Videos tagged with Lanchester SMG

The Patchett Machine Carbine Mk I, predecessor to the Sterling SMG, was designed by George William Patchett to improve upon existing models like the Sten and Lanchester. It met most 1944 British War Office requirements for a 9mm machine carbine, though its rate of fire was around 600 rpm. Key differences from the later Sterling include a 90-degree magazine well for Sten/Lanchester magazines, aluminum grips, and a distinct folding stock mechanism. Despite successful trials, it wasn't adopted until refined into the Sterling SMG.

This video explores three experimental lightweight Lanchester SMG prototypes developed by George Lanchester and the Sterling Engineering Company. These designs aimed to lighten the original Lanchester, which was based on the MP28 but heavy due to milled parts. The prototypes showcase various modifications like reversed barrels, different stock designs, and altered charging handle locations, representing attempts to improve upon the original before the project was halted to prioritize Sten gun production.

The Lanchester MkI was Britain's first emergency submachine gun, developed by reverse-engineering the German MP28. Initially adopted by the Royal Navy and RAF, it featured a distinctive brass magazine well and utilized SMLE rifle stocks. The MkI* variant simplified production by removing the semi-auto selector. Despite its weight and parts non-interchangeability, it served until the 1970s.

This review details the evolution of British submachine guns, starting with the Lanchester as a MP28 copy and progressing to the mass-producible Sten series. It highlights the Sten's cost-effectiveness and reliability issues, contrasting it with the more refined Mark V. The video also covers experimental designs and concludes with the Sterling L2A3, praised for its innovative magazine design and long service life.