Forgotten Firepower: Russia’s Early Self-Loading Rifles of WWI

When people think of Russian firearms, their minds often jump straight to Mosin-Nagants or, later, the iconic AK series. But long before World War II and the Cold War defined the Soviet Union's global arms image, Imperial Russia was already deep in the race to develop self-loading rifles.

Like many world powers in the early 20th century, Russia sought to become the first to successfully adopt a semi-automatic rifle for military use. And while few of these rifles reached mass deployment, their designs were far ahead of their time — and remain largely forgotten by history.

🔧 The Fedorov Legacy

Most enthusiasts recognize the Fedorov Avtomat M1916, often cited as one of the world's first true assault rifles. Though limited in number and role, this weapon saw combat during World War I, particularly with elite troops. Chambered in the Japanese 6.5×50mm Arisaka cartridge (due to logistical necessity), it was lightweight, select-fire, and fed by a 25-round detachable magazine — features unheard of in most standard infantry rifles of the time.

But the M1916 wasn’t Fedorov’s only contribution. His earlier work included:

Fedorov M1912 Self-Loading Rifle – An early semi-automatic design that helped lay the groundwork for later models.

Fedorov M1913 (7.62mm and 6.5mm) – Experimental rifles in both Russian and smaller calibers, along with a compact carbine variant. These prototypes showcased the growing interest in balancing firepower with weight and recoil.

🧪 Tokarev's Experiments

Before his name became known in Soviet weapons development, Fedor Tokarev was already pushing boundaries. His contributions include:

Tokarev M1909 & M1910 Self-Loading Rifles – Early attempts to break away from bolt-action limitations.

Tokarev M1918 Rifle & Carbine – Intended to offer semi-automatic firepower for standard troops, these models were notable for improved gas operation systems.

Several Mosin-Nagant conversions by Tokarev also tested semi-auto functionality using modified receivers and gas systems.

🔍 Other Rare & Forgotten Designs

While Fedorov and Tokarev led much of the charge, several other experimental designs deserve recognition:

Kalashnikov M1916 Automatic Rifle – Not related to Mikhail Kalashnikov of AK-47 fame, this rare piece featured full-auto capability and remains an obscure but fascinating entry in Russian development, utilizing a crescent magazine similar to the Chauchat LMG.

Rochepei M1905 Self-Loading Rifle – An unusual but important part of early Russian semi-auto research.

Mosin-Bräuning M1907/M1911 – Developed by FN Herstal, this Mosin-Nagant conversion used Karl August Bräuning’s Dutch operating system, reflecting a unique blend of Russian and European firearm engineering.

Frolov Rifles M1912–1914 – Among the most obscure of Imperial Russia's firearm experiments, the Frolov rifles were developed by Captain Pyotr Frolov. Designed during the years just before World War I, these rifles used a delayed-blowback action and were chambered in 7.62×38mmR — the same round used by the Nagant revolver. Although technically a pistol-carbine hybrid, the Frolov design came in multiple configurations, including military-style full-stocked models and more compact versions. These weapons were entered into Russian Army trials but never adopted, overshadowed by logistical challenges and the dominance of bolt-action service rifles. Few prototypes are known to have survived, and their rarity today makes them one of the least-documented yet most intriguing self-loading designs of the era.

🌍 Influence from Abroad

Russia also received small quantities of foreign weapons through their alliance with the Triple Entente. Before America formally entered the war, some U.S. and Allied semi-automatic rifles were shipped east, further influencing Russian designs and field testing.

Notably, American-made Remington Model 8 and Winchester Model 1907 self-loading rifles may have found their way into Russia through military aid or private sales. Though limited in number, these rifles may have seen use not only during the First World War but also in the Russian Civil War, where both White and Red forces relied on any available arms. These imports helped broaden Russian exposure to semi-automatic platforms and contributed, in small part, to the design experimentation of the time.

🕰️ A Legacy Buried by Time

Unfortunately, much of Russia’s early semi-automatic rifle development was clouded by the outbreak of the Russian Revolution, the collapse of the Tsarist regime, and the transition to Soviet rule. Many prototypes were lost, shelved, or quietly buried beneath the dominant weapons and ideologies of World War II.

As a result, online forums, museums, and documentaries often focus on Soviet-era designs — leaving the bold experiments of Imperial Russia forgotten in the shadows.

But as research continues and old letters, patents, and battlefield records resurface, we’re reminded that Russia’s self-loading rifle journey began far earlier than most realize — with ambition, innovation, and a vision of modern warfare far ahead of its time.

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