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Owen Submachine Gun
The Owen Submachine Gun is an Australian submachine gun designed by Evelyn Owen during World War II. In trials, despite much political resistance, it managed to beat the Australian variant of the Sten, and was officially adopted by the Australian army. It was noted for its excellent reliability, due in part to a unique receiver layout that prevented nearly all dust, dirt, sand, etc. from entering the weapon's action. It was also considered to be an excellent weapon especially suited for jungle warfare, and remained in service throughout Korea and in Vietnam.
In its prototype phase, it was chambered for .45 ACP and .38 S&W, before the 9x19mm was decided as the best cartridge for the weapon. There were also prototype 60 and 72 round horseshoe magazines, which were never adopted or made in large numbers.
Variants:
Owen Mk 1/42 - the first serial version. The trigger mechanism chamber is pressed from sheet metal, the frame stock is bent from a flat bar, the barrel has ribs to accelerate cooling.
Owen Mk 1/43 - simplified version with reduced weight. The trigger mechanism chamber is made of flat bars (sides partially covered with a sheet, wooden stock, barrel without ribs).
Owen Mk 1/44 - Mk 1/43 with added bayonet mount for No.I Mk III rifle.
Owen Mk 1 (1952 version) - submachine guns of this version were created by modernizing older models. They had a trigger mechanism chamber pressed from sheet metal (shape as in the Mk 1/42 version, but made of thinner sheet metal), a barrel and stock from the Mk 1/44 model and a special cover covering the slit of the breech chamber, in which the bolt tensioning handle moved (the cover protected the interior of the castle chamber against contamination and protected the weapon against accidental shots as a result of the fall of the weapon).
Owen Mk 2/43 - an experimental version equipped with a reduced trigger compartment and a wooden stock (with a different shape and mounting method than in the Mk 1)
Specifications
(1941 - 1945)
- Type: Submachine Gun
- Caliber: 9x19mm
- Weight: 9.28 lbs (4.21 kg)
- Length: 31.7 in (80.6 cm)
- Barrel length: 9.72 in (24.7 cm)
- Capacity: 33 rounds, 60 or 72 round horseshoe (prototype only)
- Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto
The Owen Submachine Gun has appeared in the following films and video games used by the following actors:
Film
| Title | Actor | Character | Note | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cowra Breakout | Alan David Lee | Stan Davidson | 1984 | |
| Tony Barry | Sergeant Best | |||
| The Battle of Long Tan | Australian soldiers | 2006 | ||
| Kokoda | Australian soldiers | 2010 | ||
| The Railway Man | Australian Paratroopers | 2013 | ||
| Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan | Australian soldiers | 2019 |
Video Games
| Game Title | Appears as | Mods | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| World of Guns: Gun Disassembly | "Owen Gun" | 2014 | |
| Heroes & Generals | Owen Mk 1/43 | 2016 | |
| Day of Infamy | "Owen Mk I" | 2017 | |
| Rising Storm 2: Vietnam | 2017 | ||
| Call of Duty: Vanguard | "Owen Gun" | 2021 | |
| Enlisted | Owen Mk I/42 | 2021 |