Gas Plug Cleaner?

[Charlie303]

At the range yesterday, a (generous) chap, knowing that I had an L1A1, gave me the two objects in the photos attached. They were given to him, as a pair, many years ago.





Well, we know that one of them is an L1A1 sight protector (nice to have, but not to be used - scratches the barrel!!), but the other one? It has a NATO s/n stamped on the screw on brass cap:

5340-99-960-4753. 960 = L1A1 ??

I've been told that it may be an L1A1/GPMG Gas Plug Cleaner.

Inside were two collets - what are they for?

Of course. it may have absolutely nothing to do with an L1A1. It's probably something to do with reaming the valves of a Centurion Tank's engine.

Thanks.

Charlie

Information

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[browningautorifle]

The split collars look like they are for the MAG gas system. I've never seen a scraper like that for the rifles, just the LMG and GPMG.

[Peter Laidler]

You're right. GPMG gas plug cleaner. Good, but no cigar as dunking the parts in a bottle of vinegar was twice as good. If you want to clean your L1 gas plug, do the same but you MUST rinse it in clean water afterwards to clear the acid (is it acaetic acid...?) from the spring and plunger, dry it off and put oil in the spring hollow.

The actual part number is not truly indicative of a part from anywhere really. It is the prefix that identifies the weapon. B1= rifle C1= GPMG (or is it C2?)

[Charlie303]

Thanks chaps.

Good to know other people appreciate the cleaning benefit of vinegar. I use it to great effect on gummed up motorcycle carburetors!

Cheers.

[Brian Dick]

I thought I recognized those thingys!

---------- Post added at 12:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:39 PM ----------

I've got a bin full of those front sight brush guards. Wonder who thought those up?

[Peter Laidler]

I don't think that they are foresight brush or bush guards Brian. We didn't have them in Malaya where you really DO need something! What would you do in the jungle if you suddenly came under fire? It'd be a bit of a sod having to stop and take it off before you could return some aimed fire.

They were a protective cover for drill and parades. Much like the black SUSAT covers and handguard covers used on parades

[browningautorifle]

Our rifle team had them for their sight.

[Peter Laidler]

Yep, that too BAR. But not for going into action with in my experience!

[Brian Dick]

That certainly makes much more sense. I can't remember who coined that term. I don't even see it listed in the IPL. I agree wholeheartedly that it would be useless on patrol in any type of terrain.

Anyone want/need one? CHEAP!!