L42A1 Soft Case

[chosenman]

Cover, Sniper, B1/1005-99-961-9515, L42A1

Commonly found in the two patterns as illustrated.


1) Standard No4 carry case converted by Remploy.
The basic standard conversion to all cases for the L42A1 sniper rifle added a further six inches to its length to accommodate the longer heavy hammer forged barrel along with a basic adjustable web shoulder strap. The illustrated case also has a “fillet” added to accommodate the rifle installed with its scope fitted, a very tight fit otherwise and was a problem first encountered by users of the case with the No4 T some thirty years earlier, however the problem continued un-rectified even into the L42 era as when the Remploy conversion arrived, a juncture at which you might think perfect to make all the necessary improvements the opportunity was missed. Not sure if the “fillet” was official or a unit modification as many other cases I have seen don’t have it and others have had the extra length added in leather and others have had a more elaborate shoulder strap fitted. Unit modification is feasible. I know from my own experience here in Colchester the garrison tailor’s shop was more than capable of such modifications.


2) Springfield pattern.
The No4 converted case got the L42 sniper rifle in to service with a soft carry case, however a second improved version was needed and was found in the form of the US Springfield type carry case. The British take on this case is in fact identical to the original US pattern as illustrated below except it was produced in a 58 pattern green and unlike the No4 converted case it carries the makers mark, year, NSN and acceptance broad arrow. One other give away is the finishing tip to the fastening strap on the hood which is the brass tip with two punched holes commonly found on much of the British web equipment since 1908. The US pattern has a smooth metal tip that has no perforations at all and strangely it is this US model that is featured in the user handbook and the sniper training pamphlet.
The US manufactured case is, unlike either of the L42 variant cases easily sourced and is usually available in a light beige colour with some having limited to no ordnance or acceptance marks.

Information

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