Franchi LF57

Infobox Weapon
name=LF57


caption= Luigi Franchi LF57 Submachine gun
origin=flagcountry|Italy
type=Submachine gun
is_ranged=yes
is_UK=
service=
used_by=
wars=
designer=Luigi Franchi
design_date=
manufacturer=Franchi
production_date=1956
number=
variants=
weight= 3,17 kg (7 lb)
length=419 mm (16.50 in) butt folded, 686 mm (27 in.) butt extended
part_length=203 mm (8 in.)
width=
height=
crew=
cartridge=
caliber=9x19mm Parabellum
action=Blowback
rate=500 rounds/min
velocity=365 m/s (1200 ft/s)
range=
max_range=
feed=20 or 40-round magazine
sights=Iron sights

The Franchi LF57 is an Italian made pressed-metal submachine gun. A small number were made for the Italian Navy in the 1960s, 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.

ee also

* List of Italian submachine guns
*List of firearms