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Advisory Panel
Unusual date for an L42A1 rifle
I acquired this unusual 900 yard target diagram many years ago when I purchased an L42A1 1976 Pamphlet No.4 SNIPING from an ex-sniper. He had been involved in the early development of the L42A1 sniper rifle. I had not really studied the diagram until recently. What caught my attention was the date JULY 1968. This was at least six months to a year before the early XL42E1 rifles. Given the meticulous way in which the diagram has been completed, including producing an elevation graph plot (which indicates what an experienced and well trained shot he was), I have no reason to doubt the date. I would also make the following observations:
1. Note top left he has written TRYOUT L4A1 Sniper Rifle - the designation of the L42A1 had not be decided upon at that date so no wonder he has given it a slightly different designation.
2. Next to pre-printed RIFLE he has written No.4 Converted to 7.62 and he has also indicated that the sights were Telescopic.
3. The NRA had already started testing 7.62x51 barrels on No.4 rifles before this date - the military took note.
4. Steve Houghton believes he has seen a very early L42A1 configured rifle which is NOT engraved as an L42A1 in the National Firearms Centre at Leeds Royal Armouries. It was probably this rifle that shot this diagram. Steve will be conducting further research.
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12-03-2020 04:05 PM
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Advisory Panel
Pretty good for a windy day.
Has not Peter said in the past that on a still(?) day, consistent hits on a Hun Head at 1000 yards were achieved?
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Contributing Member
Shame he didn't record the serial number on the card, I could have checked then?
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
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Legacy Member
Rifle No4 Mk1 (T)
7.62mm Conv D68
N33975
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Legacy Member
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Contributing Member
XL39E1,
Sadly after an extensive search nothing held on that numbered rifle N33975.
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
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Advisory Panel
Originally Posted by
XL39E1
Is that a short forend, 27.5" Enfield Heavy format barrel?
Round format or standard knox form?
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Legacy Member
This one was sold by Poulin Auction:
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Legacy Member
I am sure we had a couple of these early converted rifles in the Sandhurst armoury in 1970. We certainly had L39s by that stage as this is what I used in the shooting team. I seem to remember that Warren Whittaker had a rebarrelled No 4 T at Bisley in 71!
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Contributing Member
That is very good hit at 900.
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PM
