Welgun
Birmingham Small Arms Company · Submachine Gun · Prototype · 1942
Also known as: BSA Welgun
Overview
The Welgun was a British prototype 9x19mm submachine gun developed circa 1942-1943 by Birmingham Small Arms for the Special Operations Executive (SOE), intended for clandestine and airborne use. It used a blowback open-bolt action with an unusual forward-mounted return spring wrapped around the barrel, fed from standard Sten 32-round magazines, and folded compactly for concealment. Despite proving the most accurate weapon in its trials, it failed cold-weather testing and was never adopted, losing out to the cheaper Sten Mk IV.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3100 g (109.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 698 mm (27.48") |
| Folded Length | 410 mm (16.14") |
| Barrel Length | 198 mm (7.80") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 365 m/s (1198 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 500 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| 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: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Fire Selector
- Features: Folding Stock, Barrel Wrapped Return Spring, No Conventional Cocking Handle, Uses Sten Magazines
Service history
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1942-1943
Prototype only; produced in very small numbers and never mass-produced
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Discontinued: 1943
Notes
Part of SOE's 'Wel-' family (Welrod, Welbike, Welgun) named after Station IX near Welwyn Garden City. Only a handful of prototypes were built; loaded weight is undocumented. It had a fire selector and was arguably selective-fire.
Background
The Welgun belonged to SOE's 'Wel-' family of clandestine gadgets alongside the Welrod silenced pistol and Welbike folding motorcycle, all named after Station IX at The Frythe near Welwyn Garden City; its barrel-wrapped return spring made it remarkably compact and it was the most accurate weapon in its trial, yet it lost to the cheaper Sten Mk IV.