Engineering:Franchi LF-57

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LF57
Luigi Franchi LF57 TBiU14.jpg
Luigi Franchi LF57 Submachine gun.
TypeSubmachine gun
Place of originItaly
Service history
Used bySee Users
Production history
DesignerLuigi Franchi
ManufacturerFranchi
Produced1956
Specifications
Mass3,17 kg (7 lb)
Length419 mm (16.50 in) butt folded, 686 mm (27 in.) butt extended
Barrel length203 mm (8 in.)

Calibre9×19mm Parabellum
ActionBlowback
Rate of fire500 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity365 m/s (1200 ft/s)
Effective firing range25 m 82 (ft)
Feed system20 or 40-round magazine
SightsIron sights

The Franchi LF57 is an Italian pressed-metal submachine gun. A small number were made for the Italian Navy in the 1960s, and approximately two hundreds were ordered by the army for the Target Acquisition Group of the 3rd Missile Brigade (GRACO), but few others ordered it. The LF57 uses a recessed bolt head similar to the Beretta Model 12's as a method of reducing the weapon's length, although on the LF57 the bolt's mass is carried above the barrel rather than around it. This allows manufacture to be simplified to a degree. Most parts are made of stampings and pressings, and the two sides of the gun are one piece each, joined by a long seam. Dismantling the weapon is very simple, such as the barrel, which is held on by one single barrel nut. The tubular butt folds to the right side of the receiver, and the pistol grip is made entirely of steel. The sights are simple fixtures on the top of the barrel. Also it was rapidly known as the "Dead Squirrel" due to its low ammunition capacity.[citation needed]

Users

  •  Congo-Brazzaville[1]
  •  Democratic Republic of Congo[1]
    •  Katanga
    • Front for Congolese National Liberation[2]
  •  Italy[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN:978-0-7106-2869-5.
  2. Sicard, Jacques (November 1982). "Les armes de Kolwezi" (in fr). La Gazette des armes (111): 25-30. http://fr.1001mags.com/parution/gazette-des-armes/numero-111-novembre-1982/page-28-29-texte-integral. 

See also