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What's the difference(s) between an L98 and an SR98 Brian? I would think that simply from the logistics point of view that the SR barrel would be the UK made ones, similar to the rest of the family. Maybe Garry can tell us how the kit differed between the two
Well the SR98 has a folding butt with a butt spike, the flash suppressor is more cylindrical in shape, and a sound moderator with matching serial no. to the rifle. There is no iron sights. There was no spotting scope provided. Had the same wooden chamber cleaning stick though.
The SR98 is an AW much the same as the L115 but in 7.62 NATO. The rifles were all assembled at AI in Portsmouth so I'd say it has a UK mfg. barrel fitted. In fact, I think they're made in Scotland. Australia may make a domestic replacement barrel as they've been in service for quite some time. I don't know.
I did see on some of our .338 L115's that they'd clearly started their lives with a narrow 12mm L96 type dovetail rail but had a picatinny rail slid on/over the 12mm and glued in place. Waste not want not I suppose! I'm not sure that AI would permit the manufacture of new barrels. There's lots of money in spare's
As a matter of interest Son, do you cover these Aust SR98's in your Base Wksp? Do you know which parts are interchangeable with the L98 Brian? Mags, bolts, safety trigger mechs?
The butt spikes were not popular on the L96 because it seemed impossible to retain the spring loaded spike in the butt after a few weeks of use. Tightening up the hand clamp worked for another day but eventually you just clamped it up until it'd bind on the sling loop.
I have to say that although I never used one except for on the ranges and field firing ranges many many times, I preferred the cotton type slings that were used on the last L42's (and like the IWS bracket, cleaning stick etc etc) and were retained for the L96's. Much preferred to the wide nylon sling. Incidentally, the L96's on the trials came with a leather sling! Mind you, so did the P-H offering too. It never got out of the starting blocks
Must remember that this is a Lee Enfield forum and not an AI one!
I'm still amazed that AI haven't released an exact L96 copy yet - I remember the the arguments re sufficient numbers etc from last time it was raised, but I reckon it would sell really well with the army connections. After all, how many do the current crop of AI arms sell? And it's not like they would have to change anything - presumably they've got all the dies designs etc should they wish to do so.
On the issue of the L96 - did the army have a set of stocks for different parts of the world or did they just paint them?
Oh and Peter - I wouldn't fret re AI in the enfield forum - it's the nearest thing there is to a modern Lee Enfield and the literal (and spiritual) successor to the L42 and thus the 4T. I'd never spot discussions on L96s on AI/modern rifle forums where presumably they meet to drool over the latest things in plastic down on the range.
I know the magazines are interchangeable but not sure about the rest. I've never had the opportunity to compare the L96 and SR98 here.
I'm also a supporter of the AI rifles. The one in use in Aus is the AW version. I can't really say a great deal, but here is a snippet from "thepedia" thingy that looks to be about right...
AW (Arctic Warfare)
The basic 'improved' version of the L96A1 (still chambered for 7.62×51 mm NATO). The name stems from special features designed to enable operation in extremely cold climates.
Adopted as the following:
L118A1: version in British military service
Psg 90: version in Swedish military service. Psg is short for Prickskyttegevär ("Sniper Rifle").
SR-98: chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO from a five (TEN) round magazine, it is the standard issue sniper rifle for the Australian Army and is also used by various law enforcement agencies. This variant features threaded barrel (for a suppressor), an integrated adjustable bipod, a free floating barrel and; a folding stock with adjustable butt pad, cheek pad, and a rear mono pod.
According to the Accuracy International AW brochure the AW is available in 7.62x51mm NATO and .243 Winchester chamberings, though on special request other chamberings that will function in the AW bolt action can be fitted.
I purchased an AI (AE MkIII) last November, it differs from the AW in not having a "bonding" between the chassis and receiver, also the magazine is single stack loading rather than double stack on the AW.
It was purchased to cheer myself up whilst I waited for a spinal fusion (now done!) and also to compete in the NRA Civilian Service Rifle competitions. The sad truth is these competitions are now dominated by "straight pull" AR15's in the UK and during the summer meeting you are lucky to see 1 or 2 Enfields participating in the historic class.
As a sign of continuation it interesting to know that Accuracy International's model the AE MkIII stands for Accuracy Enforcer!
Thats quite an outfit, Peter and a rare beast indeed
Attached are a couple of pictures of my AW in its chest - I've had it for around three years now.
Its an early AW - dated '93 on the body. I contacted Sporting Services (the UK agent for AI) shortly after buying it to try and get any history on the rifle as the seller told me it was part of a cancelled military contract.
It turns out it was one of Accuracy International's demo rifles. Quite a nice thought unless you have seen any of Accuracy International promotional videos where they literally bounce the butt of the rifle on the ground between shooting test groups.
Buy the rifle not the story............
Anyway what ever has happened to it in its distant past it shoots beautifully - easily half minute of angle groups.
Optics are excellent - S&B 3-12 x 50 with AI mildot and range finding reticule.
Items in the transit case (later vintage than the rifle) include scope sunshade and longer lens covers for when its fitted, spare mag, cleaning kit, rod and rod guide, patches, iron sights in pouch, sling, lens cloth, butt spacers, muzzle cap, breech brush and user manual.
Its a wonderful bit of kit - but not quite an L96.........
For reference purposes, here is a Swedish Transit case and contentsAttachment 70071