L119A2: The New British SOF Rifle

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Around 2013, the UK MoD began looking for a new rifle to replace the Special Forces' L119A1. Those A1 rifles were getting old, and something new was needed - and there was some thought that a new rifle could improve on some shortcomings of the A1 model. The new rifle was produced by Colt Canada (formerly Diemaco), and it was procured in both 10" and 15.7" barrel lengths (note that the rifle in this video has a 16" barrel to avoid being an SBR).
The most distinctive feature of the new L119A2 was the licensed LMT monolithic upper receiver. This was used because it allowed solid mounting of devices like lasers on the side rails. However, it had major shortcomings in terms of heat retention and cleanability. The A2 also now used a MagPul CTR stock, and Geissele triggers (an excellent improvement from the A1's MILSPEC trigger). The same Surefire suppressors were used, as were the optics form the A1s - the new A2 tender did not include new optic (nor funding for them).
Very few photos are known showing the L119A2. It came into service around 2016 or 2017, and entered public awareness after Christian Craighead was photographed using one in the Nairobi Westlands mall siege in 2019.
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[@mikellwehrer]

Small correction: the incident with the British Operator (he went public last year, Christian Craighead) was the hotel attack in 2019 and NOT the shopping mall. The shopping mall attack happened in 2013.

[@Ethnarches]

I was just thinking was the shopping mall incident really so recently, but accepted it with just a "time flies, eh?" shrug. Thanks!

[@SamI-bv9kd]

Although by strange coincidence there was an private security contractor (who'd previous been UKSF) in Nairobi when the mall was attacked. He went into the mall armed only with a handgun to rescue people and was award a George Cross for his efforts.

[@Arthurzeiro]

I wonder if he likes the newer 007 movies.

[@realityshotgun]

@@SamI-bv9kd damn that's so cool, all we have in America is this lame David Cross

[@realityshotgun]

Kenya believe it?

[@bulukacarlos4751]

The high proportion of left handed operators in the special forces is due to the fact that we, the left handed, are preparing a worldwide coup against the tyranny of the right handed. They will have to use awkward weapons, corkscrews, writing and tin snips.

[@ryanvandoren1519]

Don't forget swapping the gas and break pedals

[@andreasu.3546]

@Shutbyotch As a left handed from continental Europe, I can tell you that driving in Britain is just as sh*t to us as it is to any righthanded person used to driving on the right side of the rodad.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

@Shutbyotch we started it. The world’s first traffic sign was on London Bridge instructing traffic to keep left. Keep left because when two gentleman pass on horseback, they are able to shake hands…

[@danielminor1693]

Reclaiming the use of scissors!

[@mohamadazhar6675]

your comments really makes my day....thanks lefthanded-mate!

[@Lightemup2005]

FYI this 15.7” version is the standard issue rifle in the Danish Army, but with nomenclature M/10 C8IUR Version 4.

[@TheUnchosenOne]

Thats kinda funny, I wonder if the armorers in the Baltics feel a bit smug having the actual LMT's

[@lib556]

I worked with Danes and Dutch soldiers all using Canadian-made rifles. Makes one proud.

[@alexsuykov]

15.7", probably meant to be 40cm that why it looks weird in inches.

[@Lightemup2005]

@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine Only real complaint I have heard or think of is it is very front heavy because of the thick profile barrel. I’m issued the V2, which has a shorter rail length, but is overall the same rifle.

[@Lightemup2005]

We have also had Magpul furniture for them for years. In the future we are getting Mission First Tactical and Ergo parts to accessorize them with.

[@PeterCoghill]

I used a rifle with that charging handle for 5 years and I can't say that I ever had an issue with it really snagging on anything. The one time I can think of it snagging was when I had my sling attached to the castle nut plate, then the handle would occasionally catch on the sling when I went to rack the rifle. I also didn't have any issues with it jabbing my chest whether I was wearing my vest and armour or just wearing a shirt. But I guess everyone's experiences are different.

[@nickverbree]

Everyone's different on that one, man. I immediately changed out mine for a old style standard cocking handle as did a lot of my platoon mates, but lots of guys left it too.

[@efoxneo]

Yeah, I had my charging handle changed out during my second tour, and deleted the ambi mag release. One loud click of the charging handle catching on my chest rig during a night recce patrol was enough for me to not repeat that possibility again.

[@k9turrent]

Honestly I had a preference for this style of charging handle. It made racking the bolt with the left hand for stoppages and mag changes a bit easier, plus having a hook to hang the rifle off my chest rig while rucking.

[@eightchips]

@@samholdsworth420 please provide evidence that people are lying rather than discussing their experiences lmao

[@alexandertheok9610]

Q: how long does it take for people to start arguing about a comment in a youtube comments section? A: approximately three minutes

[@JohnSuave]

I feel like giving prototypes to actual soldiers in the field before mass producing would have eliminated basically every problem this thing has.

[@zippymufo9765]

It's funny how the people who will be actually using the weapons are the last to be asked for their opinion, and usually when it's too late to change anything.

[@joejoseph7198]

Why is it always the Britons with this problem?

[@jackmorris303]

@@joejoseph7198 Because the MoD has a 60-odd page document to spec out equipment like this written by civil servants who's combat experience is limited to office stationary warfare.

[@scootergrant8683]

@@jackmorris303 I guess their current active experience is skirmishes to the copier.

[@carsontodd2443]

We had guys test driving GMVs here in the 82nd, they reported their thoughts on it like what's good, what isn't, etc. Fast forward a year and half and we get them and they're the same. Great to drive. But mechanically they're pieces of shit.

