Franchi LF-57
Luigi Franchi S.p.A. · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1957
Also known as: LF-57, Franchi Mod. LF57
Overview
The Franchi LF-57 is an Italian submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, designed and produced by Luigi Franchi from 1957. Constructed almost entirely of stamped steel, it uses a simple blowback action firing from an open bolt. The wraparound bolt telescopes over and around the barrel, keeping the weapon compact, while its heavy reciprocating mass gives a low, controllable cyclic rate of about 500 rounds per minute. It fed from 20- or 40-round box magazines and featured a tubular folding stock and an integral grip safety on the futuristic-looking steel pistol grip.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3170 g (111.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 686 mm (27.01") |
| Folded Length | 419 mm (16.50") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 366 m/s (1201 fps) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 500 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
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: Grip Safety, Manual Safety
- Features: Folding Stock, Stamped Steel Construction, Overhung Bolt, Wraparound Bolt
Service history
Operators
- Italian Army · adopted 1957 · as LF-57
- Comando Raggruppamento Subacquei e Incursori (COMSUBIN) · adopted 1962
- Portuguese Army
- Nigerian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Portuguese Colonial War (1961-1974)
- Angolan War of Independence (1961-1974)
Production
Estimated total produced: 43,500 · Production years: 1957-1980
Roughly 13,500 delivered to Italian forces plus about 30,000 built for export markets, chiefly Portugal and several African nations.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Luigi Franchi
Discontinued: 1980
Notes
The initials 'LF' reference founder Luigi Franchi. The design is notable for its wraparound bolt that overhangs the barrel, with the barrel retained by a single nut. It was adopted in limited numbers by Italian forces before being displaced by the Beretta PM12, and saw wider export success in Africa.
Background
With its overhung wraparound bolt and all-steel skeletal pistol grip, the LF-57 earned a reputation as one of the more sci-fi looking submachine guns of the Cold War era. It was the only submachine gun Luigi Franchi ever put into series production.