Bommarito: America’s First Toggle-Locked Battle Rifle

Published on October 1, 2025
Duration: 1:03

The Bommarito represents America's first attempt at a toggle-locked battle rifle, tested by Springfield in 1916. It features a 20-round detachable magazine with a lock-open-on-empty function and utilizes a short recoil mechanism where the barrel and receiver travel 1.25 inches. Despite its innovative design, testing revealed significant extraction issues and difficulties clearing jams, hindering its development.

Quick Summary

The Bommarito rifle, America's first toggle-locked battle rifle tested by Springfield in 1916, featured a 20-round detachable magazine and a short recoil action. However, testing revealed critical extraction and jam-clearing issues that hampered its development.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Bommarito Battle Rifle
  2. 00:06Toggle Action & 20-Round Magazine
  3. 00:20Short Recoil Mechanism Explained
  4. 00:42Testing Failures & Development

Frequently Asked Questions

What was unique about the Bommarito rifle's action?

The Bommarito rifle was notable as America's first toggle-locked battle rifle. It employed a short recoil operating system where the barrel and receiver traveled together for about 1.25 inches before unlocking.

What were the main issues encountered during Bommarito rifle testing?

Testing revealed significant problems with extraction, leading to frequent jams. Clearing these jams was also difficult, especially when the action was only partially open, hindering the rifle's practical development.

What was the magazine capacity and feature of the Bommarito rifle?

The Bommarito rifle was equipped with a 20-round detachable box magazine. A key feature was its ability to lock open on an empty magazine, a useful function for military firearms.

When and by whom was the Bommarito rifle first tested?

The Bommarito rifle, recognized as America's first toggle-locked battle rifle, underwent its initial testing by Springfield Armory in 1916. Development continued for several years after.

Related News

All News →

More General Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →