By Fire and Steel - The History of the British Infantry Weapon: Ep 8 - The L1A1 SLR

[@stormhansen1499]

I bought my first L1.A1 SLR in the mid 1980s as I started my military career with the Norwegian Infantry. It was made at the Lithgow factory in Australia, but was the same as the true British ones. Back then, you could legally own these rifles in Norway. I over the years owned two of these fine battle rifles - one with wooden the other with plastic furniture - and I would use them both privately and also in service for about 15 years and several thousand rounds in all kinds of conditions ranging from warm summers to freezing winters. The SLR was my preferred battle rifle, and as an officer and gun and shooting instructor, I pretty much decided myself what guns to carry. My favourite combo was the SLR + the Glock 17 as my sidearm. I've used both extensively and would carry them in any trouble spot in the world and feel as safe as can be. Excellent guns! I preferred the SLR to the HK G3 (normal issue in the Norw. Army in the 80s and 90s) due to its lighter (felt) recoil. I also liked the bigger handguards around the barrel + the solid steel magazines of the SLR. Issued Norw. made (Kongsberg) G3s had slim handguards and aluminium mags. The slim handguards really made you feel the heat from the warm barrel just after a couple of mags at rapid fire. But both rifles (SLR and G3) served me very well for about 15 years. Malfunctions were so few that I can't even remember them and both battle rifles took quite a beating in the field. And the accuracy was more than good enough. I easily took out human sized targets at 400 metres using iron sights and 2-3 rounds. The only drawback with the SLR as I see it, is the length. That long flash hider is a joke, and both it + the barrel could have been shortened without sacrificing too much accuracy and blast in my - not so humble - opinion. But, again, the SLR is reliable, accurate and solid and I wouldn't hesitate to take it to war!

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

@ storm. 🇬🇧👍🇳🇴

[@tomasteply1956]

And now you can't own such guns in Norway?

[@j2msu341]

You'd like the FN Fal

[@filipinorutherford7818]

Thats interesting Australian Lithgow SLR being used by Norwegians.

[@cambam001]

It is interesting that when I was going through OCTU, (Officer Cadet Training Unit) I was using ting the SLR made in the late 1950's. Trasistioning to the 5.56 mm Styer I always felt a loss when considered to the SLR.

[@j.d.peppmeier9041]

I'm betting that there are still members of the British Army that would like to be issued the beautiful L1A1 SLR just as there are those in the US forces who miss their M-14s !!

[@thecurlew7403]

The SLR is coming back as the A2 in BA dsa arms made a great job with shorter weapon new hand guards with optics it should be brought back SA 80 dropped.

[@carrisasteveinnes1596]

And Australia too!

[@keithmacdonal2466]

They could have called that rifle the FNC.

[@andrewcombe8907]

If the US adopted the SLR they may never have adopted the M16.

[@michaeldoolan7595]

Yep.

[@OldhamSteve52]

Carried the SLR for 6 months when working out of Nth Howard St Mill, 79. Always felt safe. A great weapon.

[@Trellous]

I was there in December 76 with D Coy 2 PARA

[@johnribble]

I was there 87 2LI

[@shubhmishra6977]

Decent rate of fire, powerful ammunition, good accuracy, less jamming problems, can be adjusted to work in any climatic conditions from sandy plains to marshlands or from rocky mountains to tropical forests. A perfect contender for AK series rifles. Huge respect for FALs

[@brucemacallan6831]

I loved the SLR. Managed to achieve ‘The Army 100’ at Bisley when I was 19 years old. That thing could give you 10/10 shots on a figure 12c target at five hundred metres. (Association match)

[@colinblick4903]

Was trained on the SLR in the early 60’s cracking weapon.... I even fired it with the LMG (Bren) mag which held 30 rounds..... useful tool. 😋

[@michaelmorgan9289]

Me too.

[@davidpage4005]

@@michaelmorgan9289 We probably all did at one time or other. Problem with the Bren mag (L4A1) was that it was designed to feed from the top of the weapon rather than underneath, so it helped if you had nice new mag springs to push the rounds upwards.!

[@michaelmorgan9289]

@@davidpage4005 True! I had two brand new Bren Mags.

[@Beauloqs]

Now we know you are all talking out your arses. If you put a full bren mag on a slr it didn't cycle due to the spring being weak as it usually relies primarily on gravity..blanks, sometimes, live rounds no chance.

