If “plagiarism is the greatest form of flattery,” then the Mondragon rifle designers should be proud of their accomplishments. Here is what General Mondragon left for the future of autoloaders.
Integral Box Magazine Well
Note: the “receiver” and “magazine well” are all one piece.
Modular Trigger Assembly
Double Stack En-Bloc Clips
As used in the Mondragon 1890 manually operated action and the 1900 semi-automatic models. And you thought the Garand was first!
Integral Bipod
It’s spindly, clumsy and its questionable how much support it would actually provide. Someone did realize that supporting the forearm of the stock is a better idea than clamping it to the barrel. Apart from this rifle, I have only ever seen sniper rifles with integral bipods.
Gas Operated Reloading System
All gas guns have a gas tap near the muzzle, either above or below the barrel. A gas tube that directs gas against a piston that drives the pushrod which is attached to the bolt and a return spring. See gas system.
High-Capacity Removable Magazine
High velocity small caliber cartridge.
The Mondragon Rifle for the 21st Century
