1789 Girardoni Air Rifle: A Generation Ahead of Its Time

Designed by Bartolomeo Girardoni the in the 1770s, the Girardoni is an air rifle that can fire 20 rounds as quickly as a modern bolt action rifle. It uses .46 caliber round lead balls, delivering 154 grains of lead per shot at about 1000 fps. This was a revolutionary weapon when it was created, and it was adopted by the Austrian army. However, its manufacturing was very difficult, and not enough were made before the inventor’s death to make a significant effect on and battles. Poor tactical use of the guns that did get into service didn’t help. It wasn’t until more than 60 years later that an equally effective military rifle was developed, that being the Spencer.