Franchi LF-57
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 hundred 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.
| LF57 | |
|---|---|
 Luigi Franchi LF57 Submachine gun. | |
| Type | Submachine gun |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Users |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Luigi Franchi |
| Manufacturer | Franchi |
| Produced | 1956 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3,17 kg (7 lb) |
| Length | 419 mm (16.50 in) butt folded, 686 mm (27 in.) butt extended |
| Barrel length | 203 mm (8 in.) |
| Caliber | 9×19mm Parabellum |
| Action | Blowback |
| Rate of fire | 500 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 365 m/s (1200 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 25 m 82 (ft) |
| Feed system | 20 or 40-round magazine |
| Sights | Iron sights |
Users
References
- Debay, Yves (February 1987). "Les armes de l'infanterie italienne". La Gazette des Armes (in French). No. 162. pp. 26–30.
- Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
- Sicard, Jacques (November 1982). "Les armes de Kolwezi". La Gazette des armes (in French). No. 111. pp. 25–30.