Lithgow F1 SMG Submachine Gun (1963)
Some 400,000 F1 SMG examples were produced from 1963 to 1987.
The F1 series naturally shared some similarities with the British Sterling but it featured a left-side bolt handle, modified trigger housing, overhead magazine feed (ala the Owen SMG) and an all-new rear sight. The F1 sported a solid wooden stock and wooden pistol grip about its very tubular frame. The pistol grip and trigger unit was set at the midway point of the design with the magazine feed set ahead and to the top of the receiver. The magazine feed was designed in such a way as to accept the magazine in an overhead fashion, giving the F1 its unique and highly identifiable appearance, unlike the side-mounted fitting found in the British Sterling. The barrel jacket was noticeably perforated with circular perforations and hinged loop rings were situated at the stock and the muzzle for use of a standard-issue shoulder strap. Sighting was accomplished via a pair of iron fixtures, offset to the left of the weapon body to compensate for the top-mounted magazine.
Like other submachine gun and pistols of the world, the F1 was chambered to fire the universally-accepted 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. The feed mechanism relied on a 34-round double-stacked curved detachable box magazine and Sterling type magazines could be used as well. Her firing action was blowback from an open-bolt design and a rate-of-fire of 600 to 640 rounds per minute was reported. Effective range was out to 150 meters. The F1 weighed in at 3.7 kilograms when empty (sans magazine) and featured a running length of 714mm with the barrel measuring in at 198mm.
In action, particularly concerning Australian military involvement during the Vietnam War, the F1 Submachine Gun proved a robust and reliable weapon where her compact size and high ammunition count could be put to good use in the confines being presented. Jamming became something of a notable issue due to the double-stacked magazines working against the firing chamber over time but it was not enough to damage the good reputation of this excellent Australian weapon. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Lithgow F1 SMG
Submachine Gun
Country of Origin: Australia
Manufacturer: Lithgow Small Arms Factory - Australia
Initial Year of Service: 1963
Overall Length: 714mm (28.11in)
Barrel Length: 198.00mm (7.80in)
Weight (Empty): 8.16lbs (3.70kg)
Cartridge: 9x19 Parabellum
Action: Blowback
Feed: 34-round detachable box magazine
Rate-of-Fire: 620 rounds per minute
Range: 492ft (150m; 164yds)
Sights: Iron Front and Rear (Offset)
Variants:
F1 - Base Series Designation
Operators: Australia
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