[@DevilbyMoonlight]

the handle was used when arms were carried at the trail or as I was trained to do as a young Rfn in Winchester back in 1985 when putting the weapon down on the floor you pulled the carry handle out almost half way and used that as a sort of a stand keeping the ejection port out of the dirt , rather than laying it down on the other side where the safety catch and the cocking handle is to get fouled or damaged - I noticed other units didnt do this but they weren't 'Riflemen'

[@bashfull30]

Why would you put it on the floor? When I carried it, it never went out of arms length. If my hands were full, I used the sling. I'm honestly hard pressed to think of a time I laid one on the floor., it was either in my hands, across my knees or in the crook of my arms. But then again, I was never a 'rifleman'. ;-)

[@johnnunn8688]

@@bashfull30, did you carry it still, when cooking or having a dump? There you go, just two examples.

[@bashfull30]

@@johnnunn8688 yup, you got me there mate. But, during either of the two examples you give, the weapon was probably laying across my webbing. Tbh, I've never seen the point of the carrying handle. Some units even cut them off of certain rifles. Cheers.

[@johnnunn8688]

@@bashfull30, agree, don’t recall anyone using the handle. (Except The Rifles.)

[@paulr9572]

I was instructed NEVER to use the carry handle in the field. You carried the weapon in a position where it could quickly be brought into he shoulder and fired.

[@prdubi]

Proud owner of two SLRs , one is a pure breed Lithgow '62 and the other is an Enfield from '61. Both function fine and I managed to snag a Trilux SUIT, had the tritium reanimated and it works well for a x4 scope.

[@christopherfisher7805]

I DECLARE THAT I HAVE NO LIVE ROUNDS OR EMPTY CASES IN MY POSSESSION , SIR!!!!

[@michaelbull1236]

yes remember saying that to the officer quite few times

[@RobertLloyd-f3p]

Made me smile, I had forgotten that declaration. My SLR had wooden furniture and stock. Steel but plate with oil bottle storage. It was refurbed new barrel etc. It shot like a dream.

[@robertmackinnon4414]

Was gonna say that. 😂😂😂

[@scouse1967]

I first trained with this amazing rifle as an army cadet with the 4th RCT, along with the .303 Enfield, .303 Bren and the 9mm stirling SMG ( We had a lot of fun as young teen back then here in the UK lol) Then when i joined up in the RAF i got to do it all over again. Being only 5'5 in height i found the SLR very awkward to carry but when on the firing range it was in a league all of it's own. Loved the "Kick" it gave shot after shot down the range upto 500m it was bang on target. I was "MD'd" out just short of 5 years service of the RAF as i began to loose my hearing and so i never got to train nor even hold the SA80 that replaced the SLR but i have such great memories of this beast of a battle rifle and would love to own a "Deact" one, one day i hope.

[@24934637]

You didn't miss anything by not having a go on the SA80! I fired the SLR once as a cadet, but by the time I joined, the SLR was well and truly a thing of the past (1995) and the L85 A1 was in.....Sadly. Bloody terrible bit of kit. IF you were lucky, you might manage to fire a whole mag without part of the rifle falling off. VERY unlikely that you'd empty a mag without at least one stoppage. TOTALLY unfit for use on active service.

[@Wtf0069]

Loved the SLR, it never let me down and I can never remember a stoppage! Kicked a bit but guaranteed to put your target down!

[@creationcorps]

Did you ever get time with the SA80?

[@Wtf0069]

@@creationcorps No never but I've fired the 5.56mm in my Remington PSS and it doesn't hold a candle to 7.62mm! I hear our American friends might be flirting with the idea of 6.8mm which would be a good compromise similar to 6.5mm Swedish!

[@thecurlew7403]

Its coming back as SLR A2 .

[@stephenhathaway269]

@@creationcorps we (my TA unit - A coy, 5 Queens Reg) eagerly awaited the sa80 in '89, but even during weapon familiarisation weekends at the range and while on exercise with the new weapon, it soon became all too apparent we were going to miss the solid reliability and simplicity of the SLR. The sa80 seemed like a cheap and badly designed toy by comparison.

[@davidwhite9159]

⁠@@stephenhathaway269 I was also in A Coy 5 Queens but a bit earlier (1977-80) and we had all three varieties of furniture, which were in date order (oldest first) 1) wooden butt and round wooden hand guard 2) wooden butt and triangular wooden hand guard 3) plastic butt and hand guard I was so lucky that my SLR, which was a very early one made in 1957 still had the wooden round hand guard as I found it much easier to carry & use. Did it make me a better shot? No as I was pretty hopeless with the SLR and in fact was told by my company commander once “White - the only way you’ll kill a Russian with a SLR is to club them to death with it, so it’s a bloody good job you’re the best Gimpy (GMPG) gunner in the battalion!” As this was Maj Richard Holmes, the military historian & later became the most senior TA officer in the army, this was great praise.

