Value of Lithgow L1A1 skeleton

[nzl1a1collector]

Yes you are correct and for military DP rifles it would be ideal to do that. But you would think since these 34 rifles were a special commemorative product for a specific civilian market, they would of used NOS parts or removed the original numbers.

I guess it was a sign of the times, they were gearing up for Steyr AUG/F88 production

[Peter Laidler]

Out of interest, how were these 'rifles' regarded in Australia and the USA. Were they classed as totally inert and therefore not subject to any firearm rules or were they still regarded as firearms. When we were apprentices we'd often have these things to section as group projects. You had to have a real in-depth knowledge of the subject because you could be happilty drilling or milling something, only to discover that the viewing slot allowed a spring or part to drop out or jamb up!

As a little aside, regarding the Lithgow skeleton. If it was me (oh, hindsight is a wonderful thing of course...) I'd have SIDE sectioned the top of the cover instead of TOP sectioned as shown. That way, there would be a partially sectioned side and the other side would be totally complete

[Rusty.303]

G'Day Peter

I have just spoken to NSW Firearms Registry [Australia] and to them this firearm is still considered a firearm. I have to submit a "permit to acquire form" the same as any other firearm, it also has to be locked in a safe or vault of the appropriate type.

Thanks

[nzl1a1collector]

Its the same here the Sectionalised Rifles are basically still considered restricted firearms and have to be in a safe. Someone might repair it and make it a live firing rifle again.

[enbloc8]

I've been told that the American BATF regards sectionalized rifles such as this as functional firearms...and in the case of an FN-FAL type with the safety sear, as a machine gun.

Strangely, there was a sectionalized metric FAL at one of the bigger Midwestern shows for years...the guy probably still has it. He wanted $2000 for it last I saw.

[LesterH]

My BSA built L1A1 from 1960 is made up of parts supplied from most of the UK RSAF factories and different dates. Unusually the butt is made by Slazenger. I think when my rifle retired from the British Army upon deactivation it was retro rebuilt to 1960 specification with wooden furniture. Cooling holes instead of slots.
Just for interest at the small Clock Tower museum on Enfield Island village. They have a sectioned and chromed MK1 Brengun, this is also a Lithgow. MA part numbers.