The Breda PG (Italian: Presa Gas, "gas operated") was a prototype automatic rifle manufactured by Breda.

Breda PG
TypeBattle Rifle
Place of originKingdom of Italy
Service history
Used byKingdom of Italy
Costa Rica
WarsWorld War II
Costa Rican Civil War
Production history
DesignerSestilio Fiorini
Designed1931
ManufacturerBreda
Produced1935
Specifications
Cartridge6.5×52mm Mannlicher–Carcano
7×57mm Mauser
Caliber6.5mm (Italian variant)
7.57mm (Costa Rican variant)
ActionGas-operated, Open bolt
Rate of fire600 RPM
Feed system20 Round Box Magazine
SightsIron sights

The PG was a gas-operated rifle fed from a 20-round magazine. It was trialled by the Italian government and sold to the Costa Rican government. The Italian models were semi-automatic only and chambered in 6.5×52mm Mannlicher–Carcano, while the Costa Rican models were chambered in 7x57mm Mauser and had an automatic fire mode with a four-round burst limiter. This makes the PG the world's first burst-firing automatic rifle.[1][2]

Around 400 Breda PG rifles were issued to the Costa Rican military, which was disbanded in 1948.[3]

At least one Breda PG rifle was used at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds to help develop the burst-firing function on the M16 rifle.[4]

References

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  1. ^ McCollum, Ian (August 11, 2017). "Costa Rican Breda PG: The First Burst-Fire Rifle". Forgotten Weapons. Retrieved September 26, 2018.
  2. ^ McCollum, Ian (August 11, 2017). "Breda PG Photos". Forgotten Weapons. Retrieved September 26, 2018.
  3. ^ "Breda PG rifle". 27 November 2010.
  4. ^ "Lot Detail - (N) EXTREMELY RARE BREDA COSTA RICAN MODEL PG MACHINE GUN USED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THREE SHOT BURST FOR AMERICAN M16A2 (CURIO & RELIC)".
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