[@davidsayer3325]

I was issued and used the SLR whilst serving 8 years in the British Army in the 80s to the early 90s , from Germany , Canada, Northern Ireland and in Gulf War 90/91 . A great reliable weapon and in my opinion far better than the SA80 which replaced it.

[@skylongskylong1982]

Anyone remember the SUIT sight ? Could hit targets at 500 metres out, no problem, with the above sight.

[@davidravenscroft9235]

Yes the SUIT was a good idea and worked extremely well, especially in Northern Ireland

[@brucemacallan6831]

Yes I remember it, but only used it once. But with only iron sights, the weapon could hit the small ‘head & shoulders fig 12c targets at 500m no problem. It got me in to ‘The Army 100’ at Bisley.

[@robertcottam8824]

@@brucemacallan6831 Impressive. Unfortunately, I’m very right-handed but very left-eyed so I could only dream of accuracy like that. Best wishes.

[@peterstubbs5934]

Could do that with iron sights mate.

[@Argyll9846]

I did my British Army training with the original L1A1 in 1964 and I'm pretty sure I could still strip it down and assemble one.

[@davidpage4005]

Likewise.

[@Beauloqs]

Same detail

[@lesthiele7645]

As a 68yo retiree, I had military training way back in 1974. and still have very fond memories of the 7.62 SLR, I still believe to this day, I could strip one down.

[@Mishima505]

I visited the FN factory only last week, the L1A1 was on display in their showroom.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

I loved this weapon (not a gun, as we were told, only the Artillery use guns). Always preferred the wooden furniture. Having not handled one for 50 years, I bet I could still strip and rebuild blindfold, as we were taught. And never allowed to use the carrying handle "It's not a handbag." The UK version was not fully automatic to save on ammunition.

[@otterspocket2826]

The carrying handle and the sling were both strictly off limits, and I was never allowed to rest the butt in the crook of my elbow either until I got to battalion - it was always supposed to be tucked firmly into the shoulder. More sensible minds there realised that nobody was going to walk around all day with a GPMG in their shoulder, and it probably wasn't a good idea to make your gunner stand out from the rest of the section at a distance. As for the gun/rifle thing, that was drummed into me too. With it being Anzac day a few days back I listened to 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' as I generally do, and at "so they gave me a tin hat and they gave me a gun" I still feel the hairs on the back of my neck bristle after 40+ years. How many times... they gave you a RIFLE. Get it right man!

[@casinodelonge]

@@otterspocket2826 Certainly were, though on a tab, if you were sneaky, you could lodge the carry handle in your webbing (58 pattern obviously!!). I always liked the synthetic furniture myself, and I had the short stock on account of my tiny arms.

[@otterspocket2826]

@@casinodelonge - I was assessed visually for a medium stock, but first time on the ranges I had a black eye and a cut under it from the sight hitting me on account of my (apparently) weird shoulder. I was stopped after about half a dozen rounds and switched to another rifle with an extra long extender on it, with wise words about developing a permanent flinch when firing otherwise.

[@littlenemo14]

The original one shot stop. What a piece of kit the SLR was.

[@pngkange6887]

Exactly, the L1A1 SLR was used in much Common Wealth Countries; such as in my country Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬🇵🇬🇵🇬 our military Force were also issued the L1A1 SLR from Australia 🇦🇺, back in the early 80s to Late 90s, and then replaced by the M16 A2 from 2000s till today. During the L1A1 SLR era, we faced a civil war with Bougainvile Revolutionary Army or known as BRA's, the Papua New Guinea Defense Forces nearly wipe out the entire Island only with the L1A1 SLR rifle. The SLR rifle, I can recommend it as one of the most deadlist assult rifle on Earth.🌐

[@sword_of_sanghelios]

it's a battle rifle not a assault rifle it british service it didn't even have full avto

[@davidpage4005]

@@sword_of_sanghelios didn't need "Full Auto". Mainly un-controllable after around 3 or 4 rounds.

[@flitsertheo]

"If you run out of bullets you can use it as a club" as our sergeant once claimed. He was talking about the first version of the original FN FAL with wooden stock, not the "plastic" one.

[@TonysGemstoneDesignswithGCS]

The automatic version, known as the AR for Automatic Rifle, L2A1. Used by Australia, Canada, NZ, and several other Commonwealth countries.

