Unusual date for an L42A1 rifle

[Nigel]

I acquired this unusual 900 yard target diagram many years ago when I purchased an L42A1 1976 Pamphlet No.4 SNIPING from an ex-sniper. He had been involved in the early development of the L42A1 sniper rifle. I had not really studied the diagram until recently. What caught my attention was the date JULY 1968. This was at least six months to a year before the early XL42E1 rifles. Given the meticulous way in which the diagram has been completed, including producing an elevation graph plot (which indicates what an experienced and well trained shot he was), I have no reason to doubt the date. I would also make the following observations:

1. Note top left he has written TRYOUT L4A1 Sniper Rifle - the designation of the L42A1 had not be decided upon at that date so no wonder he has given it a slightly different designation.
2. Next to pre-printed RIFLE he has written No.4 Converted to 7.62 and he has also indicated that the sights were Telescopic.
3. The NRA had already started testing 7.62x51 barrels on No.4 rifles before this date - the military took note.
4. Steve Houghton believes he has seen a very early L42A1 configured rifle which is NOT engraved as an L42A1 in the National Firearms Centre at Leeds Royal Armouries. It was probably this rifle that shot this diagram. Steve will be conducting further research.

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