Phillips & Rodgers M47 Medusa: Multicaliber Revolver for a Nonexistent Apocalypse

Published on October 2, 2017
Duration: 14:51

This review of the Phillips & Rodgers M47 Medusa, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, details its unique multi-caliber capability designed for post-apocalyptic scenarios. The firearm is built on a modified S&W K-frame and features a patented six-fingered extractor for rimless and rimmed cartridges. While mechanically interesting, testing revealed significant accuracy issues with shorter cartridges like 9mm Parabellum due to excessive freebore, and challenges with extraction and case bulging with sub-9mm rounds. The revolver performs best with .357 Magnum but ultimately proved a commercial failure due to its high cost and niche utility, making it a collector's curiosity.

Quick Summary

The Phillips & Rodgers M47 Medusa is a rare multi-caliber revolver on a modified S&W K-frame, designed for survivalists. Its unique six-fingered extractor handles various rounds, but testing reveals accuracy issues with 9mm due to freebore. It performs best with .357 Magnum but is largely a collector's item due to cost and niche utility.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Survivalist Concept
  2. 00:34Overview of the M47 Medusa
  3. 01:41The Unique Extractor Mechanism
  4. 03:42Forcing Cone and Accuracy Design
  5. 04:29Commercial Failure and Niche Appeal
  6. 05:509mm Shooting Test and Accuracy Issues
  7. 08:20Extraction and Maintenance Challenges
  8. 09:11.357 Magnum Performance
  9. 10:23Mixed Caliber Cylinder Test
  10. 12:36Sub-9mm Calibers and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Phillips & Rodgers M47 Medusa?

The Phillips & Rodgers M47 Medusa is a rare, multi-caliber revolver built on a modified Smith & Wesson K-frame. It was designed to fire a wide variety of ammunition, particularly in survivalist scenarios where specific calibers might be scarce.

What are the main challenges with the M47 Medusa's multi-caliber capability?

The M47 Medusa faces accuracy issues with shorter cartridges like 9mm Parabellum due to excessive freebore, leading to keyholing. Extraction can also be problematic, and shorter cases may bulge, requiring careful maintenance.

How does the M47 Medusa's extractor work?

It features a patented, unique six-fingered extractor mechanism. These flexible, spring-loaded fingers can grip the extractor grooves of rimless cartridges or support the rims of traditional revolver rounds, allowing for headspace without moon clips.

Is the M47 Medusa a practical firearm for survival?

While innovative, the M47 Medusa is considered more of a collector's curiosity. Its high price, niche utility, and significant accuracy limitations with common short cartridges make it less practical than firearms chambered in standard calibers.

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