Auto-Ordnance Carbine (Prototype)
The Auto-Ordnance Carbine was a prototype recoil-operated carbine designed by a Mr. Bergman(?) for Auto-Ordnance Company around 1941 and submitted to the US Light Rifle Trials that same year. As with the other entries to the trials, it was chambered in .30 Carbine. It is radically different from Auto-Ordnance's other submission, their Thompson Light Rifle, which was essentially a Thompson SMG converted to .30 Carbine. Unfortunately, that firearm was too heavy to even be given a serious look.
Variants
First Model: Submitted May 22nd, 1941. Select-fire.
Second "Refurbished" Model: Submitted September 5th, 1941. Select-fire capability was removed. Two barrels were submitted, one standard and one with a compensator. Magazines also received a curved shape for more reliable feeding. It also held open on the last shot, as well as automatically closed the bolt when a new magazine was inserted. Magazine would be auto ejected on empty.
Specifications
Overall Length: 35 inches Barrel Length: 15.6 inches Caliber: .30 Carbine Weight: 5.5 lbs (first model), 5.66 lbs (second model). Magazine Capacity: 5 to 30 round detachable box magazine.