Madsen M1888 Forsøgsrekylgevær: The Strangest Semiauto
This video explores the Madsen M1888 Forsøgsrekylgevær, an early recoil-operated semi-automatic rifle developed by Madsen and Rasmussen. The design faced challenges due to the use of black powder cartridges but eventually led to the successful 1902 Madsen light machine gun. The M1888 underwent Danish military testing but was ultimately deemed unsuitable for infantry use, with the Krag-Jørgensen being selected instead. The video highlights the rifle's unique, small bayonet, characteristic of recoil-operated firearms, and mentions the addition of stacking swivels during testing. It thanks the Tøjhusmuseet (Royal Danish Armory Museum) for access to these rare examples.












