L8A3, as close as I've got

[limpetmine]

There has been some discussion about the later No. 4 conversions to /2 and /3 status, and on to the L8A1/2/3/4/5 series. Here is a picture of an L8A3 that I've scoured off the net somewhere. PB has referenced his copy, and having seen a few in the higher latitudes of the USofA, alas, none have yet found to favor the warmer climes....(as of yet).....

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Peter Laidler]

By coincidence, I saw an L8A4 yesterday, a conversion of the Mk1/3. It is pretty well identical to this photo with the marks L8A4 punched into the top of the woodwork alongside the bolt head track on the right side.

There was a large '8' on the side of the butt and the 7.62mm magazine rocked slightly in the well. It looked as though the rear magazine recesses weren't quite deep enough and allowed the top surfaces of the mag to allow it to rock slightly. This one has been in private hands for many years and had (ugh1) a dovetail block screwed to the top of the breeching up ring that's spoiled its authenticity a bit in my eyes.

BUT, with this being a feature of the Police Enforcers, could this rifle have been an ex Police rifle. After all, with the L8 infamous pxxx-poor accuracy, the cops wouldn't have to actually have to hit anything.

The owner is sending me some pics so I'll bludge someone to put them on the Jouster side.

[limpetmine]

What is the significance of the "(CR 62 GA) on the bottom line of engraving?
I've seen 7.62 mags (have one on my No.4 conversion and L-39, too)
with CR 1966. Is it the date (year) of manufacture/conversion?
Thank-you for your contributions.

[Peter Laidler]

Good question, but you aren't close.

This actually indicates the Ministry of Supply (the MoS) part number as opposed to the previous Ordnance or later NATO part number). The FULL part number would be:
B1 - a part from a rifle
CR 62 is the Ministry of Supply number. All the RSAF's being under the control of the Ministry of Supply
GA indicates a General Assembly. That is the WHOLE equipment.

There were a few other suffixes too such as A, being a simple assembly or GA, a general assembly and SA for a sub-assembly

You'll also see on your No32 telescope a number OS 466A. That's short for a V5 optical stores part, the OS indicating Optical Stores then the OS part number and A to indicate an Assembly.

Is that as clear as mud?