Rafael Mendoza did not know it at the time, but his reputation in firearm design had been launched.Īll of Mendoza’s design efforts in small arms up to that point had been intended for the Mexican Army. Eventually, some 75 were made and used by the revolutionaries. By August 6, 1915, the first cannons were ready and proved very successful. Mendoza responded with a bolt-action, single-shot design with a short barrel and simple metal sled that could be moved easily by two men or carried on horseback.

Knowing Mendoza’s background, Villa asked Mendoza to design and manufacture a small, portable cannon to fire 35 mm and 37 mm ammunition captured from Federal forces. Meanwhile, Rafael Mendoza fought on with Pancho Villa after 1911 in the cause of the SLP. Production was not undertaken however, the sole example survived in storage but was later sold to an unrecorded buyer and lost. Mendoza built one example, which he demonstrated on October 15, 1911. It was a hand-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed “machine gun” with two barrels in caliber 7×57mm Mauser. During this time, Rafael Mendoza made his first effort at designing a firearm. Dorados de Villa were heavily armed and their crossed leather bandoliers became a trademark. This elite unit was composed of men known for their honesty, devotion to the revolution and knowledge of firearms. After the third battle, young Rafael was invited to join the “Dorados de Villa” or Pancho Villa’s bodyguard.

Rafael Mendoza immediately became involved in the Anti-Reelectionist cause and fought in three battles as an infantryman under the leadership of Pancho Villa. In 1910, fighting broke out between the Diaz and the Anti-Reelectionists supporting the SLP.

Madsen parts kit