[@RobinP556]

Rule #1, let the end users test them and listen to their feedback. A great example in my time was there heavyweight BDU uniform with the giant collar. Virtually everyone hated them, and in the field we used old Vietnam era camo uniforms. I was in the 82nd Airborne at the time and we could wear them in the field but not in garrison. When I went to Special Forces I still had a few of the heavyweight BDUs and once wore a set in a HALO jump. That damn collar beat me to death on the way down.

[@rogainegaming6924]

Which group?

[@RobinP556]

@@rogainegaming6924 5th Group.

[@iamnolegend483]

I can picture a cartoon illustration of the whamobird collars slapping your face during that HALO jump.

[@RobinP556]

@@Followme556 OG107s, I loved those things. When someone up the food chain finally realized that BDUs sucked they allowed the wear of OG107s and made them available in clothing sales for something like $3.50 each for pants or tops. I bought a few to wear, I should have bought them by the metric ton.

[@rogainegaming6924]

@@RobinP556 I know a few 5th group guys IRL. Great people. You ever run into a guy named Lavelle? Was an officer and a medic.

[@samson_]

The part about the sling ring rattling reminds me some stuff I read about the MACVSOG guys who were running the incursions into Laos and Cambodia, where by one account the first thing every guy had to do when joining their unit was to ditch everything metallic in their standard issue kit or duct tape it securely to eliminate any rattle, which was a big problem for guys who were supposed to be moving quickly and silently in enemy territory during raids. Sling mounts and so on were completely replaced by tape. I guess not many lessons were learned since then when it comes to issuing rattling kit if units are still having the exact same issues.

[@Kremit_the_Forg]

"So you're telling me that we could have a sling mounting system that's silent, has less weight, is easy to fix in the field AND costs next to nothing? Sir, we are the military, we have a budget to spend and you can be damn sure we will! Now get me HK on the line, those hooks for 50$ a piece sound like a bargain!"

[@aaronleverton4221]

@@Kremit_the_Forg "Yes, but it will require every soldier to dedicate one pouch in his webbing to hold a roll of gaffer tape. Also, gaffer tape rolls need to be continually re-acquired, a permanent sling swivel goes through exactly one acquisition." "Aren't you just going to gaffer tape the sling swivels anyway?" "Not at government expense we are not, no sir."

[@larrymcjones]

@@M80Ball lmao

[@jeffkenkel4257]

Vietnamese Soldiers said they tracked US Soldiers by the smell of Cigarette Smoke and the trail of Cigarette butts they left behind. I hope those Special Units were self aware enough that they and their gear didn’t smell like ashtrays.

[@robshirewood5060]

Not only SF did that. British SAS have done that in Malaya Borneo and up to date, passing on lessons to the USSF via the jungle school with British, Australian, New Zealand and even Rhodesian Instructors with jungle combat experience. My uncle was a Regular soldier in the UK and before i joined he taught me a lot of the tricks and techniques. It was fascinating learning all the small details, and he always said meticulous attention to detail will keep you alive longer ,"slapdash means dead" Those MACV SOG guys get my salute any day, that so many paid the ultimate price saddens me

[@ChalkyRN]

The coating on the barrel may be part of the waterproofing process. These weapons all come ready for maritime ops and diving. This was one of the improvements from A1 to A2.

[@LazyLifeIFreak]

@@destroyerarmor2846 Every weapon known to man jams in the Sahara, some more than others but they will all jam. Including spears and bows, don't know how that works but there it is.

[@marvindebot3264]

@@LazyLifeIFreak can confirm 100%

[@joshuajoaquin5099]

@@destroyerarmor2846 My AK jammed in sand due of the open port. Nonetheless every weapon will jam or fail at one point.

[@miniaturefarmer464]

@@joshuajoaquin5099 I have been known to break any weapon.

[@stewbacca117]

The ambi mag catches could also be a training /creature comfort thing as anyone who starts out on an L85 will be used to 'beer canning' the mags out with their left hand and using the thumb on the release on the left and keeping a stronger firing hand grip rather than using the trigger finger on the right side button. I put one on my replica QBZ97 because I preferred the familiarity in the manual of arms and because the original button is a tiny god awful stiff affair that's nigh on impossible to operate comfortably.

[@agentdills]

@@zoiders Yeah it isnt as common as one would think, but it's still a nice feature to have just in case you do need that expedience

[@justinlance4174]

Damn wish us Americans could get qzb97 bullpup. And as an American iv never seen a charging handle like that. Lol. Thank goodness for raidian raptor charging handles

[@justinlance4174]

@@zoiders yes but dropping into ur hand is better than physically having to pull them out.

[@justinlance4174]

@@zoiders not exactly. Did 2 tours in iraq. In some of the most intense fighting of the war. I seen alot of stuff. And lost alot I'll never get back.

[@justinlance4174]

@@zoiders where did u serve Utube. Or tik toc

[@Brickarmorylego]

These have a lot in common with the current Dutch service rifles(Colt C7/C8 NLD). The dutch rifles have handguard plates with intergraded heat shields that can be taken off to clean the outside of the barrel. And they kept the dogleg gastube and bigger vents for better heat dispersion. you should really take a look at them if you can!

