Finally, the package arrived:
Pics
I just love it - except for wobbly rear sight with this enormous large Aperture.
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Finally, the package arrived:
Pics
I just love it - except for wobbly rear sight with this enormous large Aperture.
Nice BSA made (1959) rifle. From the looks of it its fitted with a Parker Hale (PH) barrel..... which will be dated in the late 1980's If you remove the handguards you will find the date and manufacturer markings on the barrel.
The sight shouldn't wobble and really the ramp should be the same colour as the rest of it.
Nice, but why have the upper and lower serial numbers been removed and renumbered? - and the 'UB' prefix is missing.
Thanks for comments!
I will make some detail Photos & post it here. It is full of numbers & stamps (possibly even more, than my SMLE :D), some are quite good visible, but some appears ground off or overstamped:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...6/l1a101-1.jpg
Are PH L1A1 Barrels good quality ?
Well, on rear sight i have to lay under altogether 0,2mm Feeler gauge tape.
What means the "UB"?
How You know, that it was BSA made?
If You guys have some link for L1A1 beginners - I would be very grateful
Here is barrel Photo with details:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...a1barrel-1.jpg
Parker Hale? 1987?
British serial numbers prefixed with a U, and the second letter signifies the factory, so:
UE = RSAF Enfield
UB = BSA Guns (British Small Arms)
UF = ROF Fazakerley
So a UE 59 ********* serial number is RSAF Enfield manufactured in 1959.
Re the barrel, 960 2006 is the standard part number, PH is the barrel manufacturer as already said, I believe CF is the steel manufacturer - Corby Foundries.
I understood that these single shot/hand cocking L1A1's had newly made, unported barrels. That can't be the case with this PH made L1A1 barrel, complete with bog standard, presumably ported, gas block. Or is this a genuine, bog standard L1A1? It'll be interesting to see whether the wobbly backsight slide rides up the bed when it's fired
I had a gas-ported, heavier and longer barrel fitted to my genuine hand cocking L85 SA80 rifle and the fact seemed to raise a few eyebrows even though I had a manufacturers non-ported gas block fitted.
PeterQuote:
Originally Posted by Peter Laidler
It's not one of ours, looks like a genuine one :madsmile:
I bet you a packet of jelly babies the backsight stays put :D
Do you still have the L85? :move eek:
David TS, Thank You very much for explanation.:cool:
Today it will be fired for first time. Surplus Ammo has not arrived yet, so i have to try with some handloads.
Another question: I have read that the Barrel has 6 groove - my has 4 :confused:
@Peter - wobbly backsight... i placed 0,2mm of Feeler gauge tape under - now it is "stiff". However, before this "repair", it was moving just left/right. Moving the Slide forward / backwards was quite heavy.
To solve the “problem” of the large rear sight aperture you could replace the standard issue rear sight slide with a “HYTHE” sight,
They have a slightly smaller aperture and a larger surround, to give a much better sight picture.
Hythe sights were all the rage with the shooting teams .. (but the visiting inspecting officers did not like them because they were non standard, I had to “replace” quite a few !!!!)
this could be good option. Do You know some dealer which would ship to Europe?Quote:
Originally Posted by skiprat
ds-solutions in Kent (england).... I saw one on their stall at the war and peace show last year..
they are re-building their web site, and are listing some L1A1 stuff but they say they have more stuff just not got round to listing it all yet you could drop them an e-mail.
the sight somtimes apear on "that" auction site, but with the introduction of the straight pull L1A1 for the UK they may start a bidding war.
D and B militeria list some L1A1 spares but mainly supply full deactivated weapons.
