Lithgow Slazenger
Lithgow Small Arms Factory · Rifle · Discontinued · 1945
Also known as: Lithgow Model 1, Lithgow Model 1A, Lithgow Model 1B, Slazenger Model 1
Overview
The Lithgow Slazenger is a single-shot, bolt-action .22 Long Rifle rimfire rifle manufactured at the government-owned Lithgow Small Arms Factory in New South Wales, Australia, and sold for the civilian market under the Slazenger sporting-goods brand. Introduced in 1945, it features a one-piece barrel-and-receiver machined from ordnance steel, a manual-cocking rear-locking bolt, and a wooden stock. Marketed as an affordable 'boy's rifle' and bunny gun, it became one of the most common small-game rifles in postwar Australia, with roughly 220,000 examples produced across the Model 1, 1A and 1B before production ended in 1961.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2500 g (88.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 990 mm (38.98") |
| Barrel Length | 533 mm (20.98") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 90 m (98 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1200 m (1312 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Ordnance 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: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Cocking
- Features: Single Shot, One Piece Barrel And Receiver, Two Piece Wooden Stock, Iron Sights
Variants
- Lithgow Slazenger Model 1A - Improved
- Lithgow Slazenger Model 1B - Improved
Service history
Operators
- Australian civilian shooters · adopted 1945
Production
Estimated total produced: 220,000 · Production years: 1945-1961
Approximately 220,000-228,000 single-shot .22 rifles produced across the Model 1, 1A and 1B; over 104,000 of the Model 1B alone.
Origin
Country of origin: Australia
Discontinued: 1961
Notes
Produced under a 1944 partnership between Lithgow Small Arms Factory and Slazenger Australia Pty Ltd. The original Model 1 (1945-1947) carried no Slazenger markings; the Model 1A (from 1947) and Model 1B (1949-1961) bore Slazenger Australia branding. Dimensional specifications vary slightly between models and are approximate.
Background
These little single-shot .22s 'put food on the table of many Australian families when times were hard following WWII', earning a reputation as the quintessential Australian 'bunny rifle'.