1980 dated L42A1

[XL39E1]

There are lots of rumors about them but does anyone here actually own one?

Information

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[Roger Payne]

No, only a 70 & two 71's.

[Brian Dick]

'74 and '75 dates are the latest I've had.

[Lance]

I know of a '79, just hope I can obtain it one day.....

[Peter Laidler]

They were around and I remember seeing them. As I recall, the DE and year were much larger font than the 70's rifles. There was a distinct break between the trickle after the 75 era and the 80's to await and gather a large enough batch that would make another conversion programme economic. I know of one that didn't make it to disposals...............

I'll need to check but it was these late ones that had converted Mk2/1 to L1A2 telescopes due to the fact that all of the Mk3's had been used up. This is the reason why this fact isn't mentioned in the EMER - as it was written and promulgated before the event! The No32's telescopes for the last L42's were converted at Aldershot (Les Alexander and co) and Warminster (I forget his name now)

[XL39E1]

So far I have only seen 70's, 71's 74's 75's and 79's

[blurrededge]

Hello all, this is my first post, bear with me, been lurking in the background since discovering this forum a few weeks back. I've been avidly soaking up all the enfield info, plus a bit on the Bren, and I have to say thank you to all those highly knowledgable contributors out there, I've found it to be facinating reading and learned a lot.

Anyway, to the point.

I also wonder where the 1980 L42's are, never having seen one. I assume (which I know is risky) that a greater number were made than are now known of. Were they most likely given the chop? are they at home or abroad somewhere?
Anyone care to speculate.

[Peter Laidler]

There might not be many out there but you can be rest assured that they do exist. I have seen them with my own eyes and know of where one actually exists as we speak. But, proportionally, the numbers were very low. Not quite as low as ex trials rifles but I'm aware that someone has calculated the possible numbers.

You can also be rest assured that none remain in the UK MoD inventory, contrary to popular belief. The very last two and the supporting paperwork went to the Small Arms School at Warminster

[Badger]

My wife has a 71 and a 79 in her Enfield collection ...

The 1971 is the basis of an article in the MKL...

1971 L42A1 Enfield Sniper Rifle

Regards,
Doug

[DanL96a1]

I was looking around the internet as one does, and I found this intresting link. The imperial war museum webpage, lead me to the following link of an 1980’s L42A1.fficeffice" />>>

Rifle 762mm L42A1 (FIR 10547)