[@NoName-ds5uq]

Very true, I used them a couple of times in the RAN a bit over 30 years ago.

[@adamnwhat]

Malaysia have it I guess because I've seen a pic when Malaysia confrontation their load out with L2A1 (handguard can be a bipod, heavy barrel, big muzzle device, 30 round box magazine(if I'm not mistaken))

[@carrisasteveinnes1596]

My 2nd favourite LMG. after BREN, of course. Could use either the 30rd L2A1 or BREN mags on the SLR too. Very fun when matchsticking the sear...

[@lohikarhu734]

My understanding is that Canada actually did the original metric to imperial conversion of drawings and specifications...I remember, as a teen, listening to the FN C2 firing in full auto, surprised to hear the action cycling, not brrrtt, but more of a pow/clack-pow/clack...about 8 per second? Really enjoyed shooting the C1, except for the first time coming to attention after a 10 round "application", and having the web twixt thumb and fingers scorched a bit...

[@bharatkumarjoshi1596]

In India, its production started as rifle 1A1 in 1964 onwards reverse engineered between inch pattern and metric pattern, and almost 1.5 million were made, and even now, it's spares and ammunition still made.

[@peterstubbs5934]

Anyone remember the "single Point Sight" that was trialled in NI? Very good concept, you sighted with both eyes open, very instinctive for snap shooting.

[@AngusMacKinnon-xm5ko]

Oi mate; I was an Infantryman in the Royal Australian Regiment, having enlisted in 1962. I was issued with a BRAND SPANKING NEW SLR (L1 A1), which was in the box wrapped in greaseproof paper when I signed for it. Our unit were taken out to the rifle butts not long after issue, to be sighted in. MINE WAS A BEAUTIFUL WEAPON. Our SLR's were used by all serving Battalions of Australia Troops from the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment through to the 9th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. The bulk of our Battalions served two 12 month terms of duty in Vietnam. In 1966, our troops were issued with the American Armalite which was a piece of CRAP! The Armalite was not issued to all Infantrymen, but to some. The Armalite used to jam, and never hit as hard as the SLR. I wish I would have been given permission to buy my SLR. I loved that weapon. I never had a jam on the SLR throughout my entire period service. Having to hand in my SLR was like getting divorced. All our SLR's were made at the Small Arms Factory at Lithgow New South Wales.

[@stevbrkr]

Served in the Australian Army. We had the L2A1 LMG version as well as the L1A1. The L2A1 had a heavy barrel, was fitted with a bipod and we used 30 round mags.

[@2NatoStandard]

A stunning piece of kit that never let me down. Had both the wood version in the early days, and then always serial 71 right up to it being phased out. TARGETS WILL FALL WHEN HIT!

[@paulmartin7737]

We had the L2A1 here in Aust as well, with Bipod, heavy barrel and 30 rd magazine. Also saw some with different shaped woodwork plus a wooden carry handle. Like many, preferred this to its replacement, and could still do drill with it and strip/assemble it

[@mikewinston8709]

I’m a 2434 from 1974 - 98. The SLR was the total business; solid, reliable and idiot proof. It was and remains a cracking gat.

[@davidpage4005]

I was a 2416 from mid 60's.

[@mikewinston8709]

@@davidpage4005 people can’t bluff when they quote their number and a date….🤣👍

[@csjrogerson2377]

I was introduced to the SLR in 1978 and did very well with it. Loved the balance. Forced to convert to the L85A1 & A2 in the late 80s which was more accurate when fitted with the optic.

[@acheface]

The SLR was an excellent weapon. I had 3 weapons i was qualified to handle. That, the SMG and the Browning 9mm pistol. The SA80 replacement for the SLR wasn't a patch on it.

[@peterfrazer1943]

Joined the Royal Marines in 1960 and recieved a brand new SLR, six months in. Loved it. Carried it in Borneo, Aden and NI, it never let me down. I can never understand why anyone would want an automatic version. How would you carry the ammunition. When on Patrol we used to have five magazines plus bandoliers, two belts of ammo around your chest for the GPMG, plus food, kit etc etc and sometimes depending on the mission, two Mortar Bombs for the 81mil. In a sustained fire role, even the GPMG had to use a different barrel. Automatic was never a realistic option. it fired as fast as you could pull the trigger, what more do you need.

[@jameseadie7145]

There used to be a gun shop just of Princess Street in Edinburgh, when i was doing my training 1976 i went here for something to clean the gas plug on my SLR and it worked.

