Lithgow Model 12
Lithgow Small Arms Factory · Rifle · Discontinued · 1947
Also known as: Slazenger Model 12
Overview
The Lithgow Model 12 is a bolt-action .22 Long Rifle rimfire repeating rifle produced by Australia's Lithgow Small Arms Factory from 1947. A magazine-fed development of the factory's single-shot Model 1 series, it was offered as a five-shot repeater, with a ten-shot 'Bibby' variant also produced. During the 1960s the Model 12 was marketed under the Slazenger brand as an affordable sporting and small-game rifle for the domestic Australian market.
Specifications
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Detachable Box Magazine, Iron Sights, Wood Stock
Variants
- Lithgow Model 12 (Bibby) - Extended Magazine
Service history
Operators
- Australian civilian market
Production
Production years: 1947-1960s
Exact production figures unrecorded; marketed under the Slazenger brand in the 1960s
Origin
Country of origin: Australia
Notes
Physical dimensions (weight, barrel length, overall length) are not documented in accessible reference sources. Sold under the Slazenger brand name during the 1960s alongside the single-shot Model 1A and 1B.
Background
Better known for tennis racquets and cricket gear, the Slazenger sporting-goods brand put its name on Lithgow's Model 12 rifle in the 1960s, so Australian rabbit shooters could buy a .22 stamped with the same label as their sports equipment.