Lithgow Model 24
Lithgow Small Arms Factory · Rifle · Discontinued · 1949
Also known as: Slazenger Model 24, Model 24
Overview
The Lithgow Model 24 is a bolt-action centerfire sporting rifle chambered in .22 Hornet, built by the Lithgow Small Arms Factory in New South Wales and marketed through Slazengers (Australia) Pty Ltd. Introduced in 1949, it was assembled on surplus SMLE No.1 Mk III (Lee-Enfield) actions rebarrelled for the .22 Hornet varmint cartridge, fitted with a sporter walnut stock, chequered furniture and graduated sights, and fed from a five-round detachable box magazine.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 635 mm (25.00") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 770 m/s (2526 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 875 J (645 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Hornet · primary — also known as 22 Hornet, 5.6x35mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Smle Derived Action, Sporter Walnut Stock, Chequered Furniture, Graduated Rear Sight
Service history
Operators
- Australian civilian shooters · adopted 1949
Production
Estimated total produced: 7,700 · Production years: 1949-1961
Estimates of roughly 7,200-7,700 rifles built on converted SMLE actions
Origin
Country of origin: Australia
Discontinued: 1961
Notes
Part of the post-war Slazenger sporting rifle line that repurposed war-surplus Lee-Enfield receivers. Sold alongside a .410 shotgun model; production of the Slazenger sporting rifles wound up around 1961.
Background
The Model 24 gave redundant .303 SMLE receivers a second life: Lithgow rebarrelled war-surplus Lee-Enfield actions into .22 Hornet varmint rifles sold under the Slazenger sporting-goods brand.