Gas Regulator Question

[LowSpeed]

I happened to see a close up of what I believe to be an L1A1 gas regulator (only saw the gas regulator and part of the front sight). The numbers on the gas regulator were painted white. Is this original? I got mine out and gave it a good look. Not a hint of paint. I know the Stg58 wasn't painted but clueless about the L1A1.

If it was originally issued painted I suppose I will take it off, clean it and lose my patience painting the numbers. Any guidance?

PLEASE tell me this isn't original...

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

I never saw one with painted numbers in the zillions I saw. Just deep grey phosphate. The paint wouldn't last 2 minutes in a gun battle.

[browningautorifle]

The numbers on the gas regulator were painted white.

We had those so hot the paint would have burned off the first day of actual use. This has been done by someone for their collection, perhaps a few rounds won't damage it. Try a few dozen mags in a short time...

[old tanker]

IF, you are absolutely driven to fill in the engravings on the gas regulator, at least get the proper tool for the job. A more "legitimate" use is to renew the markings on a steel ruler or a machinery dial, plenty of folks have also used them to make the markings on guns stand out for photagraphic reasons. Good for illustrating users' manuals or documenting stuff for insurance.

http://www.markal.com/lacquer-stik/

[LowSpeed]

I wouldn't have thought so, I've accidentally sizzled my finger on the end of it not paying attention while getting up from a prone position with an immoblizer on my ankle. Then I saw that one and thought maybe they used some type of high temp. paint. I hoped they weren't so I wouldn't feel obligated to paint mine. I knew the Stg58 wasn't but my L1A1 has been through the ringer and figured there was a chance it may have worn off over the years. Glad I won't feel like I need to paint mine after all!!

[Brian Dick]

I have one here now that belongs to a client that has the white paint in the numbers. He got his kit from Arizona Response Systems so maybe he's the culprit? I've never seen it on an original either and I've seen a few.

[alexmac993]

the irish army have FNs upgraded to use as a sniper spotter rifle they have white numbers on the regulator

[Gil Boyd]

Renowned for bad eyesight
A trained soldier would always know his L1A1 rifle, and also know which way to close or open the gas port without the indented numbers being painted. Certainly NOT a British Army SOP, and one wonders whether it would have been acceptable in front line infantry units.

So agreed never ever came across one painted in service, but like many things when in "private" hands, a liitle bit of boredom and some spare white paint..............onwards and upwards, happy days!!

[us019255]

He got his kit from Arizona Response Systems so maybe he's the culprit?

You got it. Mark Graham builds nice stuff, and really likes white engraved lettering.

[browningautorifle]

I've never seen it on an original either and I've seen a few.

Second only to a weapon stores I should think...typical understatement...