L1A1 L1A2, L1A3 Bayaonets

[mark1]

Can someone tell me what the difference is between the L1A1, L1A2 and L1A3 bayonets? Or is there a defference? Any pictures would be great.
Thanks

Information

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[A square 10]

sure , there is a diferance , the L1A1 british bayonet had a protrudeing release as well as both wood scales and metal and were marked , the L1A2 canadian and austrailian version recessed it into the milled depression the canadians marked theres the ausies didnt , and changed the rivets fastening the scales , and the L1A3 was the british version that included converted L1A1s with markings ,

that is a way gross over-simplification , you need to get some referance books if you will be collecting , but if all you want is a correct one for your single rifle that will sufice ,

there are many here with far more expertise than i , and ill let them enlighten you further and correct my errors

[A square 10]

note there was a correcxtion to my info posted - i think in the edged forum - by a more knowledgable collector than i , as i expected i had part of this wrong , the L1A1 was british production , the L1A2 is an exact copt produced in austrailia [and canada i believe] without markings , and the L1A3 was the shortened button with milled recess , the L1A4 would have been the copy of that produced in OZ but there is a question if they actually were produced in any number

[Peter Laidler]

L1 rifle bayonets. From the horses mouth!

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There has been a bit of discussion about the differences between the L1A1 to A4 bayonets recently. Here is the official documentation taken from EMER, SA&MG V150, issue 1, May 1971. Page 3, paragraph 13.
L1A1 and L1A2. Introduced at the same time, these models have a crosspiece held firmly by two rivets against a shoulder on the haft. The pommell is also rivetted in position. The difference between the two models, in addition to amall dimensional differences is in the method of grinding the cuting edge. On the L1A1, the cutting edge is achieved by grinding equal angled flats on each side of the blade.

On the L1A2, the thickness is reduced in two stages. The larger flats having an included angle of 40 degrees and the flats ground to the edge having an included angle of 55 to 60 degrees. Amendment 1: This arrangement is to allow the manufacture of the bayonet by outside cutlers having regard to the best and most efficient use of their existing machinery.

The bayonet catch on both models protrudes from the pommell approx 1/4". The protruding catch was liable to be operated acidentally, causing disengagement of the bayonet

L1A3 and L1A4 To overcome the defect in the L1A1 and L1A2 bayonet, shorted catches were designed and the bayonets modified to accept the new catches. After modification, the bayonets were redesignated L1A3 and L1A4 respectively. Further defects concerning loosness of the cross pieces and pommels were corrected by introducing brazing as an ADDITIONAL or ALTERNATIVE to rivetting. To further ease manufacture, slight dimensional changes are permitted and although the marks are not advanced, a differences will be apparent. The grooves on some blades are shorter in length and with the grips removed, some shafts will be seen to be a different shape.

Amendment 2 dated (unclear on paperwork). GRIPS, bayonet, pairs are marked with the identifying data relating to either the Bayonet L1A3 or L1A4 and are fully interchangeable. As such, these are not indicative of a sub mark of bayonet. The bayonet will be referred to in (should read 'as'!) its generic description of BAYONET, Rifle, L1A1

[Sunray]

Our version of the FAL wasn't an 'L' anything. It was a C1, C1A1 or C2.
"...and Canada I believe..." The Brit L1A3 is the same as a C1A1 bayonet. Mind you, so are the L1A1 and 2. Bayonets in the CF are parade things and only under special circumstances.
Have a look here. You can click on the pictures to actually be able to see 'em. SLR bayonets