spring, and air compression for firearms. And, although it saw service for only 35 years, it was more advanced in design and technology then the Henry rifle which didn't arrive for another fifty years.
Sources
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