 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (February 2011) |
| Meunier rifle A6 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1910–1918 |
| Used by | France |
| Wars | World War I |
| Production history | |
| No. built | 1,013 rifles manufactured |
| Variants | Meunier A6 Rifle, Carbine. |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4 kg empty, 4.6 kg with bayonet, 4.1 kg loaded, 4.8 kg loaded with bayonet. |
| Length | 1295 mm |
| Barrel length | 715 mm |
| Caliber | 7×59mm "7mm Meunier" |
| Action | Semi-automatic |
| Muzzle velocity | Not fully known due to lack of documentation, some sources say 800 m/s (2700 ft/s), some say more than 914 m/s (3000 ft/s). |
| Feed system | 5, 10, 15 round internal magazine, fed with five round stripper clips. |
| Sights | Open iron sights |
The Meunier rifle, known as the "Meunier A6" or "STA No. 8", evolved as a part of the program initiated in 1890 by the French military to develop a semi-automatic infantry rifle that would eventually replace the Mle 1886–93 Lebel rifle. Four government research establishments (STA, ENT, Puteaux and CTV) proposed over 20 prototypes. About half of them were based on recoil (both short recoil and long recoil) and the others were gas operated. This secret program was placed under the direction of General Naquet-Laroque who headed the Puteaux (APX) government arsenal.