If the sight is wobbly....., do you mean wobbly left and right? If so, it's the adjusting screws and/or detent spring. PM me with your address Ro-Bert and I'll send you a set providing that there's no problems with trivial bits like sight parts
You could just fill in the hole on a standard leaf and drill/countersink a hole to suit. When we could have them, a bloke in my club had a PH six hole eye piece threaded into his. Just a thought
And, yes, I still have my L98 SA80. VERY accurate rifle
Because i got my problems with English i try to explain with Picture:Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Laidler
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...6/l1a1j1-1.jpg
Part "A" (name??) is steady; part "C" (Blade/Leaf) sits steady; part "B" (Slide) wobbles. When i put some 0,2mm plate between "B" and "A" the whole group becomes stiff.
Peter , THANK YOU for help :beerchug:
I just came from the shooting range. It was a bit dark, but... My eyes are more familiar with iron sights, so my result are not competent (I must practice a lot), however, my fried has made some below 1" groups at 100m :D
PH barrel?
EDIT - are PH barrel chromed? It is shining like mirror
Weld up and drill the hole was one of my options. I obtained a Hythe, and the day aperture is usefully smaller than the standard aperture. A PH six hole is a good idea, but i've now scoped mine anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Laidler
Ah, you have a Cadet. I'd forgotten about them, but now you mention it I realise I would rather like one to go alongside my No 4 MkII and L1A1 :madsmile:
Any chance you can find me one?, or even better, leave me yours when you eventually shuffle off to the great armoury in the sky :D (which I hope is some considerable time away....).
Ro-bert
Here is how I fixed the rear sight on mine :D
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SC_00111-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SC_00094-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SC_00081-1.jpg
:super:
..... in wooden dress also sexy!
which scope mounts are usable?
Part A = RAMP (7)Quote:
Originally Posted by Ro-bert
Part B = SLIDE (6)
Part C = LEAF (5)
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...acksight-1.jpg
A quick fix for your type of wobble is to gently squeeze the sides of the SLIDE together ... by 0,2 mm might do the trick.
FAL Montagedeckel mit Picatinny/Weaver Schiene - Waffen CentraleQuote:
Originally Posted by Ro-bert
Sehr gut - DANKE! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by David TS
Is it absolute rigid? If I'm honest - it seems to me somewhat suspicious - a scope mounted on the dust cover.
Do You have to re-zero it, when open the Rifle (for cleaning)?
@ nzl1a1collector:
Thanks for pic & advice! I will report result.
Ro-bertQuote:
Originally Posted by Ro-bert
It replaces the standard top cover. There are seven screws to clamp it to the upper, which do NOT mark the rifle (it clamps on the inside of the top cover slide channel). There is also an adjustable recoil stop at the top rear. It is as rigid as it can ever be, given the design of the rifle.
I have not shot mine with the scope/mount yet, it is out for its first time next Saturday :)
now i understand. So it has very little in common with the original dust cover.Quote:
Originally Posted by David TS
:thup:Quote:
I have not shot mine with the scope/mount yet, it is out for its first time next Saturday :)
You are correct, these aftermarket type covers aren't anything like the original covers, or even those that have been converted to have a mounting on them.
Below is an American DSA Inc mount with an ACOG compared to an original cover.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../DSAACOG-1.jpg
I understand... I'm just curious - how is it with the original Dustcover SUIT mounts - are they also fixed with screws, or juts pushed into upper slide channel (like regular cover)?Quote:
Originally Posted by nzl1a1collector
Are you using the DSA Mount? They are shipping to Europe & possible would be a good alternative to David's Mount ....and it would a bit cheaper (if is it stable & solid).Quote:
Below is an American DSA Inc mount with an ACOG compared to an original cover.
DSA Extreme Duty
The SUIT Sight mount as well as the IR, IWS and L5A1 (pocketscope) mounts, all slide on like the original top cover.
The DSA mount is a very solid mounting and is locked in place by 10 screws (5 locking plates). Not sure if DSA are shipping to the EU, I picked mine up in USofA its part of a SAS build I'm working on.
---------- Post added at 06:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:03 PM ----------
or you could checkout evilbay (Item number: 200617968790) they are selling what looks to be the same mounting in post #19 for US $54.95 + US $11.95 shipping and they will send to the UK, Germany, Australia. Which works out to be around 47 EURO postage included.
