The differences between British and Australian L1A1, SLRs.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Interchangeability was built into the specification agreed upon by the "Rifle Steering Committee" during the adoption of the L1A1 / C1. Essentially, it meant "modules" were interchangeable pretty much at any level, and gauging was, for all practical purposes, the same. Even the threads used on "inch" pattern rifles are the "nearest equivalent" to the original metric ones. For example, whilst you can swap the rear-sight assemblies, the "windage" adjustment screws are "almost" the same, but will not "go" completely. Metric vs BA. BA of course, being itself derived from the Swiss, METRIC, Thury clock-makers thread.

Here in Oz, we had a "fire-support / automatic rifle variant, the L2A1, essentially the same as the Canadian C2.

Woodwork variations occurred because different "timber" behaves differently under extremes of heat, cold and "stress". However, swapping between Imperial "patterns" was straightforward, as long as you had the correct screws, etc. for each pattern.

Brit. black plastic furniture will fit straight onto an Oz L1A1 and was issued in limited quantities during the "dying days" of the L1A1 in Oz service. Probably drop straight onto a C1

The interesting thing is that you can (usually) drop a complete L1A1 "upper" onto an FAL lower / TMH and vice-versa, and it will work. A LOT of effort seems to have gone into maintaining the mechanical dimensions of the rifle in its development. Which, of course, would make (rare) sense.

Then there are the Indian ones..........

Information

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[mrclark303]

Interchangeability was built into the specification agreed upon by the "Rifle Steering Committee" during the adoption of the L1A1 / C1. Essentially, it meant "modules" were interchangeable pretty much at any level, and gauging was, for all practical purposes, the same. Even the threads used on "inch" pattern rifles are the "nearest equivalent" to the original metric ones. For example, whilst you can swap the rear-sight assemblies, the "windage" adjustment screws are "almost" the same, but will not "go" completely. Metric vs BA. BA of course, being itself derived from the Swiss, METRIC, Thury clock-makers thread.

Here in Oz, we had a "fire-support / automatic rifle variant, the L2A1, essentially the same as the Canadian C2.

Woodwork variations occurred because different "timber" behaves differently under extremes of heat, cold and "stress". However, swapping between Imperial "patterns" was straightforward, as long as you had the correct screws, etc. for each pattern.

Brit. black plastic furniture will fit straight onto an Oz L1A1 and was issued in limited quantities during the "dying days" of the L1A1 in Oz service. Probably drop straight onto a C1

The interesting thing is that you can (usually) drop a complete L1A1 "upper" onto an FAL lower / TMH and vice-versa, and it will work. A LOT of effort seems to have gone into maintaining the mechanical dimensions of the rifle in its development. Which, of course, would make (rare) sense.

Then there are the Indian ones..........

There's always something new to learn, I didn't know the Australian's also used Brit plastics at the end Bruce?

New Zealand purchased their 15,000 rifles from Lithgow, but replacement parts from the UK, plastic furniture, cocking Handles etc, but also developed their own plastics, including the rare 8 slot forend. KtK of this parish will no doubt be along with more info at some point.

The whole project was a wonderful example of Commonwealth cooperation.

Regarding fal/inch pattern interchangeably, bolt an carrier, top cover and complete TMH will all fit without issue.

I believe the TMH working parts of either will also swap between TMH's, provided the parts are all swapped and not mixed.

Then there's the Indian crossbreed 1A1...
Well, a blend of metric and inch and made without Fn's permission (or royalty payments).. they weren't best pleased!
It took a payment, plus Indian Fn, British and Australian direct purchases to soothe Fn's anger..

[browningautorifle]

Brit. black plastic furniture will fit straight onto an Oz L1A1 and was issued in limited quantities during the "dying days" of the L1A1 in Oz service. Probably drop straight onto a C1

Yes, the furniture completely interchanged.

Regarding fal/inch pattern interchangeably, bolt an carrier, top cover and complete TMH will all fit without issue.

Our short body cover won't fit the rifles that don't have the cutouts at the back top of the receiver. Perhaps it's just the IAI rifles that didn't have that...I forget now.