L39A1 used a L42 base clone ?

I am a long-time lurker and first time poster from the U.S. (Louisiana). I have been so impressed with the knowledge base on this Board and have frequented it many times to learn about the L39, Enforcer and L42 series of rifles.

One of my grail items is the L42 sniper rifle BUT at around $6,000.00 it is just out of each for my paycheck. I bit the bullet and purchased a L39A1 (#A671) with the hopes of turning it into a quasi L42...or its "special" cousin.

Of course the 2 items I am having trouble with is the scope mount and scope. I would like my rifle to be a replica of a gun that was issued very very late in service....Gulf War era. I would like to think out of the box and have heard that the Brits issued other scopes to the rifles to keep up with the incoming Accuracy International guns that were coming on line.

Can the Board give me some ideas on what might have been outside the norm with late issued L42's...misc. items that could have been seen on the rifles or some leads on how to make this L39A1 an interesting project?

Thank You.

As for the L39, I wouldn't give them house room personally but for heavens sake just leave the bloody thing alone, as-is, because if you faff around with that making it into something that it's not, you'll end up with a fxxxxx about worthless L39 AND an absolute pigs ear of an absolutely worthless L42 to boot!

Just my 2c of course. Others may choose to differ..........

well I respect what you are saying Peter...Ugh...well did any of the L39's end up with scopes on them? Has there been any reported? I could just buy the mount and an older Pecar 4-10 scope and put a wood cheek riser on the stock. My rifle has the holes on the stock where it would appear a cheek riser once was placed. I messaged Simon asking the background on the rifle.

Thank you Peter!

If you want to put a scope on it, get a Fultons "no-gunsmith" base and put whatever you want on it. If the holes are present for a cheekpiece, then replace it if you want but I wouldn't do any permanent alterations to the L39A1 as it's a collectable in it's own right.

I would concur with the above two gentlemen. The L39A1 may not be anywhere near as collectable as a L42A1, or even an Enforcer, but it has a value in its own right, both monetarily & historically. But once you start drilling holes in it that shouldn't be there, you've made it totally undesirable to anyone, save for at rock bottom prices.
A reasonable compromise would be to fit a 'no gunsmithing' mount as Brian suggests. Then at least you can easily change it back to its original state again, should you come to sell it in the future.

ATB

Rifle A671 was sent to store at Donnington on 26th February 1971.

Cheers,

Simon.

Thank you Simon. Are there further records that I can maybe write for...who might have used it....where was it sent/sold after it went to storage ?

Also, it would seem I purchased the rifle without any sights. I am kinda bummed as I thought they came with it from my dealer. How do I go about finding replacement....what am I to google for the fixed sights? They don't have to be the exact ones that's were issued but appropriate replacements that will work and be acceptable when shooting?

Another question...sorry guys: I like the front sight set up on the L42 model. The blade ears (protection sides) as opposed the circular Parker Hale FS22B front sight. The proper dovetail-cut small square mount IS present on the barrel.

Thank You.

The L39A1 was issued without sights and with a .303 magazine to be used as a loading platform only. The best front sight is the AJP MF2 globe which takes standard Anschutz inserts. It's bigger in diameter than the P-H FS22B. The rear sights used were basically the same but from both AJP, (4/47, 4/80) and P-H, (5C). Keep an eye on Ebay as that's where they will most likely be found. Inserts can be had from Brownells in Iowa and Champion's Choice in Tennessee.

If you want an L42 clone, find a bubba'd No4 T and start there. You should be able to source the correct barrel, magazine, extractor etc. Someone on here was building replica chests. You can buy a repro IWS bracket and the various other bits to fill the rifle chest. The L1A1 scope won't be easy, but again, the stuff is still out there in the USA in the hands of people who don't know what it is. Prowl the gunshows with photos of what you want in hand and ask, ask, ask. You'll find a No32 Mk3, change the scales and you have an L1A1 effectively.

This is what I did when the idea of real L42s on the market was a just a pipe dream.

Hey, fan of props, there's a guy on another thread got a cheap rifle that I hope is fit for an L42 replica. See What have I got thread. What's more it's got JUST the sight(s) you might need. Speak to him.

I wouldn't agree with Surpmil above for the following reasons. If you make a No4T into something it's not, then it's turned into, well....., it's neither beast nor fowl. Just start with a cheap, beat-up, shot-out but serviceable No4 Mk1 or 1/2 and make THAT into a repro L42. The barrel, mag, extractor etc etc logistics are the same but the results are a) you haven't messed around with a No4T and b) you still have a good L42 replica.......

And I'll give you an L1A1 range scale!