[@iainstewart9844]

Dickson's. A famous shotgun maker.

[@GallifreyanGunner]

Just a small point, Canada was the first country to adopt their FAL variant, the FN C1, C2, and C3 which was an inch-pattern version they put together from the metric version. The UK and Australia sent people to observe the ordnance board at work and used the Canadian technical package as the jumping off point for their own versions. So, really, Canada and Australia didn't have their own versions of the L1A1, the UK and Australia had their own versions of the FN C1.

[@mrjockt]

I think the major change made by the U.K. and Australia was the ditching of the open top cover and clip guide that allowed the Canadian version to be reloaded with stripper clips rather than changing the magazine.

[@bepolite6961]

Weapon firing, weapon stops, cock, hook, look. My lord how many times did I hear that phrase in training?

[@paulmartin7737]

Lots. Tilt to the right, cock lock look, rounds in magazine - second time!

[@neilpook3719]

One detail that was forgotten is the "non reciprocating" cocking handle/charging lever. A very good idea. As it kept the weapon more streamlined. Especially if you were carrying or using left handed. It would not get snagged on magazine pouches, straps etc. This design was exclusive to the L1A1. No other countries versions took on this design. My battalion had it until early 1988. We were the second regiment, to use the SA80 in N.I. I really missed the SLR as we didn't time to get used to it before going to N.I. And the drill was stupid compared to SLR drill.

[@davidpage4005]

SA80 felt really "Cack Handed" after my little beauty.

[@billsinclair6515]

as I recall, in the British Army, no-one ever used the strap and I never saw the carry handle being used either. Then we got the rifle 5.56 and you had you be a member of Mensa to understand how to fit the strap assembly

[@tonyb1223]

It was a bit of a challenge to fit that sling but every other army out there envied us for it, brilliant bit of kit, better than the one you got on the L1A1, shame about the issues the L85A1 suffered to start with, the A2 was far better.

[@utrinqueparatus4617]

@@tonyb1223 Agreed. I used the L1A1 from 1966 to 1986 (Regular Army, TA and RAuxAF Regt) and loved it, but the L85A2 was an excellent rifle and the sling was genius.

[@scubavery]

I used to stick bits of a Match stick in the firing pin to make it fire auto. And it bloody worked

[@HandleCarefully925]

I served in the South African Defence Force from 1979 to 1983 and in my initial basic training I was trained on the FN, which we called the R1. It had the automatic function on it, and as stated in this video it was virtually impossible to be effective due to how the rifle raised up due to recoil. My training went on to include the G3 and the R4…but of all of them this rifle was my favourite, it had great hitting power.

[@BobbyEdwards-w4c]

The old 7.62 LMG 30rnd mag used to fit on the SLR as well 😊

[@billycoulson927]

First unit to use it on operations (wooden stock version ) in 1954 was The Kenya Regiment during The Emergency in that country .

[@philstaples8122]

Didn't use these very often as I was in the RAC, but enjoyed shooting them when I got the chance, my main weapons apart from a GPMG as a coax and the L11A5 120mm gun was a SMG and although for what it was it was pretty good it wasn't as much fun to shoot unless you were on fully automatic and then of course you hit jack squat probably useful in a FIBUA environment though.

[@nickhorten97]

Should have joined the AA.

[@bastogne315]

I was in the GAA.

[@lesrush6298]

Loved to shoot this rifle accurate and hard hitting ,best rifle the British army used ,mine had the woodwork did shoot the plastic stock version but the wood was my fav

[@mickchambers9642]

Just a quick point, the plastic stock and butt were introduced to be easily decontaminated in NBC situations

[@lesliestephenson1298]

The SLR was "convertible" to fire fully automatic. Although not officially.

[@MichaelSaunders-y2m]

During RAF service the SLR had 3 butt sizes,as I only had short arms,and usually got a long stock,I couldn't hold the damn thing properly until I got a short stock!

[@Olleetheowl]

I used them between 1968 to 1980. An excellent weapon.

[@MadAntz970]

Spoke to someone who used one of these in full auto during a tour in the Oman area. Was a great platform to shoot and recalled that when firing in full auto mode, he did not realise that the rear battle sight and dug itself into his upper eye socket, until the sight picture started to go red with his blood pouring out of the wound....

[@rule3036]

Canadian version of the FAL C1 was adopted before the L1 in the UK / Oz.

[@carrisasteveinnes1596]

Australia was still producing these at Lithgow at last as 1987, still with full wood furniture. For my recruit course in May 1987, I was issued an unused 1986 SLR, which carried until I left in 1994.

