### Comment:
Maxim guns didn't even see widespread use until 1886, and those were gigantic water cooled machine guns. Mannlicher had a prototype rifle in 1885 that never really took off. The first man portable semi-automatic weapon that had any real commercial success was the Mauser C96, and that didn't go into production until 1896, which I'd hardly call 'waaaay before' 1899. 
  
 Production of the Auto 5 didn't start until 1902, and that was the first ever semi-auto shotgun.

### REPLY:
r/askahistorian is leaking (and it's fascinating per usual - thanks!)

### END.