Xl42 ?

[rgg_7]

When was the offical date of introduction of the L42's. When was the first XL42 issued? Was told 1970...is that corrrect? How many XL42 's were remanufactured? Are these in "Simon's Records"? I went through his thread and just see XL42E1 D70 built on receiver E35634. Ron

Information

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[XL39E1]

The first shipping date from Enfield for XL42 was 25th Feb 1970, before being returned to Enfield for rework!
Peter may be able to help with the official issue date for the L42
There appears to be 25-30 XL's in total, in 2 or 3 batches, maybe for the Army, Royal Marines and R.A.F. to trial? All except 5 seem to have gone back to Enfield for rebuild at a later time, possibly standard parts to be fitted like barrels (different twist and length were tried), and then re-engraved to L42A1 standard markings!
I have studied closely two examples of real XL42’s, both seem to be identical to later L42’s except for the markings and the fact the scopes are standard No32 mk3, not L1A1!

[Peter Laidler]

XL39 is correct in all he says. The UK MoD weren't happy with some of the original barrel configurations. For example, The early barrels were standard No4 dia at the muzzle so that a bog standard block band foresight could be used but this wasn't acceptable for several reasons including the weak point where the tapered pin crossed the barrel so the diameter was increased and the block band foresight internal diameter increased to fit the larger diameter. Now, instead of the taper pin, the SCREW, protector foresight retains it. It doesn't actually so it is additionally soft soldered too.

These rifles were returned for correction to the accepted standard prior to acceptance and at the same time ALL were modified for the 7.62mm magazine regardless of whether they needed it or not. This is the reason that some of you say that the 7.62 magazine fits regardless. (It might FIT but it don't fit PROPERLY.....)

He is also right that the first ones came with Mk3 telescopes - but that is another story/saga. Some telescopes were adapted so that the tele was rotated through 90 degrees clockwise so that the range drum was now the deflection drum and the deflectrion drum was the new range drum.......... Am I repeating myself here........? Anyway, economics all raised its head and the cost of TWO new drum assemblies was tooooo much so the scope stayed as-is with just the new range scale. What a palava but that's what trials are for. And what an outstandingly accurate rifle it turned out to be

It was also this period that caused confusion regarding the engraving format and that's why your L1A1 engraving could be, well......, anywhere depending whether the workshop undertaking the work had the original provisional instructions of..... anyway.

[rgg_7]

That's great info!!!!!

Is there listing of the 25 -30 XL's ? I'm assuming they would be marked XL42E1, XL42E2, and so forth with the corresponding serial number from the No4T donor action. Are there any other known examples ?.....this is a facsinating study area. Did read both articles in the Knownledge Form ( G. Barber).

Peter...interesting comment on the front sight block...originally No4 then bored out.....Would this require a barrel change or sleeve added to the muzzle for the reworked sight?

Simon...any history in the records?

Thanks,

Ron

[XL39E1]

All the XL42 are marked the same, XL42E1, and still retained the original No4 serial, as follows Attachment 40008. One interesting point about these markings is that the little "T" is also barred out!

The difference in muzzle diameter is seen here, Attachment 40009

[Peter Laidler]

I have only ever seen one of the early L42 barrels with a smaller No4 dia muzzle and block band foresight and that was attached to trials papers explaining what I explained above. I wouldn't think that a simple sleeve would be acceptable to the MoD because the weakness and taper pin recess is already present - as is its prone-ness to bulge, which L42's were inclined to anyway. Incidentally, when they did bulge at the muzzle, it was VERY difficult to detect and only the good barrel viewers could usually pick it up. But a bulge was usually picked up on the accuracy test.

As for the foresight block bands, these were a 'new-build' for a reason that I'll explain later. And here's how to tell whether you have a 70's new build........... Next time you have the foresight protectors off, have a look into the 'hole' that was formerly occupied by the now redundant PIN, taper, block band foresight. The 'hole' is just a casting mark and is in fact solid after a few thous. This is to ensure that you NEVER even try to insert a taper pin in place. Not a lot of people know this.

Of course, there's no reason why a standard block band shouldn't be bored out to size in a 4-jaw and used. But to clear any ambiguity production and ensure that a tapered cross pin is never fitted, it should have a solid 'new-build' foresight block band.

There some more useless Enfield info that you might find interesting........