Pedersen Rifle (T1E3)
Springfield Armory (US Government) · Rifle · Prototype · 1926
Also known as: T1E3, Pedersen Self-Loading Rifle, Vickers-Pedersen
Overview
The Pedersen rifle, designated T1E3 in its final form, was a semi-automatic service-rifle prototype designed by John D. Pedersen and built in small numbers by Springfield Armory for U.S. Army trials in the 1920s as a candidate to replace the M1903 Springfield. It used an unusual toggle-delayed blowback action, related in appearance to the Luger pistol's toggle joint, and was chambered for the purpose-designed .276 Pedersen intermediate cartridge fed from a 10-round en-bloc clip.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4100 g (144.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1117 mm (43.98") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 808 m/s (2651 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2920 J (2154 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .276 Pedersen · primary — also known as 7x51mm Pedersen, .276 Pedersen T2E1
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: En Bloc Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Toggle Delayed Blowback, Toggle Lock Breech, Dry Wax Lubricated Cartridges, En Bloc Clip Feed, Trials Prototype
Variants
- Vickers-Pedersen Rifle — Licensed Production
Service history
Operators
- United States Army (trials) · as T1E3
Production
Estimated total produced: 300 · Production years: 1926-1932
Approximately 300 trials rifles manufactured at Springfield Armory; a small number were also produced under license by Vickers in Britain
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John D. Pedersen
Discontinued: 1932
Notes
The toggle-delayed mechanism required dry-wax-lubricated cartridges to function reliably, a logistical drawback that counted against it. About 300 rifles were made for testing. The action is closest to delayed blowback rather than true toggle-locked; the schema lacks a toggle_delayed enum, so blowback is used with the mechanism noted in features.
Background
Pedersen's rifle was the chief rival to John Garand's design in the U.S. semi-automatic rifle trials; the Army ultimately rejected the .276 Pedersen cartridge at the insistence of Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur, who wanted to keep the .30-06, which steered the program toward what became the M1 Garand.