Accuracy International L96A1 PM

[Promo]

Yes, not really an Enfield Rifle, but for lack of a sub-forum just like we have it for the Parker-Hale Rifles, I thought I would allow myself to post it here. Doug, if you are not happy with this, please move it to the forum where you think it fits better.

Had been a longer time ago where with the help of another forum member I was able to purchase an AI L96A1 PM rifle. But since Brexit came closer and no agreement in sight plus COVID that didn't allow personal transportation I finally decided I would take the more expensive way to import and got them all in via air freight. Seems pure luck this happened not only less than a month prior to Brexit, but also just a few days prior to nearly all countries due to the new virus sub-variant blocking incoming flights from the UK. In this shipment were a few more guns and items that I might post of later, but clearly the L96A1 rifle is one of the highlights in there.

The rifle came without scope - this was agreed upon since I have anyway had an original scope with mount in my collection that I had fitted upon arrival. For someone who handles the L96A1 the first time I was quite amazed to find out the pistol grip area is really short, basically my small finger does not have any of the pistol grip area. The rear monopod I consider quite clever and simple solution which I do like a lot.

Attached are some pictures I've taken. Please note I digitally removed the serial of the rifle (it is "89PM 05xx"). I assume this is a Police sniper rifle, but others more knowledgeable may educate me. Does the "8" engraved to the left side of the butt stock have any meaning? Hoping that Danny or Steve will also look at this thread - looking forward to the book on the "Green Meanie" only!

Edit: added killed pictures again (I hope so).

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Roy W]

What you have there is a 1989 made Police PM rifle which someone has added an L96A1 barrel to. If you check the proof mark on the barrel you will see the year it was proofed.

The rifle would most likely have had a plain barrel with the swirly flash hider on the end. I have seen very late PM's (1991) with AW barrels fitted from new, with single port muzzle brakes, but this is an earlier one.

The later PM rifles used L96 engraved actions.

The '8' is most likely a 'rack number' added by the Police to their rifles, just to keep an easier check on which were there or missing, rather than checking serial numbers.

A nice PM rifle in L96 guise. It's an L96A1 in all but serial number.

[waco16]

What you have there is a 1989 made Police PM rifle which someone has added an L96A1 barrel to. If you check the proof mark on the barrel you will see the year it was proofed.

The rifle would most likely have had a plain barrel with the swirly flash hider on the end. I have seen very late PM's (1991) with AW barrels fitted from new, with single port muzzle brakes, but this is an earlier one.

The later PM rifles used L96 engraved actions.

The '8' is most likely a 'rack number' added by the Police to their rifles, just to keep an easier check on which were there or missing, rather than checking serial numbers.

A nice PM rifle in L96 guise. It's an L96A1 in all but serial number.

and the only one you can legitimately own without running the risk of an unwelcome knock at the door!

[Roy W]

If you contact AI with the serial number they should be able to tell you who it was sold to and when.

[Strangely Brown]

Yes, not really an Enfield Rifle, but for lack of a sub-forum just like we have it for the Parker-Hale Rifles, I thought I would allow myself to post it here. Doug, if you are not happy with this, please move it to the forum where you think it fits better.

I would love to see a sub forum like the Parker-Hale one dealing with early Accuracy International's.

[Gil Boyd]

Photo of the L96A1's arriving with 2 PARA in early 1988. Looking at the photos that engraving with the NSN on the top of the action was only on the L96A1's.

[Roy W]

Photo of the L96A1's arriving with 2 PARA in early 1988. Looking at the photos that engraving with the NSN on the top of the action was only on the L96A1's.

The NSN was on all the later receivers. PMs were made bearing the L96A1 designation, but the clue is in the serial number.

Genuine L96A1's would have a UA prefix, PMs have the date followed by PM followed by the serial number.

[Gil Boyd]

Memory Roy......fading at best Mine just says AW and the serial number.

[Roy W]

Here is a 91 dated PM ( 91PM***) bearing the L96A1 engraving to the receiver, wearing an AW barrel with single port muzzle brake, as it arrived from the factory, still wearing the protective sleeving on the barrel.

And the same rifle alongside a 1985 PM which does not bear the NSN because it pre-dates the acceptance into the military.

I would suggest that PMs after the date that the NSN was added will all bear it because those were the actions that were available.


Attachment 113425

Attachment 113426

[Roy W]

Memory Roy......fading at best Mine just says AW and the serial number.

Does it not have a date prefix before the 'AW' ?