| Madsen Model 1950 | |
|---|---|
Madsen M-50
| |
| Type | Submachine gun |
| Place of origin | Denmark |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1950–1980s |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | First Indochina War Indonesian National Revolution Korean War Malayan Emergency Vietnam War Salvadoran Civil War The Troubles Colombian Civil War Araguaia Guerrilla War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Dansk Industri Syndikat |
| Designed | 1950 |
| Manufacturer | Dansk Industri Syndikat |
| Variants | M/46, M/53 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.15 kilograms (6.9 lb) |
| Length | 795 millimetres (31.3 in) with stock open |
| Caliber | 9×19mm Parabellum |
| Action | Blowback |
| Rate of fire | 550 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 380 m/s (1,200 ft/s) |
| Feed system | Magazine 32 rounds |
| Sights | Single aperature set for 100 m (110 yd) |
| References | |
The Madsen M-50orM/50 is a submachine gun introduced in 1950. It was produced by the Danish company Dansk Industri SyndikatofCopenhagen, Denmark.
This firearm was a modified variation of the M/46. The only major improvement was the simplified retracting handle. Introduction of the M/50 occurred at Mosede Fort, from 7 November 1950, until 1953.[1]
The M/50 is made of stamped sheet metal. It is an open bolt design which means it fires when the bolt is in the locked back open position with a fixed firing pin. The M/46 and M/50 share a unique design: the firearm is stamped from two pieces of sheet metal which are shaped with an integral rear pistol grip and magazine housing. The two pieces fit together like a clam shell with the hinge at the rear of the pistol grip. The firearm is held together with a barrel locking nut which is threaded onto the fore section of the two receiver halves. The pistol grip is hollow, providing storage space for a magazine loading tool.[1]
The folding stock is made of tubular steel covered with leather and folds onto the right side of the firearm. The M/50 fires in full-auto only. It also features a safety lever (also known as grip safety), unusually placed in front of the forward magazine housing. To fire the M/50 the operator must grip the magazine housing and hold down the safety lever.[2]
Argentina[3]
Bolivia[4]
Brazil (produced under license as the INA Model 953in.45 ACP)
Chile[5]
Colombia[6]
Denmark[1][4]
El Salvador[3][4]
Guatemala[3]
Indonesia[7]
North Vietnam[8]
Nicaragua[6]
Paraguay[6][4]
South Vietnam[9]
Thailand[5]
Taiwan[10]
United Kingdom: the M-50 underwent intensive trials in 1951–1952 against the BSA model 1949 and the Sterling submachine gun. The latter was eventually selected.[11]
United States In use with Green Berets serving alongside MontagnardsinMIKE Force units [12]
Venezuela[5][4]A fairly remarkable spread of guns, illustrating the weapons used by, and captured by, US Navy special warfare operators in 1964. The red arrow points to a Mauser C96 which – unusually for Vietnam – still has the boxy wood stock. Next is a LAW shoulder-fired rocket, then a WWII-German MP-40. then two Cold War-era submachine guns; the Madsen M50 and Carl Gustav, then two unknown revolvers. At top is a M16 and some mortar rounds. Finally, the assault rifle far right is a Colt Model 605B, an assault rifle issued in tiny quantities only to specops units. It's issue was so small that it never even received a M__ number.
