Madsen machine gun

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Madsen machinegun

Type	Light machine gun
Place of origin	Denmark
Service history
In service	1903 - 1955
Production history
Designer	Captain W O Madsen
Designed	1903
Specifications
Weight	9 kg
Barrel length	951 mm (37.44 in)

Cartridge	Varied: Norwegian Madsens used 6.5 x 55 mm, German Madsens used 7,92 x 57 mm, also some in 8 mm
Action	Long barrel recoil
Rate of fire	450 rpm
Muzzle velocity	Varied - Norwegian Madsens between 700m/s and 870 m/s, depending on ammunition
Feed system	25, 30, and 40 round magazines
Sights	V-notch and front post

The Madsen machine gun was a light machine gun developed by a Captain Madsen of the Danish artillery in 1903. One of the first light machine guns produced in quantity, the action was unique and required careful machining during the construction. Based on a long barrel recoil, it basically had an automated version of the Martini breechblock.

It was used extensively by the Imperial Russian Army during the Russo-Japanese war, and saw limited used by the German Army during World War I. It was considered expensive to produce, but was known for its reliability. It was used by several nations in varying calibers before and after World War I, seeing service in China during the Warlord era. It was still in use as late as April-June 1940 as the Royal Norwegian Army's standard light machine gun in the Norwegian Campaign. Captured Madsens was used by the Germans for second line units throughout the war, and the Danish Army did not retire the last Madsens until 1955.