Dismantling an L6A1 BFA

[peregrinvs]

Hi,

Could somebody (possibly a certain gentlemen not entirely unconnected with Warminster...) tell me the correct way to dismantle an L6A1 BFA? I've just acquired one with rotted paintwork and would like to refurbish it.

Thanks,

Mark

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

Is it the huge big dumpy yellow one of the little sheet steel fabricated one or one of the others? Show me a photo of it so that I don't have to go through loads of books and I might be able to help - unless NZL1A1-collector has one of those superb pictorial essays that he's particularly renowned for. In fact, he might be a better bet as the pictorial essay is here for good.

Can I suggest that you paint it with a bright yellow 'plasticote' paint from any good hardware shop. Bake it at about 100+ or so to dry and harden it. I say this on the basis that you woun't be using it to fire blanks any more. In any case, even the original yellow high temp paint was only so good......... And would blacken and flake after a few hundred rounds or so.

[peregrinvs]

Hi Peter,

It's the larger bullet trap(?) type. I attach a couple of pictures. Marked as made at RSAF Enfield in 1970. The chap I acquired it from stated he acquired it whilst in the Army Cadets many years ago.
Attachment 41653Attachment 41654
I assume the circlip on the front needs to be removed, etc. Your informed advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Mark

[Peter Laidler]

Yes, start with that circlip. BUT make sure that you have another new one handy because the heat generated with blank firing will have destroyed its temp0er and when you spread it, it'll just stay that way! Unscrew top from choke, release inner spring under a small amount of tension and you're away...........

NZL1A1 collector or KevG.......... photos.........?

[nzl1a1collector]

From the 1977 edition of the RIFLE, 7.62mm, L1A1 Handbook.

174. Stripping. Stripping is to be carried out by qualified REME personnel only. To strip:

a. Remove external circlip at front end to release cup, spring and fluted sleeve.

b. Remove internal type circlip from front end of housing.

c. Unscrew inner tube and withdraw from front of housing.

[Peter Laidler]

I just KNEW that you'd come up with the goods KtK. There, preserved for posterity.

They started to call this a 'bullet catcher' BFA, similar to the bullet catcher BFA recently(?) designed for the little L85 SA80. A word of advice in respect to this BFA. DON'T TRY IT. It's nothing of the sort. Because instead of just getting the bullet, you'll get the bullet jammed in the choke tube plus the BFA plus the flash eliminator! The saving grace is that you'll get the latter at a much slower speed than the former!

[tankhunter]

And in some cases, a Bulged Barrel!..............Plus the ensuing 'Trouble' that goes with it in the Army!.........

[Peter Laidler]

Thats quite correct too Tankiie. The last one I saw wher a live round had been mistakenly fired, it went partially into the choke tube, bulging the livings daylights out of the muzzle of the barrel, came out of the choke tube and vented out of the flash eliminator which it promptly blew apart.

I was involved because whoever did it just put his rifle back into the back of the truck with all the others at Warcop ranges and to this day, noone ever admitted liability!

[tankhunter]

Nasty Bussiness Pete!.............LOL!

[peregrinvs]

Progress...
Attachment 41770Attachment 41771
Now on to stripping off the old paint, removing the spots of rust and repainting. I'm hoping I'll be able to recycle the original circlip. Stay tuned...

Cheers,
Mark