Springfield Armory T47
Springfield Armory (United States) · Rifle · Prototype · 1951
Also known as: Rifle T47, Springfield T47, Rifle, Caliber .30, T47
Overview
The Springfield Armory T47 was an American experimental select-fire battle rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, developed as an improved version of Earle Harvey's earlier T25 design. Gas-operated with a tilting-bolt locking system and an in-line stock, it competed against the T44 (later adopted as the M14) and the T48 (the U.S. trials FN FAL) during the post-war U.S. Lightweight Rifle Program. The T47 was dropped from contention after performing poorly in dust and cold-weather testing, and never entered series production.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1010 mm (39.76") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right-Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, T65
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: 20-Round Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Select-Fire, In-Line Stock, Tilting Bolt Locking, Cut-Off Gas System, Detachable Box Magazine, Muzzle Brake
Production
Production years: 1951-1953
Small number of prototypes built for the U.S. Lightweight Rifle Program trials; never mass-produced.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Earle Harvey
Discontinued: 1953
Notes
Derived from the T25; sometimes designated Rifle, Caliber .30, T47. Lost the early 1950s trials to the T44/T48 designs.
Background
Part of the hard-fought early-1950s contest to find a NATO-standard battle rifle, the T47 was the dark horse alongside the home-grown T44 and the imported FN FAL (T48). Its tilting-bolt action lacked the FAL's locking roller and stumbled in the U.S. Army's brutal Arctic and dust trials, clearing the path for the T44 to become the M14.