semi-automatic atlatl

This requires redesign of both the atlatl and the projectile it shoots. First off, the atlatl itself will be made of a long tube with a cutaway (about 6 inches) near the top. The cutaway is merely half the pipe removed just before the notch that the spear locks into. There is a sliding cover over this cutaway attached to a trigger on the handle of the atlatl. The handle also has a ramped finger guard. There is also a spring-loaded ramp inside the tube under the cutaway. The projectiles will be spring-loaded telescoping spears. A 6-inch spear should be able to telescope out to at least 3 feet with a nice pointy tip.

Atlatl could be carried loaded at warrior's side, when ready to throw, simply hold over shoulder, depress trigger, projectile will pop out, telescope, and fling away. The finger guard will keep the projectile from impaling your hand. It should also be noted that the notch that holds the spear in place will keep it from launching off the atlatl under its own spring loaded power. Kind of like a trebuchet hook, it wont let go until the proper angle is reached. There will be 6 of them on a rotating spindle so they lock each spear in when they pop out.