Madsen-Saetter
Dansk Rekyl Riffel Syndikat / Dansk Industri Syndikat · Machine Gun · Out Of Production · 1960
Also known as: Madsen-Saetter GPMG, Madsen-Saetter SFMG
Overview
The Madsen-Saetter is a Danish general-purpose machine gun designed by Eric Larsen-Saetter and produced by Dansk Industri Syndikat from around 1960. Chambered most commonly in 7.62x51mm NATO, it is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed open-bolt weapon using a long-stroke piston below the barrel and a flapper-locking bolt similar to Soviet Degtyaryov designs. It features a quick-change barrel and adjustable rate of fire, and could be used on a bipod or tripod.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 11600 g (409.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1290 mm (50.79") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 50 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 840 m/s (2756 fps) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as 7.62 NATO, .308 Winchester, 7.62x51
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Non Disintegrating Link Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Air Cooled Barrel, Flapper Locked Bolt, Bipod Mounted, Adjustable Rate Of Fire
Variants
- Madsen-Saetter SFMG Mark 4 — Sustained Fire
Service history
Operators
- Indonesian Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 1960-1960s
Limited production; license-built in Indonesia by Pindad
Origin
Country of origin: Denmark
Designer: Eric Larsen-Saetter
Notes
Despite being a sound design, the Madsen-Saetter arrived on the market too late to win major contracts, losing out to the established FN MAG, MG42/59 and M60. Indonesia was the principal user, building it under license at the Pindad factory. A 12.7mm heavy variant was attempted but never mass-produced.
Background
A genuinely competent GPMG that simply showed up to the party too late, the Madsen-Saetter was squeezed out of the Cold War machine-gun market by the FN MAG and MG42/59, surviving mainly as a license-built weapon in Indonesia.