L1A1 Single Shot "UK" spec?? Any ideas?

[Nick S]

I have a single shot straight pull SA80 and it still attracts attention when it goes on the ranges. The L1A1 is sure to attract as much - if not MORE attention

I would think the SA80 beats the L1A1 on rarity - any idea how many are in private hands? I'm guessing the cadet straight pulls are being scrapped/cannibalised rather than sold?

[daryldiane]

Well I spent a long time on the zero range today. Went through 60 rounds!
First of all forget milsurp ammo, I used some MEN nato that is not as hot as RG and had very hard extraction.
My hand loads we fine except for a short stroke when I didn,t pull the slide fully back. Otherwise the rifle performed perfectly.
Very large iron sight aperture so groups were not as small with the irons, but once I'd sighted in the Trilux sight, which took ages since it was way out, the holes were cutting.
All took a long time since I shot one cleaned one for the first 10 rounds.
Zero definately changes after breaking rifle so suggest not breaking ina comp.
Very pleased overall, left arm still aching.

[Peter Laidler]

I don't think that the single shot straight pull L98A1 SA80's are rare un civvy hands. I think that there's more around that we think. I'm a firm believer that the L1A1's are rarer. But now that they've been approved, I'm sure that they'll take off in a big way.

On the L98A1 front, they have all recently been withdrawn for an A2 version. What's changed is that the L98A2 version is in effect a bog standard issue SA80A2 except that there is no automatic fire facility. This means that civilians cannot own them as they could the original single shot bolt action SA80.

A couple of years ago I had to do some official paperwork in order that a dealer could export one to NZ. It lives in Christchurch now - lucky (or unlucky, depending on your point of view......) NZ owner. Sitting on a gold mine now!

[David TS]

Have been trying to talk myself out of this since my original post.....but after all the pics and posts.....have sent my FAC off for variation!

Having achieved the half century last month, the L1A1 seems to fit the bill for a celebratory gift to self

Once you guys who are lucky enough to have shot them get a chance, would be good to hear whether any of you have tried with the SUIT scope and how well they hold zero.

Failing that I guess it is the pic rail top cover and a NF Compact or Triji ACOG??

Heh....you know you want to

Gavin is gauging responses to doing another batch, better get your order in

I've already passed the half century, this was my hero rifle 40+ years ago, would never have thought a real one would one day be sitting in my cabinet

I'm off to pick mine up tomorrow, six months since I first decided I wanted one

I want to try and stretch mine out to 600, so I have a Zeiss 6.5-20x50 to put on the rail

[daryldiane]

Hope you like it David. Give us an update and pics of your wood stock!
I sighted my SUIT in at the 300yrd position on the zero range. On the high cam it was shooting into 600yrds according to the zero target. Also there is another high cam between the normal postions and it was shooting into 800yrds on the zero target. Not sure if this will extrapolate directly to the real distances, but will try at 600yrds with irons and SUIT on Sunday. Will also have to adjust for offset, will do this at 300yrds on a still day.

[sfurby]

Pciked mine up last week , many thanks Gav, off to Bisley to zero / breakin, not sure how to clean I will rod it out after first and fifth shots as per Gavin's advice. Do you need / use a bore guide as I have never cleaned one of these before.

Steve

[OxfordAndy]

Pciked mine up last week , many thanks Gav, off to Bisley to zero / breakin, not sure how to clean I will rod it out after first and fifth shots as per Gavin's advice. Do you need / use a bore guide as I have never cleaned one of these before.

Steve

Steve

Although not strictly necessary I would always use a bore guide (particularly if, as I understand, these have nice shiny new LW barrels).

Provided the remanufactured rifles have the same upper receiver internal dimensions as the original FN FAL ? L1A1....it may be worth getting in touch with Mike Lucas. I have several of his bore guides and they are the "dogs". Not only are they specific to each calibre/receiver but he also has an ingenious little device that fits over the rod and inserts into the guide itself to ensure the rod is straight through the bore and not gouging holes as it goes!

6mmBR.com Reviews of Reloading tools, Bipods Harris Pod-loc, Cleaning Supplies, Redding Wilson Dies, K&M Tools, Neck turning Tools, Shooting Accessories and supplies.

[mikekey1911]

Picked up my L1A1 from Gavin on Thursday 7th. I was a bit worried about the primary extraction but Gavin assured me there was no need for me to be concerned. How right he was. I shot it on Friday using 308 Remington, 150 gr. heads, no stoppages , it extracted perfectly, grouped well in the black. Shot really well for a brand new rifle and to say I haven't shot a 308 for several years, it brought memories of the 1980's when we had the SLR's. My shooting partner had a shoot with it and he had a better group than with his own rifle. Taking it on the range Sunday, will have a go with it if the others let me!
Mike

[daryldiane]

Nice to hear Mike,
What range were you shooting at? were you using the iron sights?

[David TS]

Finally.......



Pictured with a couple of its chums ....spot the imposter .



What is striking is that the year of manufacture of the Enfield .303 No 4 MK II and the SLR is just six years apart - just shows what a quantum leap the SLR was as a battle rifle whan it came into service .



The SLR is out on its first range day next Saturday - it's going retro next (wooden furniture)