[@canadian-nicks1627]

@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine the HK piston nonsense means you can have a folding stock on it so unfortunately I’m all for HK on that one

[@canadian-nicks1627]

@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine Now that I think about it I almost forgot to think logically and realized that folding stocks are horribly wobbly nevermind this conversation didn’t happen

[@kiwigrunt330]

The Dutch rifles were Colt Canada's first iteration of this monolithic upper. The Dutch kept the original barrel as well, which meant they needed to have access to the original type of barrel nut. I don't know how the later (Danish and UK) barrel nuts differ from this.

[@S.Collins]

Now i really want to see a video on the other Colt Canada AR's C8,C7A2, IUR, MRR

[@ivanivanovic5857]

I actually did a tiny bit of training with one of these last year. Spent the day with a couple of SBS dudes and they taught us the basics of their first aid (different from the rest of the military) and we had some time left over near the end of the day so they took us to their indoor range, turned the lights off and we did room clearing with NVGs. A great day.

[@stevepalpatine2828]

@@markearl7172 🎣💩

[@realityshotgun]

@@markearl7172 🧚‍♂️

[@A-G-F-]

@@markearl7172 ❄️

[@westonprather3157]

@@markearl7172 💩👃

[@Dive2005]

@@markearl7172 When was that then lmao

[@themastermason1]

I'm guessing the higher percentage of left handers in the British Special Forces was due to them preferring to put themselves through harsh training than suffer shooting right-handed with the L85. I know I would consider it if I was British or I would have enlisted in the Canadian Army like Matsimus.

[@cgi2002]

There are also multiple studies that suggest left handers are more prone to having a psychological profile that is better suited for high stress situations, along with having more moral flexibility. Basically 2 of the things you really want in your special forces. That said, tbh this rifle is still really right handed only, it lacks the ability to alter the ejection. You can use it left handed, but you have to accept there may be occasions were you'll get a face full of hot brass. Still beats the L85 for left handed use, but only just, it's a tradeoff. Easier use, far worse maintenance. Don't be surprised when you see British special forces "liberating" local arms because they keep getting given junk to work with.

[@Gruvy]

@@cgi2002 on the ejector port you will see a triangular bump, thats a case deflector thats purposly designed to redirect any brass away from your face when firing left handed. Its been standard on ar designs for a very long time. Think the m16a2 was the first model that added this.

[@cgi2002]

@@Gruvy that's why I said occasions rather than constantly. Usually it will be in very specific circumstances such as tight quarters CQB and/or when firing using non-standard firing stances were the rifle is pulled further back than normal. Situations basically only special forces soldiers will find themselves in. Essentially times were you have the rifle further back your not clear of the ejection port itself or were there is a wall for the cases to deflect back off towards you.

[@andro7862]

@@cgi2002 I think the moral flexibility is somewhat of a myth.

[@cgi2002]

@@andro7862 possibly. Frankly you can create a study to prove nearly anything with psyche profiles for large enough groups so I take them all with a grain of salt. But speaking from personal experience i do find left handed people (myself included) to have more flexibility in how we view certain situations, but my judgement there may be biased as I am from my own experience, more morally flexible than most people I've met, I tend to have more grey area than black and white and in most situations just don't care one way or the other as its "not my problem" usually.

[@nDjinn1]

This is the sort of thoughtfulness that the Australian Army receives when thier gear is being decided on. Its insane how goodd the standard soliders gear is. Better than most spec ops.

[@bronsonperich9430]

Their standard gear is so good we Kiwis couldn’t afford to buy their new AUSTEYR, to replace the old IR AUSTEYR we had for decades. So we bought the MARS-L, an M4 clone made by LMT. We had quality issues straight away. Apparently LMT had never made as many rifles in one go. Lolx

[@offshoretomorrow3346]

That Steyr is the worst looking gun on earth.

[@commando552]

There has at least been a some trial usage of a replacement/upgrade for these with an MLOK rail. I have only ever seen one though, I believe it is based on the Colt Canada MRR. It was also missing the grenade launcher support lug, so they have obviously decidede they are never using the thing.

[@mytchjames]

I've also seen one with an M-Lok FDE handguard out in the wild.

[@kiwisteve6598]

“It’s not uncommon to find them missing. [brief reflection] Well, to not find them”. Nice pedantic self correction. I really enjoyed that little demonstration of Ian’s desire for verbal precision.

[@herknorth8691]

UK SOF: "Awww, I don't like this L119A2!" Dad in front seat: "If I hear any more complaining, I will turn this car around and take us back to L85!"

[@TheSafkan]

You joke but at the unit I was at we actually had a CO say that very thing lol.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

Stop whining or no one goes to war

[@PaddyInf]

Sort of what happened to the Pathfinders in the 1990s. They were using M16A2s that had been handed down through contacts in the SAS. However as the unit was not officially scaled for them they had no real maintenance support. Once they got worn out TBTB decided not to continue with them and the unit went back to SA80 force few years, and this is what they took on the early Telics. It was only later that they started getting L119s.

[@Frserthegreenengine]

to be fair the latest L85s are really good now. The A3 upgrade really has made the rifle a joy to shoot (unless you're left-handed, then good-luck). If only they had been this good when they first came out, the A1 was dreadful and completely destroyed it's reputation. Still, for Special Forces you'd be better off with a lighter weapon and one that has more flexibility.

[@thegreenlid56]

I would still go with the L1A1, 7.62mm. Hoofing piece of kit.

[@Tzhz]

This is the best rifle I've ever used, everything just felt right.

[@theemissary1313]

Can i just appreciate the surprising way Ian says they came into USA by legal means, actually.

[@davem2369]

Theres alway been some question of legality of Colt Canada parts in the US because of the way Colt started bringing in things. I think some Colt Canada guns went to LE but Colt seemed to have forgot about 922r compliance and then never seemed to have a clear plan on Colt Canada products coming into the US.

