No32 Mk3 scope and Fulton regulated 7.62mm Rifle..

[Peter Laidler]

Slightly shortened barrels.......... that's switched on the memory banks. There was a project in hand regarding L42 barrels. Because they were exposed and by very the nature of the beast, they suffered constant attrition from bulges at the muzzle. 14 MAG were looking to see whether the barrel could be shortened by 'an amount' in order to save an otherwise perfect but bulged muzzle.

I think that they could be shortened without detriment for a muzzle bulge/ring but don't know how much. But seem to recall that it wasn't much at all. Another problem - if it is a problem, was that the rifle had to be unbreeched and barrel removed in order for the correct machining to be carried out.

Another problem at the time was (and I don't understand it either but may have got it slightly wrong if anyone cares to comment) that to save a bulged/ringed muzzle, you had to identify the bulge as soon as it happened then isolate the rifle before many more rounds were put through it otherwise more damage was done. In my opinion, the damage was already done but WO1 Roger xxxxxx was leading the trial and I won't be seeing him for some months now

There was another project being looked at by the 'tiffy' courses at Bordon to ascertain the viability of a slimmed down L7 fluted flash eliminator being fitted. The aim was to incorporate the two ideas as a preventive measure for the bulge problem. I think I've mentioned this some time ago. Sorry if I'm boring you!

[bigduke6]

Not boring by any means, very interesting. The barrel I mentioned was shortened and machined down, but was not done in service.

Was the project just looked at or was there any barrels tested with the eliminator?

[Surpmil]

Yes, that's what enterprising folks did before there was ever a whiff of L42s being released for sale.

[Peter Laidler]

What did the enterprising folk do Surpmill.............. you've lost me? Cut the barrels short, fit flash eliminators - or what? And how can they have done it before they were released?

Someone told me that Australia werre first to try the flash eliminators during their trials with the L42's although what one they tried, L4, L7 or L1A1 I don't know. Can any Aussies comment on this

[Bindi2]

What did the enterprising folk do Surpmill.............. you've lost me? Cut the barrels short, fit flash eliminators - or what? And how can they have done it before they were released?

Someone told me that Australia werre first to try the flash eliminators during their trials with the L42's although what one they tried, L4, L7 or L1A1 I don't know. Can any Aussies comment on this

We are 8 hrs ahead

[muffett.2008]

We are 8 hrs ahead

????????

[Peter Laidler]

Originally Posted by Bindi2
We are 8 hrs ahead

?????????????????????????? me too!

[bigduke6]

Rifle tested with scope and shoots like a dream with downloaded ammo, at 50 mtrs 1/2" - 3/4" group no problems, will get some pics when I,m back out sunday.

Will try with normal ammo next month, when at the 100mtrs range.

[Surpmil]

What did the enterprising folk do Surpmill.............. you've lost me? Cut the barrels short, fit flash eliminators - or what? And how can they have done it before they were released?

Someone told me that Australia werre first to try the flash eliminators during their trials with the L42's although what one they tried, L4, L7 or L1A1 I don't know. Can any Aussies comment on this

Oops, forgot to quote the early post I was replying to! I meant making up an L42 replica from a spare No4(T) action etc. Back in the days when you could mail a stripped receiver half way round the world and get it back again with a minimum of paperwork and the sky remaining suspended above us!