| Carabine-mitrailleuse Ribeyrolles Modèle 1918 | |
| Origin: | France |
| Type: | Automatic rifle/Assault Rifle |
| Is Ranged: | yes |
| Designer: | Ribeyrolles |
| Design Date: | 1916 |
| Production Date: | 1916 to 1920 |
| Number: | 1 (conjecture) |
| Weight: | 5.1kg (11.2lb) unloaded |
| Length: | 1090mm |
| Part Length: | 450mm |
| Cartridge: | 8×35mm Ribeyrolles |
| Action: | Direct blowback |
| Rate: | 550–600 rounds per minute |
| Velocity: | 570m/s |
| Range: | 400m (1,300feet)[1] |
| Feed: | 25-round box magazine |
| Sights: | Iron sights |
The Ribeyrolles 1918 was an attempt to manufacture an automatic rifle for the French forces. It was chambered in the experimental 8×35mm round, used straight blowback, was fed from a 25-round detachable magazine and had an effective range of 400 meters. The cartridge, which some argue was the first purpose-built intermediate cartridge, was obtained by necking down the .351 Winchester Self-Loading.[1] Another source indicates that it was chambered in a cartridge designated 8×32mmSR.[2]
Its official name was Carabine Mitrailleuse 1918 ("Machine Carbine 1918" in English); in a 2007 book it appears as "fusil automatique Ribeyrolles 1918".[2] The Ribeyrolles had the distinction of being fitted with a lightweight bipod on the front (indicating an intended use as a squad automatic weapon) and a rifle bayonet identical to that of the Berthier Model 1907/15.
