Madsen M47
Dansk Rekyl Riffel Syndikat / Dansk Industri Syndikat · Rifle · Discontinued · 1947
Also known as: Madsen Lightweight Military Rifle, Madsen Light Rifle
Overview
The Madsen M47 is a Danish bolt-action rifle developed by Dansk Industri Syndikat (Madsen) and completed in 1947. Built on a cock-on-open action with a split-bridge receiver and two rear locking lugs, it fed from a non-detachable staggered box magazine loaded by five-round stripper clips. The Colombian contract version was chambered in .30-06 Springfield and fitted with a built-in muzzle compensator and a rubber buttpad to tame recoil. It is widely regarded as the last bolt-action rifle designed for general infantry issue.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Barrel Length | 590 mm (23.23") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Stripper Clip, Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Flag Safety
- Features: Stripper Clip Loading, Muzzle Brake, Split Bridge Receiver, Rubber Buttpad, Adjustable Rear Sight
Service history
Operators
- Colombian Army · adopted 1958
Production
Estimated total produced: 6,000 · Production years: 1951-1958
Single production contract for Colombia; approximately 6,000 standard-length rifles in .30-06 Springfield delivered in 1958
Origin
Country of origin: Denmark
Designer: Dansk Industri Syndikat
Discontinued: 1958
Notes
Madsen received only a single production order: roughly 6,000 rifles delivered to Colombia in 1958. The rifles were reportedly never issued for service and many later entered the American collector market.
Background
Often called 'the last bolt-action rifle' designed for general infantry issue, the M47 arrived just as self-loading rifles were rendering the bolt-action obsolete, and never saw the widespread military service its designers intended.