De Lisle Commando Carbine
Sterling Armaments Company · Carbine · Discontinued · 1942
Also known as: De Lisle Carbine, De Lisle Silent Carbine, De Lisle Commando
Overview
The De Lisle Commando Carbine is a British integrally suppressed bolt-action carbine developed during the Second World War for clandestine and commando operations. Chambered in subsonic .45 ACP, it mated a modified Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III bolt action to a Thompson submachine gun barrel and a large integral suppressor running the full length of the weapon. The suppressor was so effective that the bolt cycling was reportedly louder than the muzzle report, making it one of the quietest firearms ever issued. It fed from a modified M1911 magazine and was prized for silent elimination of sentries.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3740 g (131.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 894 mm (35.20") |
| Barrel Length | 210 mm (8.27") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 253 m/s (830 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 477 J (352 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 185 m (202 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 25 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .45 ACP · primary — also known as .45 Auto, 45 ACP, 11.43x23mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Integral Suppressor, Subsonic Ammunition, No Muzzle Flash, Lee Enfield Action
Service history
Operators
- British Commandos · adopted 1942
- Special Operations Executive · adopted 1942
- Free French Forces
Conflicts
- World War II (1942-1945)
- Malayan Emergency (1948-1960)
Production
Estimated total produced: 130 · Production years: 1942-1945
Around 130 carbines were completed by the Sterling Armaments Company out of an original order for roughly 500-600 units; about 17 prototypes were built earlier at Ford's Dagenham plant.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: William Godfrey De Lisle
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The integral suppressor occupied nearly the full length of the weapon, so the apparent barrel is mostly suppressor with a comparatively short rifled section. Subsonic .45 ACP avoided the supersonic crack of conventional rifle rounds, and there was no visible muzzle flash. Most examples used a 7-round magazine; some references cite optional 11-round magazines.
Background
Designed by William Godfrey De Lisle, the carbine was reportedly tested before Winston Churchill and proved so quiet that the loudest sound was the click of the bolt. It claimed its share of sentries and officers in commando raids, and a folding-stock airborne version was developed for paratroopers though never widely issued.