Correction of John D. Pederson's Prototype Semi-Auto rifle-Please read!
In the early 1930's, John D. Pederson submitted a prototype semi-automatic entry with a toggle-type action, as used in the German Luger, to the US Ordnance Department's competition for a new service rifle. Both Pederson & Garand submitted examples in .276 caliber. Pederson's was rejected and John Garand's design in .276 was approved by the Ordnance Dep't in 1931 , & sent to the Chief of Staff, General Douglas MacArthur, for approval. He disapproved it because it took a different caliber, and Gen. Mac said that that the US had large stockpiles of 30-06 rounds left over from the Great War. ( It was not then known as WWI, because WWII had not yet occurred.), and that "It would introduce an element of confusion, especially in time of war". About 50 of Pederson's model was made by Vickers in England to sell to the Americans, so it is not a real prototype, but the pix are interesting to see.
Pix is available at www.stevecobbguns.com, click on "Guns for sale", "Rifles", & then "American".
It is well worth seeing. I went over to his shop & took a look at it. It is really neat. It was like holding another piece of history in my hands.
