Cpl. Long 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group MP Platoon armed with an SMG C1 on exercise CERTAIN WACHT , January 1977

The SMG C1 is a heavily modified version of the British Patchett Stirling Submachine-gun. It was manufactured by Canadian Arsenals Ltd at Long Branch, a suburb of Toronto Ontario. It is a selective fire weapon (semi or full automatic) which fires from an open bolt. It has a 3 position change lever marked S for SAFE, R for REPETITION or semi automatic and A for AUTOMATIC. It was primarily issued to infantry section commanders, signalers, military police and armoured vehicle crews. It was also acquired by any officer or senior NCO who thought he could get away with carrying one due to its high "Looking Cool Factor".

The gun was designed for right handed shooters and was fitted with a folding butt.

Overall length with butt folded: 19 inches (48.26 cm)
Overall length with butt extended: 27 inches (68.58 cm)
Weight with full 30 round magazine and sling: 8 lbs (3.62 kg)

The standard magazine holds 30 rounds, and a 10 round magazine is provided for use by vehicle crews. The SMG has a 100 and 200 yard aperture rear sight. It could be fitted with the standard Canadian C1 rifle bayonet . A blank firing attachment (BFA) was also supplied. The SMG C1 was very popular and remained in service until the mid 1980s, when it was withdrawn and placed in war reserve stock. In the mid 2000's millions of taxpayers dollars worth of war reserve SMGs, FN C1 and C2 rifles, Browning pistols and other small arms were chopped up and melted. A very few examples of each pattern were preserved for historical purposes.

View of the SMG C1 with the butt stock folded and the weapon cocked ready to fire..

The SMG with the butt stock extended.

Closeup of the 3 position change lever with the selector on AUTOMATIC. Note the markings on the underside of the magazine housing indicating that this gun was made by Canadian Arsenals Limited in 1959.

The business end of the gun showing the bayonet mount and foresight.

The WE'64 Grenade Pouch could be used to carry the SMG cleaning kit, a spare box of 64 rounds of ammunition and several 10 round magazines.

The SMG cleaning kit consisted of a pullthough, slotted jag, Parker Hale phosphor bronze brush, a two piece plastic brush and some 4 by 2 flannelette. The plastic case included an integral oil bottle and applicator.

Ammunition was provided in 64 round boxes and either a 30 round or 10 round magazine was used.

Detail shot showing the method of attaching the bayonet

Detail shot showing the blank firing attachment