1882 Madsen machine gun finally retired
James reported on this last week, but I thought I should mention it:
From Strategypage.com:
The world’s first light machine-gun, the Danish Madsen has finally been retired from service after over a century of use. The State Police of the Brazilian state of Rio De Janerio were the last users of the twenty pound weapon…
The Madsen required some precise machining, but it was not exceptionally costly to make. It was reliable, although it used an awkward top loaded magazine, carrying 25, 30 or 40 rounds. Over its long career, it was equipped to fire ammunition from 6.5mm to 8mm. The Brazilian Madsens fired NATO 7.62mm (.30 caliber) ammo. It’s rate of fire was 450 rounds per minute.
Firearms last a long time!
These photos of of a replica of the 8mm model which can be bought here. They are the best photos I could find and are probably close to the original.
Click to expand the images.
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The Madsen machine gun was a really, really good gun. Even with a top loading mag it is one of the best.