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[Gil Boyd]

1954 so did the top cover extend over the working parts at the same time for safety?

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[nzl1a1collector]

1954 so did the top cover extend over the working parts at the same time for safety?

The standard long cover was fitted to the X8E2 unit optic sighted rifles

The half stripper clip loading cover was fitted to the X8E1 rifles.

The X8E3 was an X8E1 fitted fitted with the American designed 5 slot flash eliminator (often referred to the the 'Browning Flash Hider' on the 'G Series FAL rifles)

The X8E4, unknown but probably an X8E2 fitted with the Flash Eliminator

The X8E5 was a modified X8E1 with newly designed components such as a new version of Auxiliary Catch on the Cocking handle slide, new sling swivels, new butt plate and semi auto etc

The X8E6, unknown but probably an X8E2 fitted with X8E5 components

[bigduke6]

The half stripper clip loading cover was fitted to the X8E1 rifles.

I have had the pleasure of putting a few hundred rounds through one of those...... lovely condition, also an early L1A1 full wood etc, again all excellent condition.

[nzl1a1collector]

This rifle was in use for about 18 months (1954 - 1956) and had Its barrel replaced after 10,407 rounds and has fired a total of 17,320 rounds after which it was returned to RSAF Enfield due to the Body (Upper Receiver) cracking through the Locking Shoulder hole.

I know this as the rifle has its own official report: T.S 56’ 100, RIFLE FN No 5011, Investigation, Fractured Body

The report details the life and use of the rifle. It was sent to Radway Green and was used for “Ammunition Proof”.

Although it doesn’t say when the rifle started trials it was withdrawn from service on the 6 November 1956 after it was gauged and failed.

It’s likely the rifle spent about 18 months in service at Radway Green, which works out at about 509 Working days. This can be further broken down to:

A total of 866 Magazines (20 round) used.

Or 48 Magazines / 962 rounds a month.

Or 34 Rounds each and every work day

It had a hard life in its short operational career.