[@wipplewopple1876]

You'd think with all the really nice ambi-charging handles out these days, you'd have one that's actually an improvement...I wonder why they stuck with that one?

[@blackbeargear8884]

Because they are "free" usually issued by Colt Canada as standard.

[@jeremymeuris7371]

Looks like a Proctor sling, instead of an improvised paracord sling attachment. You can see the other side pretty well where it attaches to the CTR stock. It's got the sliding tube to tighten up on the paracord and keep it in place.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

It is indeed a Proctor sling.

[@kevinalmgren8332]

Yes, it is a Frank Proctor sling, as confirmed by Reptile House. I’m a little surprised, as usually Ian researches better for videos.

[@JG-ib7xk]

@@kevinalmgren8332 you'll get over it

[@dancortes3062]

The handguard on those uppers are actually pretty sweet. I've personally never seen pic rail handguards were the sides are scalloped like that. It would be a great way to reduce weight without using MLOK handguards, which I personally am not the biggest fan of. It also looks like you would be able to get a better grip on the gun since the scalloped out area is so thin.

[@MuhammadAli-qh8tg]

Everybody hates the mlok and key mod systems... Unless they do not mount anything on them

[@lungcanc3r666]

@@MuhammadAli-qh8tg urgi would like to have a word with you. It's pros and cons to it all like anything. I'm a quad rail guy but like mlok stuff too. If you just need a LAM and flash light not really all that neccessary to have all that pic rail. Other than obviously it being more rugged and durable.

[@justindunlap1235]

I took an old surefire quad rail and tried scalloping the sides like that years ago. it was actually a very ergonomic and took a bit of weight off.

[@londonjolly9174]

You'd like KAC's URX 3 handguards then

[@joemama.556]

why would a flat surface, that you cant attach anything to, be better than a surface with some holes that you can actually attach things to? unless you are running a 6" handguard, there is no need for a quad rail

[@yonniboy1]

We Brits seem to be doing a lot of business with Colt Canada as the Royal Marines are now all being equipped with the Colt C8, so far 42 and 43 Commando are fully equipped with the C8 with 40 and 45 to follow.

[@Swift-mr5zi]

Great news as someone applying soon

[@doctorqui7526]

Could be the mysterious rubber part could be a heat shield to hide presence silhouette on thermal sight ? Like with the FR F2 ?

[@MellowFellowOfYellow]

Feel like it may just be a general heat reduction coating. That suppressor and the muzzle device are going to get significantly warmer than the barrel with high volumes of fire so I am doubtful of the usefulness against IR.

[@MellowFellowOfYellow]

@@killdizzle right. And now there's hybrid NV/IR so there's almost no way to hide from any of it these days

[@Kevin-fj5oe]

Or just make it comfortable when the barrel getting hot from high volume firing.

[@aritakalo8011]

Could it be as simple as just really aggressive anti glare matte coating to prevent reflections of the smooth barrel surface? Like a really minor thing compared to the whole rifle, but kinda like a thing one would think manufacturer might be able to sell to buyer. "oh and this special ops special version comes with our super new uber black anti glare coating on the barrel so the guys don't get caught by a random reflection". Again utterly useless compared to "ehh it's a metal thing with lot of smooth and round surfaces", but again something Colt Canada might have sold the MOD on for it being a "special rifle with the best tech".

[@ganndeber1621]

Anything rubber on a British Army firearm is there solely for the purpose of squaddies chewing it.

[@chemistryofquestionablequa6252]

I can say from experience that Colt Canada rifles are VERY high quality.

[@nikanor8152]

Yes that's absolutely correct, but what about your chemistry?

[@notforsaletoday1895]

@@nikanor8152 lmao nice.

[@lib556]

I carried them for 30 yrs. I was in one of the first bns in Germany to get them in 1988 and I retired in 2018.

[@nra4ever2011]

@@nikanor8152 It’s of questionable quality.

[@davidlefranc6240]

You have one or what ?

[@comediangj4955]

Pretty good looking ARs i must say.

[@maxpulido4268]

Pretty boring, but that's exactly what you want in a rifle.

[@Volatile127]

They look clean and straight, very nice.

[@jackjmaheriii]

For my first deployment I was issued a rebarreld GAU-5 and that barrel was shot out too. The the parkerizing had been warn off on every touch point and the places it remained it was so thin you could see through it. Every spring including the hand guard was mushy, and I’m sure that just about every surface was out of spec in some way. My second deployment was with an M4. It was more dependable but by then it had a decade of hard use behind it and it wasn’t exactly trustworthy either. So I was horrified when the SCAR 16 didn’t get picked up because I was firmly in the “ARs are junk!” camp. Now I’m a little older and a little wiser, but can’t help but but wonder if some of the ongoing “reliability concerns” about the AR family of rifles stem from work guns that are kept way beyond their service life.

[@jackjmaheriii]

You're right, and 249s are probably the best example. That said SAWs have a lot of quirks and should be upgraded for other reason.

[@toade1583]

@@jackjmaheriii 249s are pretty good, the US military takes really bad care of them, like no repairs/part replacements in over 10 years bad care. If anything, the fact that they still are decent despite how terrible US care for them is compared to other rifles shows that they are very good rifles.

[@panamared5975]

I love the magpul ASAP plate. It doesn't make noise when it actually has a sling attached. Not that it matters. If a tiny rattle gives your position away you have worse problems. Heavy breathing, footsteps, stepping on garbage, gear rattling are more of a "problem" if you're sneaking around playing metal gear solid.

