X8E1 (BR) DRILL RIFLE (L38A1) a reply to Mr Laidler

[Peter Laidler]

MAGAZINES...... I remember about 25 or so years ago being asked to run the ranges for a small TA (reservists) range day and they turned up with their SLR's and L4 Brens. During the afternoon the Bren magazines were all loaded up and when the shooting started we found that they were being forced out of the guns causing stoppages. It turned out that the box of L4 Bren magazines they had were all old original FN style magazines for L4A1 Brens with the small pressed lug. It seems as though over the years and tears, nobody had noticed that a few of the guns had been issued with these original magazines. We just loaded up rifle magazines and carried on the day.

Naturally, being a reservist unit, non too familiar with shoooting anything beyond the No8 rifle and with the aid of a good butt party, everyone passed with above average results ............ as you do!

[browningautorifle]

Never tried the FAL mag on a Bren...but I can see where the problem would be.

[tankhunter]

[It seems as though over the years and tears, nobody had noticed that a few of the guns had been issued with these original magazines.

Peter, then the 'Circuit Armourer' who did the rounds with establishments that did not have it's own Armourer. Wants shooting for failure to carry out his duties correctly!
We both know that one of the many onerous tasks was the inspection of magazines & appurtences! Boring, boring, but it really did need doing. Some mags got damaged during usage as you ar familiar with, im sure.
These early L4A1 mags SHOULD have been weeded out during this procedure. But as your also aware, TA & Reservist units DO have some quirks & 'Interesting Things' hidden away from normal prying eyes!..........LOL!

[Peter Laidler]

You know what it's like Tankie, Skiprat and others. The first 8 rifles in the rack, closest to the counter get the constant use, thrashed to death and get reported on and the 'once-over' before the next 'annual'. The rest are immaculate, same as last year because they've never been used. And so it goes on......, and on. I suppose people like me should have kept a closer eye on things but boat rocking is a double edged sword when you're a lowly Lt or Captain! Anyway, I ALWAYS blame the workshop ASM (the Warrant Officers....)

[tankhunter]

Yep, Spot on there If Im honest Peter! RE: Blaming ASM,s Etc. Quite right too, always pass it down the line. The buck has to stop somewhere, after all. They are there in a supervisory capacity!
You know the score, Rule No:1, NEVER Blame Yourself, Rule No:2, When In doubt, Refer to rule No;1.........................

[skiprat]

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I've now found a few more bits , and made a few that were hard to find or too expensive,

The left hand guard is an original, the right hand one was modified from an L1A1 hand guard , the small gas hole was “patched” and another slot was milled in the correct position.

The pistol grip and butt have been carved out of a piece of beech , mainly as a template and to see how feasible it would be to produce them in my workshop. They are a bit under size in a couple of places, but will be a good pattern when I turn them out in walnut.

The butt plate was modified from a fal pressed steel but plate by removing a few of the strengthening ribs.

I still have not found a forward assist for the cocking handle. And with the short top cover the ugly de-activated carrier is clear for all to see… (the front has been ground off at 45 degrees on the left hand side.

[browningautorifle]

It's looking better though. This is one I'd like to have in hand to examine, everything from machine marks to markings.

[tankhunter]

Skippy & Pete: you May remeber seeing these?

There were quite a lot of these sectionalised & fitted in clear perspex cases with a circular cutout in the perspex around the Pistol Grip. This was to allow access to operate the trigger.
These were modified for instalation in the Mobile Recruting 'Caravan' trailers, that were towed around the country on Recruting drives.

They were fitted with an Electric motor & gearbox at the rear, to allow the action to function when the trigger was pressed. very nice to look at, & a bit more interesting, as the acton 'came to life' so to speak when opperated!

I assume they were all modified in a 2nd Line Workshops? I havent seen any around other than when they were in Service. I would also assume that the 'Usual' would have happened to them. All Scrapped!

I also remember the whole range of infantry Small Arms on show in these 'Caravans'. The L42 Sniper rifle, SLR, Sterling SMG, GPMG, 2" Mortar, Charlie G 84mm A/T Gun, L18 81mm Mortar, Milan Launcher, Etc, Etc. They were interesting in the fact that ALL the above mentiond Weapons were manufactured from WOOD! All had SOME original parts, like Rubber eye cups, sling swivels, Etc. But approx 95% was all wood! I have seen some of these for sale after these were obsolete from service & the new weapons introduced. I used to own a complete 81mm Mortar from one of these 'vans'. I saw recently TWO Charlie G's for sale also.

I know that most, ended up chucked in skips! What a waste!, but thats the Service for you.
If it's not in Service, it has no place to be there - get rid!.................

[Peter Laidler]

Hey Skippy, that's an amazing bit of carpentry, a butt and a pistol grip from scratch. I did a couple of Mk5 Sten sets but at least I could start off with the rear end of a No4 butt cut to length

[nzl1a1collector]

I would love one of the 'display' wood rifles and even one of the motorized display pieces