Century Arms N-PAP DF 7.62x39mm Semi-Automatic Rifle with Underfolding Stock

Semi-Automatic Rifle

The first design of a recoil-operated semi-automatic rifle is attributed to Ferdinand Mannlicher, who unveiled the design in 1885 based on work begun in 1883.^[1][2] Other non-gas operated semi-automatic models were the Model 85 and Mannlicher Models 91, 93 and 95 rifles.^[3] The designs were deeply flawed and never made past the conceptual/prototype stage due to issues inherent to the black powder used in their cartridges (based around the Austrian 11×58mmR M/77), such as insufficient velocity and excessive fouling; automatic firearms would only become feasible after smokeless powder became widespread. Mannlicher’s designs were, nonetheless, the forerunner of automatic rifles and served as a base for a number of future weapons, such as Browning machine guns (M1917, M1919 and M2)^[4] and the Lewis gun.^[5] Furthermore, from the early 1890s up until his death in 1904, Mannlicher produced smokeless powder versions of his guns.^[6]