Yes the Owen is unusual at the start for anyone not familiar with it. During WW2 it gained great popularity with the Diggers for its function in the jungle (they were also issued Thompsons). An interesting and little known fact is that the US placed a very large order for Owens (in .45ACP) late in the war. Due to the politics between Lysaghts (who made the Owen) and the established military (and SAF Lithgow) the order was not passed along quickly and as a result production never commenced prior to the end of the Pacific campaign.

The Austen was "the systems" answer to the need for an SMG and is essentially a STEN with a MP40 type folding stock. It was NEVER popular with the Diggers who generally looked upon it with disdain. At the end of WW2 they were all withdrawn while the Owen soldiered on to Korea and Vietnam. The Z Specials did make use of the supressed Austens in some of their training and raids however.

A close friend of mine in the US has a great collection of C3 stuff that includes a Carl Gustav M45 and a SW76. The M45 is probably my FAVOURITE SMG to shoot !!!!!