Madsen M/46
Dansk Rekyl Riffel Syndikat / Dansk Industri Syndikat · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1946
Also known as: Madsen Model 1946, DISA M/46
Overview
The Madsen M/46 is a Danish 9x19mm submachine gun introduced in 1946 by Dansk Industri Syndikat. Its defining feature is a receiver stamped from two sheet-metal halves, formed with an integral rear pistol grip and magazine housing, that fit together like a clamshell and hinge open at the rear of the grip for field stripping. It used a simple blowback action firing from an open bolt and fed from a 32-round box magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3150 g (111.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 795 mm (31.30") |
| Folded Length | 530 mm (20.87") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety, Magazine Acts As Safety
- Features: Clamshell Stamped Receiver, Folding Stock, Grip Safety, Hinged Receiver For Field Stripping
Variants
- Madsen M/50 — Improved
Service history
Operators
- Royal Danish Army
- Brazilian Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 1946-1953
Exported to numerous Latin American and Asian countries; exact production figures not published
Origin
Country of origin: Denmark
Notes
The M/50 was a lightly improved development of the M/46, the main change being a simplified retracting/cocking handle. The clamshell construction made the weapon exceptionally cheap and easy to manufacture and maintain. Widely exported in Latin America and Asia.
Background
The Madsen split open like a clamshell on a single hinge: undo one screw and the whole gun folded apart into two halves, exposing the bolt and spring for cleaning. It was one of the cheapest and simplest submachine guns of its era to build.