The Girardoni

[4065921]

This is an interesting article on a pre-civil war weapon used by the Austrian Army in 1780. It was posted by the Gun Owners Of America Face Book Group. The article describes the weapon as an air rifle with a "magazine capacity of 22 round balls, which could all be fired within 60 seconds. The balls were .46 caliber, weighing approximately 153 grains, and were propelled at 400-450 feet per second."

The article contains a great video on the breakdown and operation of the weapon. I do not believe the weapon made it to the U.S. even though there were several noted Austrian observers in the War. Imagine a brigade equipped with these weapons in a defensive position waiting the approach of the enemy in battle-line formation ... frightening.

http://bearingarms.com/assault-weapon-1780/

 

[Patrick H]

Is this essentially the same air rifle that Lewis and Clark carried with them? If so, it was a mighty weapon, indeed, in its day.

 

[4065921]

Is this essentially the same air rifle that Lewis and Clark carried with them? If so, it was a mighty weapon, indeed, in its day.

Yes it is:
http://www.outdoorhub.com/stories/2...girardoni-air-rifle-gun-helped-discover-west/

 

[major bill]

I attended a class where the Lewis and Clark air rifle was discussed and displayed and it is a very fine weapon.

 

[Booner]

153 grain ball at 400-450 fps, I wonder what the effective range was?

 

[4065921]

153 grain ball at 400-450 fps, I wonder what the effective range was?

I have read that it was used by France and Germany as a sniper weapon with a "stone cold killer" range of 100 yards.

"Larry Hannusch (personal communication, Nov. 27, 2002) reported that he has fired his own large bore Girandoni-system rifle (by Lowentz) producing 200 ft lbs. muzzle energy at 750 psi pressure, but that a muzzle energy of up to 150 ft. lbs. would be more typical at conservative pressures. Many references to the Girandoni air rifles mention lethal combat ranges of 125 to 150 yards and some extend that range considerably."

Girandoni air rifles and Girandoni style air guns - A major research study.
http://www.beemans.net/Austrian%20airguns.htm

 

[Specster]

Interesting but at the end of the day the weapon was impractical in battle. It understand that getting the air pressure up was a task, the weapon was delicate, required significant training, and was tough to manufacture. It saw service in Europe for maybe 20 years.

Amazing technology for the 1780s.

 

[Booner]

4065921, thanks for the info. I have new respect for my air rifle.

 

[Cpl. Smith]

These are some rare rifles today. Mabey that's why I want one.

 

[vmicraig]

One of the finest air rifle collections privately held was recently donated to the VMI museum in Lexington, VA and is available for public viewing free of charge in the Lee Chapel museum. Its the Henry Stewart Collection

 

[Cpl. Smith]

One of the finest air rifle collections privately held was recently donated to the VMI museum in Lexington, VA and is available for public viewing free of charge in the Lee Chapel museum. Its the Henry Stewart Collection

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cool. have to get down there.