Kommando LDP
Lacoste Engineering (Pty) Ltd · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1976
Also known as: Rhuzi, Kommando, LDP, Land Defence Pistol
Overview
The Kommando LDP is a Rhodesian and South African 9x19mm submachine gun designed by Alex du Plessis and first produced by Lacoste Engineering in Rhodesia in 1976. An open-bolt, blowback submachine gun built largely from stamped steel to keep costs low, it used a telescoping wrap-around bolt and unmodified Uzi magazines, earning it the nickname 'Rhuzi' (Rhodesian Uzi). It was a cheap, indigenous self-defence weapon developed during the Rhodesian Bush War and later manufactured under licence in South Africa.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2700 g (95.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Folded Length | 425 mm (16.73") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 40 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 365 m/s (1198 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| 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 Lever
- Features: Folding Stock, Telescoping Wrap Around Bolt, Uzi Magazine Compatible, Stamped Steel Construction, Fixed Diopter Sights
Service history
Operators
- Rhodesian Security Forces · adopted 1976 · as LDP
- Rhodesian civilians
Conflicts
- Rhodesian Bush War (1964-1979)
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,000 · Production years: 1976-1979
Roughly 1,000 units built in Rhodesia and around 10,000 total between Rhodesian and South African production.
Origin
Country of origin: ZW
Designer: Alex du Plessis
Discontinued: 1979
Notes
Magazines were offered in 25-, 30- and 40-round capacities using Uzi-pattern feed. South African production reportedly required an additional safety to prevent runaway firing with underpowered ammunition. Many examples reaching civilian hands were configured as semi-automatic carbines.
Background
The 'LDP' name is usually traced to the initials of financier Hubert Ponter alongside the Lacoste and du Plessis names, though it was also jokingly backronymed as 'Land Defence Pistol' and 'Lots of Dead People.' Its Uzi-magazine compatibility and stamped construction earned it the enduring nickname 'Rhuzi.'