[@mrkeogh]

Such a wasted opportunity: they could've called this the L119 Mk2* in the finest traditions of the pre-WW2 British Army!

[@realityshotgun]

There already is an l119a1 mark 2, if they update this one it will be l119a2 mk2(or mk1 maybe?)

[@jonathanferguson1211]

@@realityshotgun If anyone's using 'Mark', it's strictly unofficial. A2 etc is the only official nomenclature for new iterations of service weapons.

[@ArcturusOTE]

@@jonathanferguson1211 Huh, was the Mark designation on older British guns always informal?

[@jonathanferguson1211]

@@ArcturusOTE Not at all. Until the 1950s the system was Mark 1, Number 1, then Mk .1, No.2 etc. It then changed to L1A1, L1A2 etc. What I was getting at is that there is no 'Mark 1' or 'Mark 2' L119A1, or L1A1 for that matter. Two different systems :)

[@bremnersghost948]

As a Brit I would Love Ian to do a Range shoot Vid with the L119a1/a2 whenever he gets a chance :)

[@dorianleclair7390]

I believe colt and colt Canada pay royalty payments to LMT for the monolithic upper reciever. Colts lawyers did not do proper patent check before making it. When it first came out.

[@UnrelatedNonsense]

Is that include the 6940 and 6945 receivers?

[@МихаилЛевченко-с3б]

@@UnrelatedNonsense apparently.

[@danielhenderson8316]

@@UnrelatedNonsense If you check the upper receivers, there's a US Patent Number that links to LMT's Monolithic Upper patent.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you, Ian .

[@m00hk00h]

It's what we Germans call "verschlimmbessern". Basically means to make it worse by improving it.

[@Cohac]

You guys really can come up with a compound word for anything.

[@m00hk00h]

@@Cohac ...it's awesome, isn't it?

[@AT-qw9cq]

@@m00hk00h Damn I was hoping you were going to say you had a word for always having a word for something

[@realityshotgun]

What's the word for unnecessarily long words

[@wesleygay8918]

@@realityshotgun German

[@Silverback0687]

The reason improvements sometimes end up as compromises is that the people involved will undoubtedly have their own idea of what suits best, for them. Another great bit of knowledge from Ian, thank you.

[@JSpark135]

I was in the Canadian infantry reserves I used the c7, the longer charging handle is in my opinion better then the typical m4 charging handle. You can rack it faster and more efficiently, and I have never had it snag rucking, or in the field.

[@johnh4957]

Informative as always, I didn't know the pros/cons of monolithic upper before

[@kfeltenberger]

I'm surprised at the upper when you said that it was an MRP licensed from LMT. The real MRP since it was released ~15+ years ago has used a method of securing the barrel that uses two screws that are easily accessible from the outside of the upper. This was one of the selling points of the system; you could change barrel length and caliber in minutes. Is this a special military specific design? The reason for my question is that I've owned two of the railed MRPs and neither of them looked anything like this.

[@kfeltenberger]

@@killdizzle The big patentable item would be how the barrel is secured; there are many monolithic uppers out there, Colt's even has one of their own.

[@Smok-_-em]

If I had to guess Colt Ca. just got a license to their patent to avoid legal setbacks.

[@kfeltenberger]

@@killdizzle I'm not sure that would work as the two bolts are what put tension on that part of the upper to secure the barrel.

[@TheUnchosenOne]

@@Antigonus. so thats why no one else makes them anymore, thank you for explaining that. It seems like thats created a misperception with the public that they are inherently unpopular because the designs have been discontinued.

[@Nylonscheme]

@@kfeltenberger yes and that was what prompted the law suit and why LMT gets license rights, colt mono 6940 was the original infringement

[@ryanwinchester6644]

I was in SFSG and we used the A1s, the tier 1 guys (Hereford/Poole) had these and I can’t remember the reasons why but I do remember alot of them preferring the A1? As I say I can’t remember why exactly but my best memory of it was some of the SFCs attached to our unit got issued these as they were considered tier 1 (up for debate, don’t shoot the messenger lol) and I do remember both of the dudes I worked with said they preferred the A1 for some reason, I think it was a durability issue or something because they both had to take their rifles to the armorer numerous times, I just remember thinking these looked sick because of the monolithic rail and desert coloured grip and butt lol

[@sturmgewehr449]

delete this

[@nickjohnson710]

Did you use the G -3 as well???

[@ryanwinchester6644]

@@nickjohnson710 I didn’t sadly! They were in the armoury when I got to SFSG from 3 Para and they were used as a section/team sharpshooter rifle or DMR, I only did a short stint in a rifle company then went to snipers where they used the HK417 as they semi-auto 7.62 rifle as it’s considered better for a sniper role, so I missed out on ever firing a G3! Another thing that was annoying was seeing MP5s in the armoury but never getting the chance to fire one as they had been phased out by the time I got to the unit.

[@nickjohnson710]

@@ryanwinchester6644 cool, thanks for the information.....did you enjoy your time in sfsg??? What other units did you work with besides afgan sf ???

[@ryanwinchester6644]

@@nickjohnson710 yeah I absolutely loved it! I did more in 3 years there than I did in nearly 6 years at 3 Para lol I only got out because of family stuff really, if I was single with no kids I’d still be there. And as for other units I can’t say too much. The two obvious ones quite a lot, and US 75th Ranger regiment a fair amount as well as they were seen as our US equivalent. Any others would be unprofessional to say due to opsec.

