Franchi LF-57 M1962 9mm Parabellum Transferable Submachine Gun, C&R Eligible w/ Low Two Digit Serial Number

Status: In Stock / Please Call to Purchase

This Chester County Armory listing is for a rare, Italian Franchi LF57 M1962 9mm Parabellum fully transferable C&R eligible submachine gun.

Originally designed in 1956 by Luigi Franchi, the LF-57 was a continuation of the European submachine gun design explosion in the 1950’s. The LF-57 is a open bolt, stamped steel design that heavily influenced later submachine gun development in Italy. (Most notably the renowned Beretta PM-12 as it shares the same magazine and a similar recessed bolt head to the LF-57). The mass of the bolt on the LF-57 is balanced above the barrel on the LF-57, giving it it’s unique profile. This design aspect simplified manufacturing of the bolt assembly and also aided in recoil and controllability of the submachine gun.  After only moderate success in procuring Italian military contracts, Franchi continued expansion of the model in 1962 with a semi-automatic carbine model, but was forced by ATF to discontinue US importation almost immediately as ATF deemed the M1962 a machine gun due to the ease of conversion by minor alterations. This model was imported directly by Franchi exclusively for MARS Equipment Co. of Chicago, IL and is noted to be the extremely low two-digit serial number of N0015. Purchase will include one 40rd magazine.

This rare example is in excellent overall mechanical condition and runs flawlessly with standard 9mm SAAMI spec ammunition. The fire control internals note only minor use and the bolt assembly displays limited wear markings. The bolt face remains crisp and clean. The barrel rifling remains bright and shiny with clean rifling observed. The stamped steel parts do not have any cracks, dents, dings, malformations, etc. or anything that would be considered problematic for operation. The action remains silky smooth.

Cosmetically, this weapon is also in very good overall condition. The original polished steel/high nickel construction and finish of this firearm has patinaed to a matte gray finish, but with no noted oxidation. The finish notes minor surface scratches and handling marks at spot, but all observed areas are cosmetic in nature only. The netalowork notes no dents, dings, malformations, cracks, etc.

This rarely seen and collectible submachine gun is fully transferable and is currently on a Form 3 for quick and easy purchase. The current NFA paperwork notes the manufacturer as “Franchi” and the model as “1962.”