Cei-Rigotti
Italian State Arsenals (Terni / Brescia / Gardone) · Rifle · Prototype · 1900
Also known as: Cei-Rigotti automatic carbine, Cei rifle
Overview
The Cei-Rigotti is an early Italian gas-operated, selective-fire self-loading rifle designed around 1895-1900 by Royal Italian Army officer Amerigo Cei-Rigotti. Chambered primarily in 6.5x52mm Carcano, it used a long-stroke gas piston driving a rotating bolt and fed from detachable box magazines of varying capacity. Tested extensively by the Italian Army in the years before the First World War, it was never adopted for service.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4300 g (151.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1000 mm (39.37") |
| Barrel Length | 483 mm (19.02") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 730 m/s (2395 fps) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x52mm Mannlicher-Carcano · primary — also known as 6.5 Carcano, 6.5x52mm, 6.5mm Mannlicher-Carcano
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Features: Gas Piston, Selective Fire, Rotating Bolt
Service history
Operators
- Royal Italian Army
Production
Production years: 1900-1905
Only a small number of prototypes were ever built; never entered series production
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Amerigo Cei-Rigotti
Discontinued: 1905
Notes
One of the earliest practical selective-fire self-loading rifles. Surviving examples were built as prototypes in several configurations, including chamberings in 7.65x53mm Mauser. Tests were dogged by reliability and overheating problems, and no military formally adopted it.
Background
The Cei-Rigotti was one of the first selective-fire rifles in the world, predating most assault-rifle concepts by half a century. Despite a successful 1900 demonstration that astonished observers, the Italian Army rejected it as too unreliable and ammunition-hungry, and the design faded into obscurity.