[@johndanter7834]

All L119A2 are ambidextrous That was part of the brief The sling on the Nairobi rifle is a Frank Proctor sling. Paracord is in the design You've the wrong charging handle on the A1

[@deedeewhipple4668]

Nice! Good back story with just enough detail to keep it interesting. Not too long so, I didn't forge the middle part.

[@ledzeppelin27]

The British seem to really enjoy their time-honored tradition of fielding their troops with quirky rifles. It has to take a lot of effort to get a mass produced M16 variant wrong in 2019.

[@jbloun911]

People who overthink blind themselves, also people who live on islands tend to have smaller brains 😉

[@fien111]

Like a proper modern British rifle Ian takes some time to describe all the random parts that will fall off it Yes it's actually Canadian, but they were making it to requested specs and probably sent a very sincere letter when they heard about it so I'm letting them off the hook.

[@MultiBjorn21]

Ian I love to see you do a video on the Dutch version of this rifle. Because we had our new versions of the colt canada c7 c8 and for the Dutch marines laow (lsw) and they already fixed the heating problems. Thing is we already had those guns in (i want to say) 2012-2013 if memory is correct.

[@tHaH4x0r]

As far as I know the KCT transfered over to the HK416A5 in 2010, and recent pictures of NLMARSOF do show HK416's as well. They did use C8A1GD before, and I am not sure when the transferred to the HK416 (or if that is even public knowledge). Regardless, the C8 was in service already before 2010. I do know there was a modernization of existing C7 and C8 rifles in 2009, called the C7/8NLD, which might be the version you are referring to. These are the versions with the relatively iconic hand-guards and stock in tan coloring. I am not sure when the colt LOAW was introduced either, might have been at the same time as the modernization of existing C8/C7 weapons.

[@kiwigrunt330]

The Dutch rifles were Colt Canada's first iteration of their monolithic upper. The Dutch kept the original barrels and gas tubes.

[@dksdg]

They missed 1/2 of the LMT’s upper advantages and probably still paid full royalties!

[@krovek]

I'd love to see a video on the history of "handedness" in firearms. I assume at one point (like with so many things) everyone shot right-handed because that was the only "proper" way that one should shoot. This gun shows nods to the ambidextrous user, and truly ambidextrous firearms have been out there for a while now but never seem to become the norm. I'm left hand dominant but do some things righty and some ambi-, I started shooting lefty until I discovered that I'm very right eye dominant. So switching to righty was easy and meant I don't have to worry about controls as much.

[@Divenity]

With all the great ambi charging handles available these days, it baffles me that they kept using that awful thing.

[@Gaz258th]

it quickly cuts cut down or removed on operational weapons

[@devinwooley3575]

Only reason I can see is because colt Canada already had them around for their C7/C8 rifles. And that charging handle is not just for ambi use, that giant lever is also meant to be easier to operate with thick winter gloves, because Canadian winters are cold.

[@12vscience]

It's tradition now. They are obligated to keep it.

[@antontobiassen873]

Thats pretty much the Danish M10/C8IUR. i'm pretty sure we use standard triggers on our guns... we have the same stock, ambi mag release and ambi charging handle. i have had one issued for over 4 years now and i must say that the gun gets hot in situations like CQB or suppressive fire but it's not that bad ( it's nice in the winter). i have on the other hand never had any issue with cleaning the gun nor maintaining it in daily service and deployment.

[@paddy_118]

He was 22 SAS, G- squadron his memoirs are fantastic would recommend people to read them for an in-depth look into the Kenyan incident.

[@nickjohnson710]

Were have you read them???

[@paddy_118]

@@nickjohnson710 he published a book after leaving the regiment 2 years ago.

[@nickjohnson710]

What's the book called???

[@nickumstead]

“If you like the M4 or the 416 platforms, you’ll love this” That’s how I feel the pitch to sell this rifle went.

[@slezyorla]

man i love monolithic uppers

[@WozWozEre]

Videos like this help dispel the ridiculous myth that just because SF are using/doing it it 'must be the best!'

[@VMEMotor5]

SF, like all other government entities, has to deal with government incompetence.

[@g00gleisgayerthanaids56]

I've got a few buddies on the teams, most common load out as per his unit, was a short barreled m4 with a suppressor and a glock in 9mm. Granted, it's been close to a decade since we talked about that stuff, so I'm sure things have changed at least a little bit.

[@mattfleming86]

In the past 20 years or so, it seems to be common for "inspiraton" to come from the private sector instead of the past gov-to-civ transfer of ideas, at least with fighting rifles and precision guns.

[@g00gleisgayerthanaids56]

@@mattfleming86 no, that's the way it has always been. The Kentucky rifles that American revolutionaries were using definitely outclassed the production war muskets.

[@gotanon8958]

Yeah no.

[@tg0003bpa]

These upper where briefly available in Canada as British contract overruns.

[@exlibris3776]

ERGO makes the best AR15 grips. Yes I will die on this hill

[@maxpulido4268]

They're okay

[@MrPHILLCROW]

Regards the cocking handle. I'm sure some in service rifles have been pictured with Giessele airborne charging handles. Also, the Aimpoint T2 seems to be the standard CQB optic for A2s and is seen in more images than the Sig R4T and 'Christian Craighead' was using a Frank Proctor sling in Nairobi, rather than a self made paracord mod but a variety of slings have been seen in use on UKSF rifles.