I have mailed them - yes, they will ship it to Europe. I will order rather DSA, that was tested (also from You) and is good. I have bought some "inexpensive" scope mounts & Rings ... most of them was not good use. Rather would I give a Few Dollars More..Quote:
Originally Posted by nzl1a1collector
I'm curious - can you bend some facts:oQuote:
...of a SAS build I'm working on.
I'm guessing the (NZ) SAS build will be like these:Quote:
Originally Posted by Ro-bert
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...06/nzsas-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...6/nzsas2-1.jpg
if I am not mistaken - are those DSA mounts (holes for Brass catcher)? ... By the way - an evil looking FAL:thup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick S
(NZ) SAS... FAL - not AUG?
As appearing on the ARRSE 'Ally' thread :madsmile:Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick S
---------- Post added at 05:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:23 PM ----------
There was a thread about those - was it on here, or Falfiles? (or possibly even ARRSE).Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick S
Another question: where could i buy a larger Buttpad? What are lengths of L1A1 Buttpads?
There are four lengths of L1A1 butt pad - S, M, L and XL.
A number of people sell them, start with a Google search for "L1A1 butt pad"
SAF Lithgow - Products - Furniture
Peter, It isnt clear if this is a hand cocker, or a standard issue L1A1. I note the owner lives in Slovinia, the Firearm Ownership Laws may well be different there? You see an awfull LOT of AK47's there!......................;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Laidler
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Laidler
Quote:
Originally Posted by David TS
THQuote:
Originally Posted by tankhunter
It isn't one of our straight pulls, it's still got all its gas mechanism :madsmile:
I just bought one :DQuote:
Originally Posted by David TS
hand cocker - sorry. my English language skills... What means hand cocker? a kind of straight pull Repeater?
My L1A1 is a genuine semi-auto rifle without any "civil intervention", except CIP Stamps.
Otherwise, semiauto is in Slovenia allowed for sport shooters, prohibited are rifles, there are in active use in SLO Army. Full Auto is allowed for collectors only.
Collector can not go to the shooting range with a full auto, except that he has asked and get a license from "the Officials" for "research purposes trials" .
To buy for collectors only
Ro-bert
Hand cocker - here in the UK civilian self loading rifles are banned in any calibre but .22 LR rimfire.
The L1A1 has to be modified so all the gas recoil/self loading mechanism is inoperative - the barrel is replaced with one with no gas bleed, the gas block is welded up, and the gas tube & piston are removed, and lastly the breech block and carrier are modified.
The cocking handle then is used not only to cock it, but to extract and feed the next round :)
:crying::crying::crying::crying:Quote:
Originally Posted by David TS
Thanks for explanation.Quote:
The cocking handle then is used not only to cock it, but to extract and feed the next round :)
Well... Thanks to Peter (:beerchug:), my rear sight does not wobble anymore, and the Ramp has also proper color;).
I have also reduced the hole size, now i got about 1mm diameter, at good light conditions it should be some improvement noticed:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ightsjob-1.jpg
Brass is (i think) not optimal material for such application, Aluminum can be deep black anodized, Brass not..
I hope, i can test it in next few days..
What's a Hythe sight worth these days? I have a couple in my parts box.
I got lucky, I paid around £17 for mine a couple of months ago.
There are a couple of people looking for them on FalFiles.com ;)
..... is this usual? :confused:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...etylever-1.jpg
YES that is usual, that is a typical arrangement for a British Selector. Australian and Canadian selectors weren't retained with a split pin.
The idea had a simple purpose.... stop the solider from easily removing the selector.
I've seen some disassemble instruction, but has not worked on my rifle - so i was a bit surprised. How was the rifle cleaned - or was such disassembly not foreseen / desired?
Ro-Bert, we didn't want the average soldier to do ANYTHING beyond taking the cover off, breech block and carrier out and take the piston and gas plug out. The more that they knew to take off, the more that WOULD get lost.
