Make: Dansk Industri Syndikat, Denmark

Model: Madsen Lightweight Military Rifle Model 1947

Serial Number: 5179-58

Year of Manufacture: 1958

Caliber: .30-06

Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MADSEN M.G/A. 5179-58” and “Cal. .30”. The top of the receiver is marked “FUERZAS ARMADAS DE COLOMBIA”. The top of the cocking piece is marked “S”. There is a medallion inlaid into the left side of the stock with the Colombian crest and “COLOMBIA FUERZAS ARMADAS”.

Barrel Length: 23.5” Ported

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded post set atop a raised base. The rear sight is a fully adjustable aperture sight set atop a sliding escalator.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, nose cap with bayonet lug, barrel band with sling loop, through bolt, underside sling loop, and a ribbed hard rubber recoil pad. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no cracks, but there are some small chips. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Black Enamel, parkerized bolt.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore with stubborn fouling on the lands. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are light scuffs and scratches on the metal surfaces. There is a small amount of wear to the finish near the end of the muzzle break. There are a few small spots of finish loss on the bottom of the magazine floor plate. The bolt, action, and magazine follower show light usage wear. The screw heads show light use. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Bayonet & 20 Colombian .30-06 cartridges in their factory box, sling, and paperwork including a reprinted manual and disassembly/reassembly instructions.

Our Assessment: The Madsen Model 1947 is one of the last purpose-built military bolt-action rifles ever adopted by a national military, making it a fascinating and rare piece in the broader context of 20th-century firearms development. Manufactured by Dansk Industri Syndikat of Denmark, the Madsen M47 was marketed globally as a lightweight, modern bolt-action rifle for developing nations during the Cold War. While most militaries were transitioning to semi-automatics and select-fire rifles, Colombia adopted the M47 in .30-06 Springfield for its Fuerzas Armadas in 1958, making this model one of the few post-WWII bolt-action rifles built from the ground up for modern military service. This example is in very good condition, retaining approximately 97% of its original black enamel finish. The markings are sharp and include both the Colombian crest in the stock medallion and the military “FUERZAS ARMADAS DE COLOMBIA” receiver rollmark. The bore is exceptionally strong—bright with sharp rifling and minimal erosion—rating a 10 in the writer’s opinion. The wood stock shows honest wear from handling and storage, with minor chipping but no cracks, and retains all military features including the ported muzzle brake, adjustable aperture sight, bayonet lug, and sling hardware. The package includes a bayonet and a box of 20 original Colombian .30-06 cartridges, making this a rare and complete offering.

For collectors of Cold War-era military arms or students of Latin American military history, the Colombian Madsen M47 is a highly desirable rifle. It represents the final chapter of the bolt-action military rifle and stands out for its excellent engineering, limited production, and unique adoption story. This example—with matching markings, strong bore, and original accessories—is a standout piece and a prime addition to any advanced military surplus or C&R collection.