Franchi LF-821
Luigi Franchi S.p.A. · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1992
Also known as: SOCIMI Type 821, SOCIMI 821, Type 821
Overview
The Franchi LF-821 is a 9x19mm blowback-operated, selective-fire submachine gun that fires from an open bolt. It is the Franchi-branded redesignation of the SOCIMI Type 821, a compact Uzi-pattern design that used aluminum alloy forgings for its receiver and trigger housing in place of stamped steel. A telescoping bolt wraps over the barrel to keep the weapon short, and it feeds from a 32-round detachable box magazine housed in the pistol grip. After the Milan firm SOCIMI went bankrupt in 1992, Luigi Franchi acquired the rights and re-marketed the weapon as the LF-821, though essentially no examples were produced or sold under the Franchi name.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2450 g (86.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Folded Length | 400 mm (15.75") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety, Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Side Folding Stock, Telescoping Bolt, Flip Up Rear Sight
Production
Production years: 1992-1994
Effectively no production under the Franchi LF-821 name; the parent SOCIMI Type 821 was produced in limited numbers from the early 1980s
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: SOCIMI
Discontinued: 1994
Notes
The LF-821 designation reflects Franchi's acquisition of the SOCIMI Type 821 rights following SOCIMI's 1992 bankruptcy; the gun saw no meaningful production under the Franchi brand. A special variant of the parent 821 design was developed to fire 9mm AUPO caseless ammunition.
Background
Developed in Milan around 1982 as the SOCIMI Type 821, the design was a close Italian interpretation of the Israeli Uzi, differing chiefly in its use of machined aluminum alloy forgings rather than stamped steel. When SOCIMI collapsed in 1992, Luigi Franchi took over the design and relabeled it the LF-821, but the gun never found a market.