| Madsen Model 1950 | |
| Type: | Submachine gun |
| Origin: | Denmark |
| Is Ranged: | yes |
| 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 |
| Designer: | Dansk Industri Syndikat |
| Design Date: | 1950 |
| Manufacturer: | Dansk Industri Syndikat |
| Variants: | M/46, M/53 |
| Mass: | 3.15kg (06.94lb) |
| Length: | 795mm with stock open |
| Caliber: | 9×19mm Parabellum |
| Action: | Blowback |
| Rate: | 550 rounds/min |
| Feed: | Magazine 32 rounds |
| Sights: | Single aperature set for |
| Ref: | |
The Madsen M-50 or M/50 is a submachine gun introduced in 1950. It was produced by the Danish company Dansk Industri Syndikat of Copenhagen, 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]
Brazil (produced under license as the INA Model 953 in .45 ACP)
Chile
Colombia[5]
Denmark[1] [4]
El Salvador[3] [4]
Guatemala[3]
Indonesia[6]
Nicaragua[5]
Paraguay[5] [4]
Thailand[9]
United Kingdomthe 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 Montagnards in MIKE Force units [12]