L1A1

Description

The British L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) is a semi-automatic licensed copy of the Belgium FN FAL.

Up until the early 1950’s British forces were still fully equipped with World War Two weaponry, from their bolt action Lee Enfield No4 Rifles, to 9mm Sten SMG’s. Which by now were far outdated against their new enemy, the Soviet Union, who were equipped with the SKS SLR and Kalashnikov family of weapons.

The British opted to go with the Belgium design as it was chambered for the new universally used 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, which would aid logistical supply for future joint operations.

Like the FN, the L1A1 used a 20 round box magazine, although special forces often used modified 30 round LMG magazines. Initially sporting wooden furniture, this would eventually be replaced in the 1970’s with a harder wearing/more economical black reinforced plastic.

Since its introduction in the mid 1950’s, it has seen action in multiple conflicts, including Aden, Northern Island and the Falkland’s War. It remained in service with British forces until the Gulf War of 1990/91 with Territorial/Reserve forces, having already been widely replaced by the L85A1 (SA80) with Regular troops.