Owen Mk 2
John Lysaght (Australia) Ltd, Port Kembla · Submachine Gun · Prototype · 1944
Also known as: Owen Machine Carbine Mk 2, OMC Mk 2
Overview
The Owen Mk 2 was a simplified, cost-reduced prototype variant of the Australian Owen submachine gun, an open-bolt blowback 9x19mm weapon famed for its top-mounted magazine and exceptional reliability in tropical conditions. Developed late in the war by John Lysaght at Port Kembla, the Mk 2 reached only prototype stage before the end of WWII halted further development.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4220 g (148.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4860 g (171.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 810 mm (31.89") |
| Barrel Length | 247 mm (9.72") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Effective Range | 123 m (135 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Parkerized |
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: Fire Selector, Cocking Handle Slot
- Features: Top Mounted Magazine, Side Offset Iron Sights, Quick Change Barrel, Forward Pistol Grip, Sealed Bolt Compartment
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Australian Army · adopted 1942 · as Owen Machine Carbine
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1944-1945
Mk 2 was a simplified prototype only; total Owen production across all marks was approximately 50,000
Origin
Country of origin: Australia
Designer: Evelyn Owen
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The Owen Mk 2 was a simplified/improved prototype that never entered mass production; numeric specifications are largely inherited from the production Owen Gun. Muzzle velocity sources vary (366-421 m/s).
Background
The Owen's top-mounted magazine fed straight down by gravity, and a separate sealed compartment kept the bolt clear of grit, making it famously dependable in the mud, sand and jungle grime of the New Guinea campaign, where Diggers prized it over the American Thompson and British Sten.