![]() |
If you have been locked out of your account you can request a password reset here. |
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 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)
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).
Specifications
(Designed: 1931 – 1938) / (Production: 1942 – 1944)
- Type: Submachine gun
- Country of Origin: Australia
- Caliber: 9mm / (Prototypes: 5.6mm / 7.62mm / 9mm / 11.43mm)
- Cartridge: 9x19mm Parabellum / (Prototypes: .22 LR (5.6x15mm R) / .32 ACP (7.65x17mm SR Browning) / .38 ACP (9x23mm SR), .45 ACP (11.43x23 mm))
- Weight: 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg)
- Length: 32 in (81.3 cm)
- Barrel length: 9.8 in (25 cm)
- Capacity: 32-round detachable box magazine / (60 or 72 round horseshoe (prototype only))
- Rate of fire: 700 rpm
- Fire Modes: Semi-Auto/Full-Auto
The Owen Submachine Gun and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:
Film
Title | Actor | Character | Notes | 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
Title | Appears as | Mods | Notes | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
World of Guns: Gun Disassembly | "Owen Gun" | 2014 | ||
Heroes & Generals | Owen Mk 1/43 | 2016 | ||
Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades | "Owen" | Owen Mk I/42 | 2016 | |
Day of Infamy | "Owen Mk I" | 2017 | ||
Rising Storm 2: Vietnam | 2017 | |||
Call of Duty: Vanguard | "Owen Gun" | 2021 | ||
Enlisted | "Owen Mk 1" | Owen Mk 1/42 | 2021 | |
"Owen .45 ACP" | Owen Experimental Model 3 | |||
Military Conflict: Vietnam | Owen Mk 1/42 | 2022 |