I Have This Old Gun: Madsen M1950 Submachine Gun

Published on July 7, 2021
Duration: 5:31

The Madsen M1950 is a Danish submachine gun notable for its unique clamshell receiver design, which hinges open like a book for maintenance. Developed by Wilhelm Hermann Olof Madsen, it evolved from the Model 1946 and features an open-bolt, direct blowback system. A distinctive feature is its grip safety, unusual for submachine guns of its era. While not a historically prominent combat weapon, it saw service with Siamese troops in the Korean War and became a relatively common surplus firearm in the US, often appearing as a prop in films due to its nondescript appearance.

Quick Summary

The Madsen M1950 submachine gun is distinguished by its unique 'clamshell' receiver design, composed of two hinged sheet metal halves. It also features an unusual grip safety for a submachine gun, requiring the shooter to depress a lever on the magazine housing to fire. This Danish firearm, developed by Wilhelm Hermann Olof Madsen, utilizes an open-bolt, direct blowback operating system.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Post-WWII Submachine Guns
  2. 00:08The Obscure Danish Madsen M1950
  3. 00:18Origins: Model 1946 to 1950
  4. 00:34Evolution of the Cocking Handle
  5. 00:59Designer: Wilhelm Hermann Olof Madsen
  6. 01:11Unique Clamshell Receiver Design
  7. 01:23Interesting Features: Folding Stock & Grip Safety
  8. 01:36Magazine Release and Grip Safety Levers
  9. 01:48Historical Significance and Combat Use
  10. 02:02Madsen M1950 in Movies
  11. 02:29Challenging Market for New SMG Designs
  12. 02:54Surplus Market and Interarms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most distinctive design feature of the Madsen M1950 submachine gun?

The Madsen M1950's most distinctive feature is its 'clamshell' receiver design. This construction uses two sheet metal halves that are hinged at the rear and secured by a threaded bushing over the barrel, allowing the receiver to open like a book for maintenance.

Does the Madsen M1950 have any unusual safety mechanisms for a submachine gun?

Yes, the Madsen M1950 is notable for incorporating a grip safety. This safety lever is located on the magazine housing and must be depressed by the shooter's hand for the firearm to be able to discharge.

What is the operating system of the Madsen M1950 submachine gun?

The Madsen M1950 operates using a simple and reliable open-bolt, direct blowback system. This design is known for its mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance.

Did the Madsen M1950 see significant combat use?

The Madsen M1950 saw limited combat use. Its most notable deployment was with the Siamese contingent serving in the Korean War as part of United Nations forces.

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