L1A1 topcovers for the SUIT

[nzl1a1collector]

I would agree with Peter, I think the covers were sent to the manufacturer of the T-Bars and they were fitted by them to the supplied body covers. The only time this wouldn't happen is if supplys from Ordnance supply were low. I have a 'PI' marked Body cover, which I think might be Pilkington Industries and would have to date from the late 80's

[Longshaor]

That seems to make a lot of sense. Thanks for all the info gang!

Cheers!

[tankhunter]

I have examined quite a number of these when in Service. They all had square recesses cut at the top for the riviting process. I have observed that there is a Gentleman in the US who markets these on Ebay from time to time. His all have ROUND hole recesses for the same purpose. I suspect he is reproducing these! I have never seen any other than square in British military Service. Dont forget (& Peter I KNOW will bear me out on this!) There was a miscillanious instruction in EMERS to the effect that. When the 'Locating Tabs' at the rear, either split or broke off. The Tab was to be removed & the corner was to be chamfered off at 45 Degrees. The other tab was to to cut off & chamfered to match. This was very common on all normal L1A1 Rifle top covers. It also covered the SUIT sight covers. So, removing your 'Tabs' does not only Metric-ise it. It WAS an OFFICIAL Modification!

[nzl1a1collector]

Here's a selection of Trilux mountings.
Top: 1st Model
Middle: Standard model marked in white paint on the inside CR 193 AVL /|\
Bottom: Late production, Manroy Engineering. (thanks PJK for conformation)

[tankhunter]

You will observe on the centre phot of NZ's post that there is a C moulded into the actual bracket. This denotes a CASTING for those who are unaware. This marking will be encountered on many Brit Military spare componants.

[PJK]

Does this help anyone?
I removed it from the sealed plastic myself, can't find any markings on it.

[Peter Laidler]

That's quite interesting for a couple of reasons PJK because the label gives an old Ministry part number as the old B1/CR 193 and the suffix indicates AVL which is Avimo Ltd who make the actual sightunits (Alvis Motors as was, yonks ago but still in the Defence industry) but underneath, the Manroy maker/converter and 1988 date. The L85/SA80 had started to come on stream by then so I can't help but wonder whether this was a foreign contract. All of those I've ever seen in OUR Ordnance packaging would certainly carry the usual 1005-99-960 1234 part number. Can you help Tankie.............?

What is also interesting is the fact that the front of the stop tags have received a real battering as mentioned by Tankie in the thread above. We used to grind these off once they'd split as they served no purpose whatsoever.

[nzl1a1collector]

Peter, these NIW Trilux mounts are ex NZ Army stores, sold off after the SLR was withdrawn from service in 1988. I have a NIW buttstock tool (IIRC) that is dated 1993 ! I think the problem is there were a number of outstanding supply orders that arrived well after the rifles had been withdrawn from service, hence the late dating of a number of parts and accessories.

[Peter Laidler]

That's the answer. As I thought NZ. But if I remember from my days there (hazy, I know.........) we (the NZ Army) still used the old NATO Pommy stock numbers.

[nzl1a1collector]

Yes you are correct, we still use the NSN numbering system for parts and equipment, which makes me wonder if the new covers were purchased directly from Manroy Engineering as the 'supply system' no longer had any AVMIO Trilux top covers available. In fact AVL was probably saying they were unable to supply any spares for the SUIT sights due to there production of SUSAT sights and spares. If that was so they would have to then sourced them from a new supplier, Manroy in this case and they have just used the old part number CR193AVL as reference?