[@imanenigma3348]

Aussies also used the automatic version. The L1A2 I think was its designation. Heavier barrel and 30 round magazine.

[@allenharris1069]

Loved it. Wood not plastic every time.

[@andrewcombe8907]

The SLR suited British and Commonwealth tactical doctrine which emphasised marksmanship and fire discipline. I don’t think the SLR would have suited US doctrine in Vietnam against the AK 47 with the emphasis on auto fire.

[@bernardairey9631]

I trined on this rifle SLR in the 1960 brilliant peace a kit gas operated plug same as GPM. I used 30 rounds bren mag when in Malaya ( got my marksmanship with a mate in the butts 7.62 pencil )figure 11 targets 😅

[@HO-bndk]

The one at the back has an unusual 1970s furniture set; walnut butt and pistol grip, laminated wood handguards (i.e. post 1968), but a 1970s plastic carrying handle. They were first used on Operation Musketeer by Royal Marines in 1958. There were only a few trials rifles used in Malaya but these were unmodified FALs.

[@markhume3503]

I remember mine from the 80s in Australia wooden furniture, plastic handle.

[@kevinday6180]

My father in law used one in Malaya & swore it had full auto capability! Would it have been a fal they had on trial?

[@robshirewood5060]

@@kevinday6180 Probably. My uncle told me you could use a matchstick on some part of the L1A1 and it could be converted to full auto, he did not tell me where. I am wondering if it was used on the adjustable gas plug just in front of the foresight to block the vent so more gas pressure to the action. He also used the 30 round magazine from the L4A4 7.62 Bren modification. He disliked the bayonet saying it was too small for his hands to be used as a close quarter weapon. His first weapon was the Lee Enfield Mk4 and he would often put 11 rounds into the rifle, people hearing that say "But it only held 10" he would put "one up the spout" as he called it then load two five round chargers into the 10 round magazine. In Korea it saved his life. He also used to pick up broken Lee Enfield's and remove the magazine, fully charge them and then put them into his ammo pouches, thus having loaded magazines, which could be quickly fitted to the rifle, and then carrying extra ammunition in chargers in cloth bandoliers. Having the charged magazines also saved his life. A little anecdote about some tricks infantrymen actually used.

[@davidpage4005]

@@robshirewood5060 and another "Korean" trick was to have a 3rd barrel for your Bren. Chinese got to know when you had to change barrels, after so many magazines fired, and would attack when 2nd barrel changed, and 1st one was still a "Bit on the warm side". 3rd Barrel took them by surprise, and they didn't go much on it.!

[@robshirewood5060]

@@davidpage4005 Now that is logical, and something i had not heard before, thanks.

[@yossiallen3316]

I used it in my service. Highly accurate, reliable and powerful beyond 400m. Though best I used in service was the Stgw57, this rifle had the auto facility and was more versatile.

[@nathanboulton2066]

no mention of the em2? why jump from the enfield straight to the fal

[@creationcorps]

We deferred to Adam's expertise on weapon selection, but we only had 10 hours access to the collection to film 10 episodes, so a degree of triage was involved in what we could realistically fit in.

[@fus149hammer5]

Maybe because the EM2 never went into production? 🤷‍♂️

[@nathanboulton2066]

@@fus149hammer5 considering it was briefly adopted and went through troop trials I'd say it was produced!!

[@fus149hammer5]

@@nathanboulton2066 You said it, it went as far as troop trials. It was never issued to the rest of the British army, most troops never ever saw it and probably never even heard of it. They went straight from the Lee Enfield to the SLR. I personally went from the SLR to the SA80 then back to the SLR! Not that I was complaining.

[@davidpage4005]

@@fus149hammer5 a very few were trialed in Malaya. It's letdown was its complexity and quite powerful cartridge, but inability to up-chambered to take the 7.62 x 51 round, and the USA pissing everyone off by going to 5.56 instead of the by then standard NATO round of 7.62mm.

[@andrewparrott7260]

Love these rifles, the best ever in my opinion. Don't know why they changed them to the bull pup style F88 styre, 7.62 over 5.56 any day of the week. Was trained on these in my days in the Australian ADF, a great weapon for drill purposes unlike the F88 styre.

[@aussiegor666]

Got to know that weapon very well during my time in the Australian Reserve Army.

[@johnferguson40]

I had a friend(God rest his soul) who was a career soldier 25yrs. Fired his guns in anger. He loved the SLR and cursed the bullpup.

