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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 gun powder. It fired a .51 caliber ball, at a velocity similar to that of a modern .45 ACP, from a tubular amgazine with a capacity of 20 balls. With a full air resevoir in the buttstock the Girandoni Air Rifle had the capacity to shoot 30 shots. These balls were effective to aproximately 150 yards.
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 acceptence, but it was eventually removed from service for several reasons. While the detachable air resevoir was capable of around 30 shots it took nearly 1500 pumps of a hand pump to pump those resevoirs. 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.
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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