Lithgow Model 1

For Firearm Friday we are serving you a classic. Most of you die-hards would be familiar with Lithgow Small Arms Factory, this week we are giving you the low down on their 1^st rimfire. The Lithgow Model 1.

The Australian Government owned Lithgow SAF commenced production of 22 Long Rifle (22LR) chambered rifles immediately after World War Two (WW2) to maintain employment of the skilled small-arms work-force who had produced military firearms before and during WW2. Included in this program was the conversion of Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield (SMLE) No 3 military rifles to sporting configuration and chamberings.

Operating out of the historical Lithgow SAF facility in Lithgow, New South Wales, Thales Australia (Thales) in 2014 commenced the manufacture of both centre-fire and rim-fire sporting rifles under the name of Lithgow Arms.

A total of 228,000 firearms comprising of three different models of single shot bolt-action 22LR chambered rifles were manufactured by Lithgow SAF from 1945 through to 1961.

The Model 1 rifle was first manufactured by Lithgow SAF in 1945 through to late 1947. The rifle was a sole Lithgow SAF venture and was marketed throughout Australia (see Figure 26). Unlike the Model

1A and 1B the Model 1 has no markings which reference Slazenger Australia Pty Ltd. The barrel and receiver are manufactured from the same piece of ordnance steel. The serial number may be stamped on the barrel near the rear-sight, or under the stock, the latter requiring stock removal to view (see Table 3 for serial number information). Of the three single shot rifles manufactured by Lithgow SAF only the Model 1 has the trigger pinned to the stock. Those Lithgow SAF single shot rifles which have had the barrel shortened (thus removing the model markings) may be identified by model by the manner of the trigger attachment.

The Model 1A rifle commenced manufacture in 1947, The Model 1B rifle was first produced in 1949 through to 1961 by the Lithgow SAF for Slazenger Australia Pty Ltd. This Model was an updated Model 1A. It is estimated that more than 104,000 rifles, were produced. The rifle is unique in that the barrel and receiver are manufactured from one piece ofordnance steel. There is no separate receiver on a SAF Model 1B rifle. The serial number is stamped on the barrel near the rear-sight.