Austen Mk II
Diecasters Ltd / W. T. Carmichael Ltd · Submachine Gun · Prototype · 1944
Also known as: Australian Sten, Austen Machine Carbine Mk II
Overview
The Austen Mk II was an improved, more heavily die-cast variant of the Australian Austen submachine gun, a 9x19mm open-bolt blowback weapon that grafted the British Sten's barrel and trigger group onto a German MP38/40-style folding stock and bolt. Built by Diecasters Ltd and W. T. Carmichael, only about 200 Mk II units were produced and the design was never formally adopted, having been outclassed by the home-grown Owen Gun.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3950 g (139.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 845 mm (33.27") |
| Folded Length | 552 mm (21.73") |
| Barrel Length | 198 mm (7.80") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Magazine Capacity | 28 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Effective Range | 90 m (98 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 500 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cocking Handle Slot, Fire Selector
- Features: Mp40 Style Folding Stock, Forward Pistol Grip, Left Side Horizontal Magazine, Telescoping Return Spring, Increased Die Cast Parts
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Australian Army · adopted 1942 · as Austen
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 200 · Production years: 1944-1945
Mk II = approximately 200 units, an improved more-die-cast variant that was not adopted; total Austen production across both marks was around 20,000
Origin
Country of origin: Australia
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Overall length disagrees between sources (845mm stock-extended vs 732mm on militaryfactory). The Austen feeds from a left-side horizontal magazine, not top-mounted like the Owen. Roughly 200 Mk II units built.
Background
The name 'Austen' is a portmanteau of 'Australian Sten' - the gun was a hybrid that bolted the British Sten's barrel and trigger onto the German MP38/40's folding stock and telescoping bolt, yet despite this clever blend it lost the Australian SMG contest to the home-grown Owen.