T47 TRIAL RIFLE (U.S.A)
On the path to the M-14 design there were numerous other designs which were developed and tested but never adopted formally. The T-47 is one such example of what might have been, it was the next to last proto-type offered up prior to the adoption of what would become the M-14. The design itself came from the earlier Springfield Armory T-25 design, that model was known for the odd straight line stock it employed and it's selective fire capabilities. The T-47 was designed to improve upon the T-25 and the action of that model was employed in a more conventional stock. Owning similarities to the M-14 which it would spawn and the Browning BAR the T-47 serves as a testament to the incredible amount of research and development done to design the new battle rifle after World War II. The T-47 and T-48 (which was briefly manufactured) were part of a series of trial tests during the 1950's prior to the adoption of the M-14. Although the T-47 held it's own during these tests it was seen to be second to the T-48 and as such was slowly phased out of production. The copies of the T-47 which were produced during this period however have become something of collectors rifles and can command prices of several thousand dollars on the open marketplace. The T47 fired the 7'62x51mm-NATO cartridge, feeding from a 20-rounds magazine. Weight unknown.
Picture and information courtesy of: PIERANGELO TENDAS
