F1 Submachine Gun
Lithgow Small Arms Factory · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1963
Also known as: F1 SMG, Lithgow F1, X3
Overview
The F1 Submachine Gun is a 9x19mm Australian submachine gun manufactured by the Lithgow Small Arms Factory and adopted by the Australian Defence Force in 1962, with first deliveries in April 1963. Developed by the Australian Design Establishment as the 'X3' prototype, the F1 was designed to replace the aging Owen Gun that had served since World War II. The F1 represents a synthesis of proven designs, incorporating the Sterling SMG's perforated barrel jacket and magazine design while retaining the Owen's bolt mechanism and distinctive top-mounted magazine configuration. The weapon features a blowback-operated action firing from an open bolt, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, and fed from 34-round curved detachable box magazines. It includes a removable wooden stock, wooden pistol grip, and offset iron sights positioned to the left to accommodate the overhead magazine. The F1 saw extensive service during the Vietnam War and remained in Australian service until the early 1990s, when it was replaced by the F88 Austeyr. Approximately 22,000-25,000 units were produced between 1963 and 1973.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 714 mm (28.11") |
| Barrel Length | 198 mm (7.80") |
| Height | 119 mm (4.69") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 34 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 420 m/s (1378 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 620 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Top Mounted Magazine, Offset Sights, Open Bolt Operation, Select Fire, Perforated Barrel Jacket, Removable Wooden Stock, Bayonet Lug, Sterling Magazine Compatible
Variants
- X3 Prototype — Prototype
Service history
Operators
- Australian Army · adopted 1963 · as F1
- Royal Australian Navy · adopted 1963 · as F1
- Royal Australian Air Force · adopted 1963 · as F1
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1962-1973)
- Australian peacekeeping operations (1970s-1990s)
Production
Estimated total produced: 24,000 · Production years: 1963-1973
Production figures vary in sources: either 21,916 or 24,828 units manufactured exclusively by Lithgow Small Arms Factory. Some unverified sources claim over 400,000 produced.
Origin
Country of origin: Australia
Discontinued: 1973
Notes
The F1's development addressed the Owen Gun's major weakness: hand-fitted components that weren't interchangeable between units, causing maintenance difficulties. Unlike the Owen, the F1 featured standardized, interchangeable parts. Early prototypes included the 'Kokoda' design which proved lighter than the Owen but suffered from overheating problems. The F1 could accept Sterling-type magazines and was compatible with straight Sten or Owen magazines for battlefield flexibility. It could mount the L1A1 rifle's standard bayonet. Despite its reliability and robust construction, the F1 never achieved the legendary status of its predecessor-veterans noted it felt less instinctive to handle in close quarters, lacking the Owen's forward hand grip. One officer famously remarked, 'every time I picked up an F1 I had the feeling that something was missing.' The F1's magazines were produced independently in Australia after Sterling Armaments Company quoted a prohibitively expensive licensing fee; Sterling lacked resources to pursue legal action, creating an informal understanding that the magazines wouldn't be sold commercially.
Background
The F1 was designed to solve the Owen Gun's biggest flaw: its hand-fitted, non-interchangeable parts. Ironically, despite being more practical and easier to maintain, soldiers preferred the crude but intuitive Owen, with veterans noting the F1 felt 'awkward' and lacked the Owen's natural pointability in jungle combat.