Cosmi Automatic
Cosmi Americo & Figlio S.n.c. · Shotgun · In Production · 1925
Also known as: Cosmi Semi-Automatico, Cosmi Semi-Automatic
Overview
The Cosmi Automatic is a hand-built Italian semi-automatic shotgun and the only self-loading shotgun that breaks open like a traditional double gun for loading and inspection. Operating on a long-recoil action, it feeds from an integral tube magazine housed inside the buttstock and is assembled from more than one hundred meticulously hand-fitted, mirror-polished steel parts. Renowned as the 'Rolls-Royce' of shotguns, it has been produced in Ancona, Italy as a bespoke luxury firearm since the 1920s.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3550 g (125.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1250 mm (49.21") |
| Barrel Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Action Type | Long Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore, 12/70
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Integral Tube Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Magazine Cutoff
- Features: Break Open Action, Tube Magazine In Stock, Top Lever, Hand Built, Magazine Cutoff
Variants
- Cosmi Superleggero Titanio — Lightweight Titanium
Production
Estimated total produced: 8,000 · Production years: 1925-present
Approximately 8,000 produced over the firm's history; built as bespoke pieces in gauges from .410 to 12
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Rodolfo Cosmi
Notes
The break-open design allows the integral tube magazine in the stock to be loaded and the action inspected like a conventional break-action gun, a feature unique among semi-automatic shotguns. A magazine cutoff lets the shooter reduce effective capacity. Each gun is largely hand-made to order in gauges from .410 to 12.
Background
Rodolfo Cosmi (1873-1936) was a self-taught gunsmith from Macerata Feltria who patented his break-open semi-automatic action in 1931 (US Patent 1,802,198). The very first Cosmi made in 1925 is said to still function perfectly. The gun's prestige drew owners including the King of Italy and an Italian prime minister; the firm relocated to Torrette di Ancona in 1938 and continues to hand-build the design today.