Of the 1500 No4 trials rifles converted to snipers

[Peter Laidler]

I wouldn't necessarily agree that Pauls ex trials L42 left service in the green as shown. I say this because - and I know Tankie and Skippy will agree here - but when equipment such as the L42 is returned to Ordnance, it was returned via what we call and RSSD because in this case, it wasn't obsolete, but OBSOLESCENT and destined as War Reserve Stores for 10 years. That is why that had a programme to rebuild them and indeed, procured more parts such as brackets, eye caps and fore-ends (that were even more dire than the originals!) plus some other parts of the CES. When they've been through the RSSD they go back into War Stores, Reserve Stores or Mobilisation stocks. And it is the job of the examiners (and Ivan Cooper, kinown as Ivan the terrible, was one of the small arms examiners) there to ensure that when they go back on the shelf so to speak, that they are in serviceable or EMER condition.

And green paint ain't! I think that the paint is someones afterthought. That's only my personal opinion based on absolutely nothing more than experience.

But if we didn't have these checks, you would end up getting supplied from Ordnance with someones returned absolutely worn out trash. Mind you, that happened occasionally too, mainly with vehicles!