I like the SA80

[Peter Laidler]

We used to call the retired-but-still-serving Officers RO's (for Retired Officers). They used to wield a lot of power/authority and even as a lowly Capt, you had to tread carefully! Some even used to wear uniform. One uniform wearing retired Lt.Col I know of was told in no uncertain terms by a serving Lt Col that there was only a place for one such rank - and HE had it!

[browningautorifle]

A whole 'nother set of stories... "Do you know who I am!!!?" Then to be corrected by the serving member..."Who you used to be...sir..."

[Surpmil]

Nothing wrong with protecting your industrial base, in fact a country that doesn't is led by fools or traitors.

Protecting ones industrial base does not require the adoption of inferior equipment because it of domestic design, that is also the approach of fools or traitors.

In the past Britain distinguished herself by her readiness to adopt what were considered to be the best designs, regardless of origin.

Well, unless from the Dominions of course!

[enfield303t]

Jim

The real scary part was when he told me in every single step of procurement someone will bring up "can that be made/purchased in Quebec". Now talk about incestuous, realize when that question occurs the entire process goes back to step one to start over again....that could be 98 steps into a 100 step process and it goes back to step 1.

We have our own SA80...Bombardier...we have given them BILLIONS of taxpayer $$$...should have let them go the way of the passenger pigeon years ago.

Hope that is not considered a political statement.

[mrclark303]

Jim

The real scary part was when he told me in every single step of procurement someone will bring up "can that be made/purchased in Quebec". Now talk about incestuous, realize when that question occurs the entire process goes back to step one to start over again....that could be 98 steps into a 100 step process and it goes back to step 1.

We have our own SA80...Bombardier...we have given them BILLIONS of taxpayer $$$...should have let them go the way of the passenger pigeon years ago.

Hope that is not considered a political statement.

Not at all, simply a statement of fact, not political!

The general public of most NATO countries would, I am quite sure, be absolutely horrified at the money wasted in dire management practices (that would kill a business overnight if it operated in the private sector) and pointless duplication of capability, that costs many billions and makes kit ever more expensive for the end user, Eurofighter and Rafale immediately come to mind.

[browningautorifle]

Bombardier

Yes...been there, dealt with it. Continuously.

[Brit plumber]

I have not read the whole of this thread as I simply can't be bothered to read all the **** surrounding the L85. I've said it before but as one of the few on this forum that have used the SA80 for the last 22 years, I have no complaints. It hasn't let me down in training, it hasn't let me down on parade, it didn't let me down on bomb disposal duties in Iraq and it never let me down on guard. I ain't special forces or infantry, just like the other 60% or more of the UK military who don't see themselves as front line. I've fired a **** load of guns, ARs, AKs, FNs and they all fired fine. What would I choose? I'll take what's put in my hands.

[enfield303t]

I have not read the whole of this thread as I simply can't be bothered to read all the **** surrounding the L85. I've said it before but as one of the few on this forum that have used the SA80 for the last 22 years, I have no complaints. It hasn't let me down in training, it hasn't let me down on parade, it didn't let me down on bomb disposal duties in Iraq and it never let me down on guard. I ain't special forces or infantry, just like the other 60% or more of the UK military who don't see themselves as front line. I've fired a **** load of guns, ARs, AKs, FNs and they all fired fine. What would I choose? I'll take what's put in my hands.

Good for you, just think how more at ease you might have been with a AR?

[Bruce_in_Oz]

enfield303t:

A bit like elephants mating:

It happens at a high level.
There is a LOT of loud noise.
It takes a VERY long time for a result.

[Peter Laidler]

Another breath of fresh air from BP. I pass no further comment on the constant opposition...........