Ribeyrolles 1918 automatic carbine
The Ribeyrolles 1918 was an attempt to manufacture an automatic rifle for the French forces. It was chambered in the experimental 8×35mm round, used straight blowback, was fed from a 25-round detachable magazine and had an effective range of 400 meters. The cartridge, which some argue was the first purpose-built intermediate cartridge, was obtained by necking down the .351 Winchester Self-Loading.[1] Another source indicates that it was chambered in a cartridge designated 8×32mmSR.[2]
| Carabine-mitrailleuse Ribeyrolles Modèle 1918 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Automatic rifle/Assault Rifle |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| Used by | French Army |
| Wars | World War I |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1916 |
| Produced | 1916 to 1920 |
| No. built | 1 (conjecture) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5.1 kg (11 lb) unloaded |
| Length | 1,090 mm (43 in) |
| Barrel length | 450 mm (18 in) |
| Cartridge | 8×35mm Ribeyrolles |
| Action | Direct blowback[1] |
| Rate of fire | 550–600 rounds per minute |
| Muzzle velocity | 570 m/s (1,900 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 400 m (440 yd)[1] |
| Feed system | 25-round box magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights |
Its official name was Carabine Mitrailleuse 1918 ("Machine Carbine 1918" in English); in a 2007 book it appears as "fusil automatique Ribeyrolles 1918".[2] The Ribeyrolles had the distinction of being fitted with a lightweight bipod on the front (indicating an intended use as a squad automatic weapon) and a rifle bayonet identical to that of the Berthier Model 1907/15.
See also
References
- "Assault Rifles And Their Ammunition:". Quarry.nildram.co.uk. 1943-07-15. Archived from the original on June 2, 2014. Retrieved 2011-02-15.
- "Re: FRENCH WEAPONS" #56 has info from Jean Huon (2007). Les pistolets mitrailleurs français. Editions Crépin-Leblond. ISBN 978-2-7030-0300-7. Cf. "Re: FRENCH WEAPONS" #58.
External links
- "French .351 W.S.L." iaaforum.org (International Ammunition Association). Retrieved 2011-02-15.
- "8x35 Ribeyrolle / 8 mm Ribeyrolles / 8x35 SR / SAA 3875" (in Spanish). Municion.org. Archived from the original on 5 September 2008. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
- Ribeyrolles 1918 - France's First Assault Rifle or a Failed Prototype? on Forgotten Weapons
- Image of the Ribeyrolles on Forgotten Weapons
- Carabine Mitrailleuse 1918 at Historical Firearms