[@DowntownDeuce2]

THE "TEXTURED" APPEARANCE OF THE BARREL IS DUE TO APPLICATION OF A CORROSION RESISTANT MATERIAL. THIS WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE RAIL CANNOT BE REMOVED FOR CLEANING, BY THE END-USER AND LUBRICATION AFTER EXPOSURE TO SALT WATER ENVIRONMENT.

[@кяуртіс]

Those handguards are super nice and being a monolithic looks sleek as hell

[@theblindsniper9130]

Man we really are in the golden age of PDWs. Good quality at an affordable price. (Just talking about all of what is available, not this rifle)

[@wewlad8697]

he's using Paracord as a sling attachment because he was utilizing the proctor sling and that's just how you attach them.

[@jamielancaster01]

So really it’s just another AR.

[@happylittlewarlus]

Really like the videos. One improvement I'd suggest is if you could slow down the camera a bit when you run it the lenght of the gun. The details might come through a little better.

[@MoraFermi]

Something tells me that in 10-15 years, we'll be talking about L119A3 and Colt Canada's interpretation of WWSD 2020 design.

[@Eisenschweif]

Cant afford this then. To expensive for the Brits 😄

[@tristanhodgden4286]

SF would probably want heavier barrels, use collapsible stocks, super tough rigid rails (like this one) that hold zero of IR lasers. Its a pretty good seeming rifle. Would take one over a wwsd2020

[@wolfgang_h3t]

@@tristanhodgden4286 Yeah, the WWSD is a fine civie/leo rifle, but a bit lacking for mil/sof. Though, the lancer handgaurd would probably make a nice, still semi light substitute, along with faxon's 'gunner' profile barrel, which is only 3 oz more and adds a decent bit of meat.

[@albolingbroke7084]

I question a few points on here, mainly the comment about the barrel. One of the main reasons for A1 was adopted instead of rivals such as the M4 was the barrel. It was superior in accuracy than the M4, the M4 was found to be lacking in the level of accuracy demanded by the UKSF. I've been issued and worked operationally with the A1, and later in life I used the M4 in various theatres as a civilian contractor, the A1 is superior in accuracy and built quality, and the slight increase in weight is not worth worrying over. It does have a couple of areas that can be improved on, the main one was the rails and the A2 seems to have cured that issue. I haven't used the A2 but I also haven't heard many complaints from people still in the service who are using them. I am surprised they go for a superior barrel and just flute it to take the weight out, as the LWRC does with it's very good rifles (now adopted by the Swedish SF).

[@calciumoxide3385]

Can't wait to see another video about the new L403A1

[@RiskofRusty]

I'm disappointed that they're trying to make an ambi AR-15 and they're using such a goofy charging handle. There are way better options

[@classifiedad1]

It was basically “how can we make an ambi charging handle, but without changing the basic body of the standard charging handle?” Other than milling off that massive protrusion on the left, I’m not sure how you’d be able to do much better.

[@zachv1942]

Looks at Radian

[@RiskofRusty]

@@zachv1942 Sshh that's our secret sauce

[@toade1583]

It isn't goofy though, it actually works quite well, even with gloves on and snagging isn't that much of an issue amongst soldiers.

[@Ph33NIXx]

That looks exactly like the Danish Issued rifle. A Colt Canada C8UIR - although that does not have the silencer barrel

[@victoriaregina8344]

Isnt the original ar-15 charging handle already ambidextrous?

[@509Gman]

Not really, not easily. About the same as saying the AK is ambi because you can reach over the gun to charge it.

[@G82_M]

It’s actually In The process of getting replaced. It was a stop gap for the A1.

[@flyboy765753]

I love how Ian implies the British Gov’t would be annoyed to find out that we can effectively get our hands on an exact copy of there SF rifle. I wonder if they would be even more annoyed to learn that most people wouldn’t choose this option over other ar-15 variants even if it flooded the market. That’s fun thing to think about, does it annoy them more that we can get it or that most people wouldn’t even buy it given the option? Not that it’s not good, just that you can get way more for your money on the American civilian market.

[@gearcheck101]

The barrel coating is probably to reduce heat signature. It's probably a heat dissipating coating. Look at the black crinkle finish used on some superchargers, same idea.

[@imandyz0r]

Looks very similiar to the rifle we use in the danish army also made by Colt Canada.. We call it a M10 / c8iur

[@5Genjoyer]

Don't get me started on LMT. Nothing is in stock, and I'm losing my mind trying to get ahold of a Mars and a quad upper.

[@JulianSortland]

Interesting the mentions of Lewis - the British Transport cops have LMT CQB.

[@JG54206]

If it were me I would definitely cut that sling ring off and just loop the sling through that piece with paracord. No more jingling.

[@Javic167]

At this time there weren't Razor Gen III optics with 1-10x, only Gen I and Gen II. Nowdays there are the Razor Gen III 1-10x, but they were announced early 2020.

