Lithgow F1 SMG

History of the Lithgow F1 SMG

The F1 submachine gun replaced older models used by the Australian Army and saw action during the Vietnam War. It served from 1963 to 1991 until being replaced by the F88 Austeyr Carbine, based on Austrian rifles.

The F1, with over 400,000 units made, featured a unique design with a left bolt handle, improved trigger housing, and an overhead magazine feed. It had a wooden stock and grip, and its magazine was placed above the receiver, giving it a distinctive appearance. Iron sights were offset to the left due to the magazine placement.

It fired 9x19mm Parabellum cartridges from a 34-round magazine and had a rate of fire of 600 to 640 rounds per minute, with an effective range of 150 meters. Weighing 3.7kg without a magazine, it had a barrel length of 714mm.

During the Vietnam War, the F1 proved reliable, despite occasional jamming issues due to its magazine design. Overall, it remained highly regarded by the Australian military.

Specification

BASIC

Year of Service: 1963

Origins: Australia

Categories: submachine gun

Manufacturer: Lithgow Small Arms Factory

Carrier: Australia

Backflush mode: The air pressure created by the rearward movement of the fired case provides the necessary bolt movement, case ejection and stripping of the new case from the magazine.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 714mm (28.11 inches)

Barrel length: 198mm (7.80 inches)

Cured weight: 8.16 lbs (3.70 kg)

Attractions: Iron front and back (offset)

CARTRIDGE & FEED

Caliber: 9x19 Parabellum

Rounds / Feed: 34-round detachable box magazine

PERFORMANCE

Max Eff. Range: 492 ft (150 m | 164 yd)

Rate-of-Fire: 620 rds/min