Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum

In 1906 the Australian Government decided Australia should be independent from Britain for her defence needs. The Lithgow Small Arms Factory commenced production in 1912. This museum, situated in the grounds of the Small Arms Factory, celebrates the rich history of Australia's first high precision mass production facility and its people. Over its years of operation Lithgow SAF accumulated military small arms from all over the world for technical appraisal. These and the Factory's own production form the basis of a most comprehensive collection of rifles, sub-machine guns and ordnance. To keep this vital factory going between wars, an amazing array of commercial products were manufactured. The Factory saved the floundering Australian wool Industry during the 1930s, manufacturing parts for shearing handsets, replacing expensive English equipment. In 2007, collector Ron Hayes donated a magnificent handgun collection. The diversity in the Ron Hayes Gallery will amaze even those disinterested in firearms.