[@duncanlamont1540]

the USA was supposed to adopt the FAL as agreed as part of the negotiations to adopt 7.62 x 51 as the NATO standard . Shock horror they reneged.

[@davidpage4005]

There's a surprise.!

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

Definitely my favourite weapon whether I was in guard or doing drill.

[@simonyip5978]

I've read that the ammunition load was just 3 magazines (1 loaded and 2 carried in the pouches). This seems quite low, does anyone know if British Infantry carried 60 x rounds in 3 magazines, or were more carried normally?

[@gazza9463]

During Gulf war 1 , I had a full magazine on the rifle with 4 magazines in pouches on my webbing. So a total of 100 rounds.

[@davidpage4005]

@@gazza9463 I was T.A. in the 60's and we often had 1 on the rifle, 2 in 38 pattern pouches + 2 Bren mags.

[@glenostick3979]

the Light Infantry carry their rifles at the trail when marching the carrying hand was very useful,

[@bibekgadal4356]

i am from nepal🇳🇵🇳🇵...the nepalese army still use these rifles...this rifle was extensively used in the nepalese civil war

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Loved it, BUT by 1985 they were showing their age, my one had more rattly screws than a Yugo

[@davidogle7568]

My first issued rifle, took practice to use well but excellent rifle. Full Auto function would have been fun but a waste of time. Ammo heavy ten mags 200 rounds and you were feeling it. Highly reliable in any conditions, l1a1 had excellent iron sights for the day 600m hits at 90% were common.

[@petermalloy5360]

Joined NZ army used the SLR 73-86 and loved this great battle rifle.Had 660 in my WTD armoury and 440 in my 2/1 RNZIR Armoury .

[@charlesrussell1764]

Used to test these in an armoury and never thought that l would actually own one. My favorite rifle!

[@Spiderdan-59]

The weapon i trained with and used during my time in the British army ⚔️🇬🇧(1986 to 1991)

[@mrbeast85]

The No.9 (EM-2) missing in action it would seem...

[@gerryweites3474]

A fantastic weapon, very accurate up to 500m, very reliable in jungle and arctic and a hard hitter.

[@Ingens_Scherz]

It would probably be called the "Self Loathing Rifle" in 2023.

[@garynew9637]

Haha

[@stephenparkes626]

That was my gat in the 1980's used to go on exercise playing enemy and putting the 30 round lmg mag on it

[@ianedwards8215]

I certainly preferred it over the SA80

[@karstenjackson-lange5516]

I have a lovely deactivated working slide stripable SLR l1a1 on my wall with bayonet and a clip off 5 rounds insert of course

[@oldspec3006]

Mine is old spec 👌

[@scottbroadfoot3530]

I hated the dawn thing. Short arse so kept slabbing the guy infront of me on tabs in the back of his ankle. If the csm (company sergeant major) caught you touching the carry handle you were in deep shit. Really heavy and cumbersome. Great on the range, scored marksman every shoot. But I could reach out to 500 yards better with sa80a2 LSW. Regularly hit white patch at 600 on Ash ranges and the SA sling made things so much easier on ops.

[@martinB68]

Used it in the 80s,loved it. Once in NI in 86 untill i got a Sa80 for my second tour in 89,was not happy. For us NI was not the troubles ,it was a war.

[@andrewfox6631]

I'm buying a SLR bayonet that stamped F60 on the rissco/ blade. I'm assuming it's for fazackley . 60, being the year of manufacture. British made

[@rossknowles5608]

with the wood and that boxy magazine i always thought they looked badass!

[@rule3036]

Carried one from 1985 to 1992 a soldiers rifle, had my own Australian made version on my own FAC too until the government confiscated it after Hungerford. Interesting how 762 N assault rifles back in vogue with USA / UK

[@joey243win]

Firing pin pointy device....nice

[@daveogle3614]

L1A1 SLR was an excellent service rifle.

[@timwilkinsongs]

This is an excellent series, but I wish the interviewer had some knowledge of the subject.

[@creationcorps]

Thank you Timothy, your comment is much appreciated, and we're glad you've large enjoyed BF&S. Being our first attempt at this kind of series, we thought we'd try and have a balance, whereby Adam was able to provide a lot of the technical detail, but at the same time Simon could be the voice of audience members who are interested in the subject matter but perhaps unfamiliar with its intricacies.

[@didgerb72]

I loved the SLR. Target will fall when hit. The Susat was a bit cumbersome.

