Revival of Australian military history: New Kokoda Mk1 rifle shown off in firing tests

The original Owen gun, invented by Wollongong resident Evelyn Owen in 1938, was used as the only entirely Australian-designed and constructed service submachine gun of World War II.

Although the design was summarily dismissed by the Australian Army in July 1938, it was later reassessed with the support of Lysaght Port Kembla and underwent successful production of more than 45,000 copies for use by soldiers fighting in Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Firearms designer Ron Owen said the new 32-inch and 4.6kg rifle is expected to be marketed as a category B lever release/bolt action centrefire rifle, with longer or shorter barrels depending on legislation.

A prototype version of the Kokoda Mk1 was fired across 100 metres in an underground testing tunnel. When the rifle returns into battery, to fire the next shot the button/lever is first pushed, which disengages a separate sear. Then this release allows the trigger to be pressed to release the firing mechanism. So it does not work automatically or semi-automatically, Mr Owen said.

He said the rifle is designed to be incredibly rugged in all conditions.

The rifle is expected to enter production in the following months, with all parts made in Queensland.

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Mr Owen has previously campaigned for Australia to produce defence equipment domestically.

“We’ve got the ability (to make firearms and defence equipment) and we’ve always had the ability,” he said.

“We’ve got the will, the imagination, and skills to make anything. What we turned out in World War II shows what is possible.

“But of course, it’s hard to achieve anything because of all the government and police restrictions that we have.

“Australia could have its own firearms within six months if it wanted. We could turn ourselves into Switzerland, armed to the teeth and no one would want to take us on, but it’s up to them (political parties).

“You can almost put money on firearm supply being interrupted during the event of a war. As soon as someone pushes the button in the straits of Java (Sunda Strait, Indonesia); we’ll get nothing.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.