If I had my way, I would have cut the screwdrivers off the combination tools. The others will tell you.......... The worst offenders were the know-it-all skill-at-arms trainers. They certainly knew how to shear off foresight retaining screws and foresight blades. They also saw absolutely no need or earthly reason to keep the little 'S' shaped clicker spring under the backsight adjustment screws.
Give them a little nail and they'd have the gas cylinder retaining pin and gas cylinder off and.................... Bless 'em...., you've got to smile!
I understand completely :thup: On my service rifle (long time ago) you could also only remove above mentioned parts ...Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Laidler
:DQuote:
If I had my way, I would have cut the screwdrivers off the combination tools. The others will tell you.......... The worst offenders were the know-it-all skill-at-arms trainers. They certainly knew how to shear off foresight retaining screws and foresight blades. They also saw absolutely no need or earthly reason to keep the little 'S' shaped clicker spring under the backsight adjustment screws.
Give them a little nail and they'd have the gas cylinder retaining pin and gas cylinder off and.................... Bless 'em...., you've got to smile!
....well, Peter .. I am not soldier any more - may I remove the split pin?
Believe it or not, but I heard one of the unit skill-at-arms instructors telling all that the fine, cement like dust of the desert mixed with a bit of oil on the rifle made graphite grease........... I mean............., where do they get them. I told him quietly that it was a load of boxxxxxs and what he'd just invented was grinding paste but he wanted to argue his point across. Sometimes it's good to discuss a point where there might be some merit but there's other times when you just have to say '......... Listen......., I'm the fxxxxxg engineer, so you stick to what you know and I'll stick to what I know......"
Well, you have to laugh
:runaway:Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Laidler
... or cry??Quote:
Well, you have to laugh
I stopped laughing many years ago….
When I was asked by a Company Sergeant Major why he had “so many dirty weapons in his company”, “why had I not done my job” ( I had … I found them and put them in the report to the CO………)
And to quote a skill at arms trained “professional” “Its only a dirty barrel if the gauge plug bore stops”
:banghead:
Finally - after some 1/2 Year i got my DSA Mount:dancingbanana:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...l1a1dsa1-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...l1a1dsa4-1.jpg
Norma (Flyer is shooters fault :( ):
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...02/norma-1.jpg
I think (hope) that with home-made ammo the Group could be even tighter
Hell, if i'd known, i've got one here I am selling.........Quote:
Originally Posted by Ro-bert
Damn.. It was a Calvary to get (buy) one.. if i'd known :(Quote:
Originally Posted by David TS
Have you the Brass catcher? Or maybe Hythe sight?
Ro-bertQuote:
Originally Posted by Ro-bert
I've got a Hythe sight....but it's on my L1A1, and it's staying there :D ;)
If I see one advertised elsewhere, I will send you the link :)
:thup:Quote:
Originally Posted by David TS
Thanks! :beerchug:Quote:
If I see one advertised elsewhere, I will send you the link :)
Since I'm over here in the states, why in the HE11 did it take you so long to get the DSA scope mount Ro-bert?
Beautiful rifle too by the way
The DSA People are very friendly and helpful. But unfortunately for some reason, my Credit card was not accepted, and my bank was not able to give me any rational answer - so I could not buy it directly... Price at Midway Germany is :thdown:, so I had to wait for an "offer" on ebay.. But most seller refused to deliver to the Europe... After a few detours, I finally did get it.. Now i wait the ebay for a Buttstock Tool :oQuote:
Originally Posted by USMC6094
Thanks! :beerchug:Quote:
Beautiful rifle too by the way
Lads, here are some Slomo vid's of my Lady:
L1A1 GR - YouTube
L1A1 F - YouTube
L1A1 Slow motion - YouTube
Best regards,
Robert
Hi Ro-Bert, did the middle vid show your lady rechambering a spent round?
Yes Sir! I tried surplus Ammo with Gas regulator open - to catch spent round rechamberig "on tape" ;)