[@DevilbyMoonlight]

I used both the SLR and the L85A1 and shot both in competitions with the SLR it didnt matter what part of the plate you hit if you hit it - it went down with the L85 on the other hand you had to make sure you hit the top of the plate or it wouldnt fall - if memory serves it was a SUIT on the SLR and SUSAT on the L85 when you looked through them you would see the difference in the pointer , the pointer was upside down on the SUIT but never shot competitions with the SUIT fitted to the SLR only open sights

[@tonyb1223]

@Will Rose the starlight scope? Named and tested for exactly that reason, it really did light up the sky, abeit in green 😄

[@oldspec3006]

​@@DevilbyMoonlightSUSAT's were fitted to SLR's for Op Granby

[@davidpage4005]

So would any sheep if the silly sods wandered onto the range.!

[@didgerb72]

@davidpage4005 lmao. My mate was RAF Full Screw. Sometimes on duty. His job was to tell local farmer which field to place his sheep in. As he allowed the MOD to use the land as a target range for Tornado and other jets. My mate said someone doing that duty told the farmer the left field. The dopey farmer put his 300 plus sheep in the left field. But that's the target range. They alternated the fields. But farmer couldn't understand the guys accent. So he thought it was left field safe and right field active. But the full screw even raised the red flag up. But thar was just after the farmer drove away. But he realised his error. Apparently all his sheep were wiped out in Tornado bombing sorties, and strafing runs. You know how duty rumours spread along the BS net. I'm not sure if it happened, or it mightve only been 1 sheep. But Chinese whisper kept making the story get upto 300 plus. I be its still doing the rounds amongst old veterans like myself, so by now it's probably more sheep than in New Zealand lmao.

[@martinmouncher9825]

Turns over the SLR and its not on safe already... I'm guessing the guy doing all the talking is the weapon expert and an armourer. The weapon has been placed there for this demo, no check on weapon state then especially as there's a mag fitted.

[@creationcorps]

Actually, he was an army officer for over 12 years with tours of Afghanistan and Iraq. The weapon in question was not touched by anybody else but him from the moment it was removed from its display slot to when it was put back, the magazines are both empty and always were, and the rifle was thoroughly checked several times.

[@adamnwhat]

I've seen my late grandad pic with this slr back in 1973 when he was in recruitment at Port Dickson Gerisson.. We use this beast in 1st malaya emergency, confrontation and 2nd emergency (for heavy barrel version only on that time).. One day I will do reenactment about this slr with same load out like my grandad did in 1972😄

[@elcid8943]

Datuk sy kata dulu SLR ni ttembak gajah boleh berlubang

[@chrisrowland1514]

The FAL on full auto was just an Anti aircraft gun

[@myparceltape1169]

Did you see that picture from the Falklands? Two standing shoulder to shoulder at the rail aiming upwards?

[@duanepigden1337]

Very accurate when used with bi-pod in prone position.

[@Tatiana7.62]

Beautiful

[@davidstanley4348]

Served me well for 12yrs beautiful rifle.

[@grahamprice3230]

King of nobility you say inaccurate.Maybe it had something to do with the person using it .Did that person apply the principals of marksmanship.Halfa million users would disagree.Peoplehit with it were unable to agree or disagree.

[@alexwilliamson1486]

Weapon fires weapon stops…there are no rounds in the chamber, no rounds in the magazine….carry on….

[@tombrydson781]

The SLR fal had stopping power

[@Ubique2927]

The triangular wooden stock was the best. When the plastic stuff was put on it jeapodised accuracy.

[@123123baztard]

Try clearing a house with an SLR. Try stowing an SLR in a modern AFV. On the ranges the SLR ruled but is defiantly not the weapon that the modern British Army needs. The SA80 also allowed us to loose the SMG

[@michaeltate8017]

Omg give me one now fab bit of kit

[@007JHS]

The L1A1 made in Lithgow small arms factory... used in my years of service.

[@LtColwtf]

A fantastic weapon.

[@charlieross-BRM]

He really just glossed over everything and didn't get down to any specifics or distinguishing design differences from a Belgian FAL after saying it's NOT an FAL. ???

[@offshoretomorrow3346]

Auto function deleted?

[@rohitthapliyal5042]

I once fired with 7.62mm SLR TRB shots 🔥

[@JosephStealin]

The SLR is the best AR14 I’ve ever owned

[@eddiepennington345]

I much preferred the black plastic version to carrying the version with wooden furniture

[@puppets.and.muppets]

i got issued the wooden stock and everyone else got the pvc stock. i felt cheated.