Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 2, Owen Gun, 1943

Overview

The Owen gun, (officially Owen machine carbine), was an Australian submachine gun designed by Evelyn Owen in 1938, the only entirely Australian-designed and constructed submachine gun of World War II. It was used by the Australian Army from 1942 until 1971. The Owen gun fired the 9mm Parabellum cartridge fed by a 32-round detachable magazine.

Historical information

The first prototype of the Owen gun was developed by Evelyn Owen in 1931, and finalised by 1938. Owen submitted the design to the Australian military, but was rejected, as they were waiting for the British Sten to finish development. By May 1940, Owen had enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force, but after speaking about his design to the manager of a local plant of Lysaght, Owen was transferred to the Central Inventions Board. After tests in September 1942, the Owen was found to be more accurate and reliable than competing designs such as the Sten and Thompson.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-32-54-489
Inscriptions and markings

The Owen has a simple blowback design, firing from an open bolt. It is easily recognisable, owing to its unconventional appearance, including the top-mounted magazine, and the side-mounted sight required to allow the firer to aim past it. Two features contributed to reliability.The placement of the magazine allowed gravity to assist the magazine spring in pushing cartridges down to the breech. The separate compartment inside the receiver prevented dirt and mud from jamming the bolt, and makes the Owen a highly reliable weapon. When tested, the Owen gun was able to continue firing despite being dipped in mud and drenched with sand, while a Sten gun and a Thompson also tested stopped functioning at once.

Contextual Information

The Australian Army Museum of WA has several examples of the Owen gun on display in dioramas and technical exhibits. All firearms in the Museum's collection are rendered innocuous and cannot be operated. Weapons on display are cased and individually secured.

Links to additional resources
History of Owen gun
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Organisation Details
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Owen 2
owen
Owen 3
owen 4
The image shows an Australian soldier sitting on the ground, holding an Owen submachine gun. He is dressed in typical World War II jungle fatigues, wearing a slouch hat, and appears to be in a forested or bush environment. The Owen gun is distinct with its top-mounted magazine, and the soldier looks alert but calm, resting while still ready for action. There is a bag beside him, likely containing his equipment or supplies. The photograph is part of the Australian War Memorial collection.

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