Madsen M47 Lightweight Military Rifle

Published on February 4, 2013
Duration: 5:27

The Madsen M47 is presented as the final evolution of the military bolt-action rifle, developed post-WWII for nations unable to afford semi-automatics. Despite its robust rear-locking bolt design and features like a muzzle compensator and recoil pad for managing .30-06, it was only purchased by Colombia and never issued. It ultimately arrived too late to compete with emerging semi-automatic designs.

Quick Summary

The Madsen M47 is a unique .30-06 bolt-action military rifle, representing the final evolution of its type. Developed post-WWII, it featured a rear-locking bolt, muzzle compensator, and recoil pad. Though robust, it was only purchased by Colombia and never saw service, arriving too late to compete with emerging semi-automatic designs.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Shooting Demo
  2. 00:21Historical Context: Colombian M47
  3. 01:48Bolt Mechanism Explained
  4. 02:28Safety & Sights Features
  5. 03:30Recoil Management & Loading
  6. 04:59Conclusion: Last Bolt-Action Evolution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Madsen M47 rifle?

The Madsen M47 is a lightweight, bolt-action military rifle chambered in .30-06, developed after WWII as a potential successor to older bolt-action designs. It was intended for nations unable to afford newer semi-automatic rifles.

Who purchased the Madsen M47 rifle?

Colombia was the only country to purchase the Madsen M47, ordering a few thousand rifles in .30-06 caliber for their Navy. However, these rifles were never officially issued and eventually entered the surplus market.

What are the key mechanical features of the Madsen M47?

The Madsen M47 features a rear-locking bolt with two lugs and the bolt handle acting as a third safety lug. It also includes a built-in muzzle compensator and a thick rubber recoil pad to manage the .30-06 cartridge's recoil.

Why was the Madsen M47 considered obsolete?

The Madsen M47 arrived too late in the evolution of military firearms. By the time it was developed, semi-automatic and assault rifles were becoming the standard, making advanced bolt-action designs commercially unviable for widespread military adoption.

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