[bobs1066]

I picked up a Columbian-contract Madsen M47 with sling & bayonet for $280 in a pawn shop yesterday!

Aside from a couple of small dings in the stock & some rack wear on the blueing it's in wonderful shape. Pictures to follow......

Don't you wish you were me? :D

[BHP9]

The Danish Madsen was a rifle that came a little too late in history. It was marketed for foreign contract sales to poorer countries like South America. Only a few were sold to Columbia and no other South American country that I am aware of. This was at a time when the world was changing over to the Semi-auto and full auto Assualt rifles. As a result the Madsen did not last very long. It is a curious collectors item but workmanship wise it is not in the same class as the beautifully machined and very expensive (today) M98 contract rifles that are so sought after by collectors because of their place in the History of warfare.

Many Madsen rifles that were sold in the 1960's were actually unfired. Design wise it offered no improvement over the 98 Mauser but it was an accurate rifle if one can stand the muzzle blast that came from its compensated barrel. Prices have always been rather reasonable which helps the beginning collector in getting started.

I owned one briefly many years ago and did not like the forward positioned bolt handle that made rapid manipulation of the bolt somewhat slow and awkward. Workmanship was adequate but not outstanding.

[bobs1066]

It's just a naive little rifle, but I was amused by it's presumption.

[JShirley]

Nice Thurber reference.

If anyone feels like commenting, this is an OLD thread, but someone this week was asking about the Madsen.

Seems like a neat little rifle, with better sights than most surplus, and almost guaranteed to be in good shape.