De Lisle Carbine
Sterling Engineering Company · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1942
Also known as: De Lisle Commando Carbine, DeLisle Carbine, Carbine, Silenced, De Lisle
Overview
The De Lisle Carbine is one of the quietest firearms ever made, a suppressed bolt-action commando weapon built on a modified Lee-Enfield Mk III* action and chambered in .45 ACP. Designed by William Godfray de Lisle of the Air Ministry, the weapon's integrated suppressor was so effective that working the bolt produced more noise than firing a round. The naturally subsonic .45 ACP cartridge eliminated the need for specialized ammunition, while the massive suppressor - comprising half the weapon's total length - reduced the report to a barely audible level. Only approximately 130 were produced during WWII, making it one of the rarest military firearms of the conflict.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3415 g (120.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 905 mm (35.63") |
| Barrel Length | 175 mm (6.89") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 259 m/s (850 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 500 J (369 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 185 m (202 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 365 m (399 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .45 ACP · primary — also known as .45 Auto, 11.43x23mm, .45 Automatic Colt Pistol
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Safety
- Features: Integrated Suppressor, Subsonic Ammunition, Lee Enfield Action, Modified M1911 Magazine, Extremely Quiet Operation
Variants
- De Lisle Carbine (Prototype) — Prototype
- De Lisle Carbine (Folding Stock) — Folding Stock Variant
Service history
Operators
- British Commandos · adopted 1944 · as Carbine, Silenced, De Lisle
- Special Operations Executive · adopted 1944
Conflicts
- World War II (Burma Campaign) (1944-1945)
- World War II (Northwest Europe) (1944-1945)
- Malayan Emergency (1948-1960)
Production
Estimated total produced: 130 · Production years: 1944-1945
Only approximately 130 carbines were produced before production was curtailed. An order for 500 was placed with Sterling Engineering Company but was never fully fulfilled. The extremely low production makes original De Lisle Carbines among the rarest and most valuable WWII firearms for collectors.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: William Godfray de Lisle
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The De Lisle was based on a Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III* action converted to accept .45 ACP ammunition fed from modified Colt M1911 7-round magazines. An 11-round extended magazine was also developed. The suppressor measured 2 inches in diameter and extended from the back of the barrel well beyond the muzzle, making up approximately half the weapon's overall length. The prototype version was slightly longer (950mm) and heavier (3,745g) than the production fixed-stock model. A folding-stock variant was also produced for parachute operations. Sterling Engineering Company received an order for 500 units but the order was never fully fulfilled before the war's end.
Background
The De Lisle Carbine was so remarkably quiet that it is often cited as the quietest firearm ever produced. British commandos used it for covert operations in occupied Europe and the Far East, where eliminating sentries silently was essential. The weapon saw notable use during commando raids in Burma and during the Malayan Emergency in the 1950s, where its silent operation proved invaluable for jungle ambush operations against communist insurgents.