[@seanwhite304]

L119AW has been my dream upper for 5+ years

[@onseki1774]

Interesting how the divet/slot for the charging handle is replaceable. Also the characteristic square protrusion where the dust cover pin goes through

[@williebauld1007]

UKSF Like 3 point slings. for room clearance, so the rear sling point

[@davidgrandy4681]

You might want to do something at some time about what being "left handed" actually means. That is generally thought of as being monolithic, you are right handed or left handed, and people are defined "Lefty" that way. In fact there are many more complications. I'm very much right handed, I write and throw with my right arm, but I bat left, shoot golf left, and shoot hockey left. Most people will bat right, almost everyone golf's right, yet the vast majority of those people will shoot in hockey left, and that requires changing their hand position on the stick from the way they golf or bat a ball. My hand order never changes and my right thumb touches the bottom of my left hand (or could in the wider grip for hockey). I'm also right eyed. I'm a photographer and like to watch other people pick up cameras. They will just put the camera's viewfinder to one specific eye without thinking, and that defines whether they are left eyed or not. It's almost impossible to change, and that's too bad, because 35mm style cameras are designed for right eyed shooters. In any case your comment about finding more left handed shooters in that Brit special forces group, may turn out to be more "left eyed" shooters. I don't think that there's been much if any research done on this subject at all and I'm sort of surprised that it doesn't come up more often. From where I sit it looks like all of this "left" and "right" business is completely independent from each other, so the "left brain" "right brain" theories seem to hold very little water.

[@realityshotgun]

He shoots right despite being a lefty all the time, and points out that ambi guns are useful for switching up shooting left or right on the fly. The majority of people are still going to go "I'm a righty i shoot right" though.

[@509Gman]

@@realityshotgun the PDQ ambi bolt catch on the WWSD carbines actually makes the gun more right hander friendly :) I shoot with a sling a lot, no more twisting the rifle over to slap the release. I also like ambi safeties for quickly putting the rifle back on safe. It wasn’t difficult with just one, but it’s a little more convenient with two.

[@ancientrenegade9243]

Suspect the barrel coating is to hide shine or glint from the round surface, you should get sinistral to send them a couple of full auto kp15's then they'd know what light is. Just send .750 barrel profiles, at that length they balance perfectly on the mag well.

[@wolfgang_h3t]

@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine I've heard the monolithic lower already makes it a bit front heavy, I'd imagine any more shit on the front would make it outright suck lol.

[@ancientrenegade9243]

Those grenade launchers have bugger all recoil to be honest so it'd be fine. Contrary to popular belief they are very low pressure on the launch, like a 38 special by the time it's ruptured into the 2nd chamber to actually launch the grenade.

[@oneandonlyAlex]

Craighead wasnt using paracord to attach his sling he is using Frank Proctor Sling Loops.

[@adams7597]

I have the ASAP sling mount and just cut that ring off and attach my sling directly to the loop. Works great that way and no sound

[@johngalt234]

And the SAS operator did his business while wearing Armani jeans. He posted it on his Instagram.

[@francesurrenderedtogermany]

On the fire selector, R is for repetition. It may well coincide with French (I don’t know, I don’t speak french), but it is that way because that is how it is presented on the other British Armed Forces’ rifle, the L85.

[@emperorlust7590]

I'm pretty sure the rubber on the barrel is a great material for dissipating heat. Whether it's for keeping the barrel cool, or low visibility on thermals, or both, I'm unsure.

[@abohachuk4765]

This is what the characters should have used in the Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2019)

[@Likexner]

I hate how they name new games exactly the same as older ones. Its unnecessarily confusing.

[@binns5302]

@@Likexner every time i say modern warfare i know have to specify (2019) before the 12 year olds get angry at me.

[@DLloydGray]

The barrel coating might be to distribute barrel heat more effectively to reduce mirage when using the sights.

[@DOMINIK99013]

In that terorist attack action was alsou CZ 807 7,62x39, version used also by Egyptian paratropers.

[@fallupside]

Just think about how many bodies that rifle has droped

[@stephenwright3501]

Not exactly a "forgotten weapon," yet, but maybe a "soon to be forgotten weapon."

[@WTFisTingispingis]

I like the idea of a Special Forces guy seeing a terrorist attack and being like "Fuck it, I'll do it myself."

[@jobiesotelo3385]

Ive used the sling that Christian Craighead used, its the Frank Proctor sling, love it

[@UnholyTerra]

Surely there’s a better way to do an ambidextrous charging handle. I say surely because I’ve seen it. Lol

[@skookapalooza2016]

If I had to guess, the coating on the barrel is probably Stellite. It can take as much heat as the rifle can realistically produce.

[@jansenart0]

Jingly sling link, still has a forward assist, annoying charging handle lock, lug for a grenade launcher that doesn't exist, hand guard that conducts heat...

[@jansenart0]

@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine It really is not.

[@wolfgang_h3t]

@@jansenart0 People like the forward assist and have found it useful. It doesn't interfere with a weapon's reliability or ability to function in the slightest. It's not hurting anything being there, other than your feelings. Cope

[@MuhammadAli-qh8tg]

I gotta say that it looks really nice

[@Pienimusta]

Weird to see such short comings on special forces' rifle.

[@tristanhodgden4286]

Nothing really wrong with it.

[@RamadaArtist]

I wonder if the textured surfacing for the barrel is simply to increase surface area to aid in heat management?

[@МихаилЛевченко-с3б]

That's what I thought too.

[@kcpwnsgman]

One of my favorite things about this that I have questions about is the notch where the charging handle latches in. It appears the be a replaceable piece that you can replace so that it wears that piece, not the upper receiver in it's entirety. The SIG MCX and ZEV's AR upper do this with roll pins. I have seen uppers wear like this, and granted, usually the entire upper gets replaced by that point, but it's really neat to see it be a common feature when the upper receiver stripped by itself is priced around the same (if not more than) the military's sidearms are.

[@ArcofZen]

Definitely proud of our SF here in the UK. Arguably the best in the World too. 🇬🇧

[@therogers4432]

Yup. ^What ArcofZen says^...

[@weatherman667]

The most realistic part of this is how soldiers will just say nope and "accidentally" break or lose something in the field.