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

Published on October 2, 2017
Duration: 14:51

The Phillips & Rodgers M47 Medusa is a unique multicaliber revolver built on a modified S&W K-frame, designed for survival scenarios with its ability to fire numerous calibers. While mechanically innovative with its patented six-fingered extractor, it suffered from poor accuracy with shorter cartridges like 9mm due to excessive freebore. Despite its high manufacturing quality, its commercial failure is attributed to its high price and niche utility, making it more of a collector's curiosity.

Quick Summary

The Phillips & Rodgers M47 Medusa is a unique multicaliber revolver known for its ability to fire numerous calibers, including .357 Magnum and 9mm. Its innovative extractor handles rimmed and rimless rounds, but accuracy varies greatly with cartridge length due to freebore. It was a commercial failure due to high cost and inconsistent performance.

Chapters

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Phillips & Rodgers M47 Medusa a unique revolver?

The M47 Medusa is unique for its multicaliber capability, designed to fire a wide array of ammunition types, including various .38, .357, and 9mm rounds. Its patented extractor mechanism, featuring six flexible fingers, allows it to handle both rimmed and rimless cartridges without moon clips.

How does the M47 Medusa perform with different calibers?

Performance varies significantly. It shoots .357 Magnum accurately due to minimal freebore. However, shorter cartridges like 9mm Parabellum suffer from poor accuracy and keyholing because of excessive freebore, while sub-9mm calibers like 7.62 Tokarev show extreme inaccuracy and bulged brass.

Why was the Phillips & Rodgers M47 Medusa a commercial failure?

Despite its innovative design and high manufacturing quality, the Medusa was a commercial failure. Its high price point (around $1500-$2000) and the practical limitations in accuracy with many supported calibers made it a niche collector's item rather than a widely adopted firearm.

What are the maintenance challenges of the M47 Medusa?

Firing shorter cartridges can lead to carbon buildup, causing stuck cases that are difficult to extract. The extractor teeth are also fragile; forcing them can cause breakage, necessitating manual extraction methods like using a wooden dowel and hammer.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →