Madsen M-50
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.
Overview
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.The M/50 is made of stamped sheet metal. It is an open bolt design. 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.
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, 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.
Users
- : the M-50 underwent intensive trials in 1951–1952 against the BSA model 1949 and the Sterling submachine gun. The latter was eventually selected.
- In use with Green Berets serving alongside Montagnards in MIKE Force units
- Malayan Communist Party
- Brazilian Communist Party
- Ação Libertadora Nacional
- Ulster Defence Association
- Red Hand Commando
- Loyalist Volunteer Force
- Vanguarda Armada Revolucionaria Palmares
- Italian Mafia-Large quantities of Madsen M-50s sold to various Italian Mafia crime families through the black market.
- Yakuza-Large quantities of Madsen M-50s sold to various Japanese Yakuza clans through the black market.