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Girardoni air rifle
Air rifle / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Girandoni air rifle is an air gun designed by Italian inventor Bartolomeo Girandoni circa 1779. The weapon was also known as the Windbüchse ("wind rifle" in German). One of the rifle's more famous associations is its use on the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore and map the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
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Quick Facts Girandoni air rifle, Type ...
Girandoni air rifle | |
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![]() Girandoni system Austrian repeating air rifle, circa 1795, believed to have been taken on the Lewis and Clark Expedition | |
Type | Air rifle |
Place of origin | ![]() |
Service history | |
In service | 1780–1816 |
Used by | Austrian Empire |
Production history | |
Designer | Bartolomeo Girandoni |
Designed | 1779 or 1780 |
No. built | 1,300 |
Specifications | |
Mass | 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) |
Length | 120 cm (3.9 ft) |
Cartridge | spherical balls |
Caliber | .46", 11.7 mm 146.3 grains (9.48 g), or .51", 13 mm, 201.49 grains (13.06 g) |
Muzzle velocity | about 600 fps (152 m/s), 117 ft lbs (159 J) |
Feed system | 20/21 round magazine or hopper |
Sights | Iron |
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