L1A1 SLR Good And Bad Points

[@LazyCookPete]

The L1A1 SLR was in use throughout my 17 years service. I grew to love and trust it. Hiding behind brick walls was never a safe option when facing this formidable 7.62mm chambered rifle.

[@sugarnads]

Pete Thomas trees. Walls. Stuff. All became concealment, not cover...

[@TechTwerpII]

Do you know there is another Pete Thomas channel on KZbin ? Also a British Army veteran. Enter "Coldstream Guards Band Reunion 2014" to see the other Pete. I think his years of service were in the 1960s through the 1970s .

[@bobthebarsteward]

When I was trained to use one, the cadre was telling us that if you stood 8 men in a line at 100m, the bullet would go through the 7th man. I asked if the other six would be ok?

[@stevendee2831]

I've got friends and family across the pond . As an American with several family members as veterans of different conflicts I'd like to thank you for your service , sir.

[@mrpirate3470]

I Loved my SLR reliable, accurate and more than enough stopping power :) I was a very sad teddy when they replaced it with the execrable first issue SA80

[@DavidFraser007]

Yep, I liked my SLR, even had the privelidge of sharing a sleeping bag with it.

[@mallen1297]

Agh memories, snuggling up with my SLR and with my wet socks under my armpits.

[@caveymoley]

wit woo! ;)

[@dulls8475]

Share with an 84?

[@raystewart6524]

Slept with mine more than I slept with my ex wife..

[@bearup1612]

Ray Stewart probably listened to you more than your ex 🤣

[@dermotrooney9584]

Ooh nostalgia. The best ergonomic feature was wedging the pistol grip in your belt so on patrol you could open your Rolos and get a morale boost while still looking tactical/ally/1982 to the casual observer. Not so easy with L85.

[@MrTangolizard]

Dermot Rooney much easier in fact with the sa80 as the sling is awesome

[@dermotrooney9584]

MrTangolizard - I was taught that slings were not ally - almost hattish. But that was a long time ago, so I may have imagined it. SA80 webbing also did away with the boiled sweet / rolo pouch (often mistakenly labelled a pouch for the Energa grenade contraption) as part of the management drive to reduce tactical snacking.

[@MrTangolizard]

Dermot Rooney I was a infantryman and slings were required to be used due to , in Northern Ireland a provo trying to snatch a rifle off a soldier also standing guard for hours u could angle it to make it look like u were being switched on when infact u were just monging out waiting to come off guard

[@dermotrooney9584]

MrTangolizard - I bow to your experience but my main concern is tactical snacking.

[@rigsbyL1]

yes and on runs to support the weight. I'd put the pistol grip in my jacket between buttons !

[@darson100]

When the SLR was disassembled in my mind I could still smell the gun oil that we used to use on those. I love that weapon and it absolutely the dogs bollocks

[@crackmonkeynet]

I can step by step disassemble the Canadian FN C1 A1 blindfolded

[@spiderdog762]

I found a can of "Youngs 303" at a car boot sale and bought it on impulse. I showed it to my late Father, who had Dementia; I asked him to smell it, the distinctive aroma provoked a flood of memories from his recruit days at Norton Barracks in the late 1940's. But your right darson 100 , dogs indeed.

[@kaveebee]

Maybe there was better weapons in other peoples opinions but I prefer the SLR coz I loved it. Nice weapon to have in the sack next to you when you wake up in the morning.

[@jamesmaclennan4525]

@@kaveebee Hard to believe that it's replacement the SA80 has spent almost as long in service as the SLR

[@thebeautifulones5436]

"And there's me in my slouch hat And my SLR and greens God help me I was only nineteen..."

[@ironstarofmordian7098]

Great song.

[@rickrob7065]

Jamaican?

[@sugarnads]

THE VOICES RTV Channel australian. Jesus.

[@wfp9378]

THE VOICES RTV Channel Aussie. Refers to Vietnam. Do a KZbin search for “Redgum I was only nineteen”. The Anzacs ( NZ & Australia) were in Vietnam alongside US troops. Screwed us up pretty bad as well.

[@stevethomas5849]

Diggers

[@alanlawz]

excellent weapon in my opinion, served me very well both in N Ireland and the Falkands.

[@docgonzodotcom]

My dad owns an Enfield, that was supposedly on it's way to the Falklands, but got there too late. According to the gun shop owner they were stored for a long time in/on Gibraltar, before they were sold in several huge batches. My dad's buddy owns a BSA from (supposedly) that same shipment.

[@AB-xn6un]

uncletigger How do you invent a natural phenomenon (which was already known to the Egyptians)?

[@markhepworth4804]

uncletigger Haha,bravo uncle.

[@GMANIM]

I thought you handled that very well. And a hats off to Francis Bacon, whose steady hand tilled a fertile soil

[@peterstubbs5934]

Fuck off 2uyhg fuckwit spunkbreath.

[@yonniboy1]

I had the SLR for all but the last 18 months of my service and the SA80 just emphasised what a great rifle the SLR was with far greater range and much better stopping power.

[@graemesydney38]

Its the 7.62 that had the stopping power, NOT the SLR.

[@yonniboy1]

@@graemesydney38 Yeah 7.62x51 (nato) which is much harder hitting than 7.62x39 (soviet).

[@Mavd-mk9iq]

@@yonniboy1 SA80 use 5.56×45.

[@yonniboy1]

@@Mavd-mk9iq That's my point 7.62 trumps 5.56 everytime.

[@annacrow9716]

​@@yonniboy1I'm almost certain this is nonsense

[@stormhansen1499]

I had two of these in the 80's and 90's - privately owned - but also used them during my 15 years of service with the Norwegian Infantry. Much preferred my SLR to my G3. That being said, both the SLR / FAL and the HK G3 are excellent guns that you can rely on.

[@99IronDuke]

Excellent video. The SLR was my first service rifle, and I got one with wooden furniture, that I held on to as long as I was able to. Beautiful rifle, accurate, and powerful. Also pretty easy to keep clean with live rounds. On excercises, firing blanks rounds, it would get much dirtier and I soon learned not fire all that many. I can only remember having one stoppage in all the time I used it.

[@dulls8475]

We believed we lucked out if we had a wooden one as they were heavier and squadies are averse to heavy things.

[@gonnabegood5680]

Really, I've never understood this weight issue, I never found it to be heavy, they tried changing our wooden furniture to plastic while in Northern Ireland 1975, refused to let them, as soon as we got back to Germany they changed it and I have my wood butt on the sideboard.

[@campbellbrand8038]

Yep, kept my "woody" as long as i could as it just fired better. I had a good chat with a SASC WO who agreed the woodies fired better and couldn't explain why that should be as the furniture had nothing to do with the sighting or firing mechanism.

[@Someloke8895]

The only weapon ever considered somewhat Squaddie proof.

[@johnfisk811]

Except for squaddies using the back of the fold open lever to open beer bottles...........

[@doktormusmatta]

The G3 is also completely Squaddie proof.

[@bnipmnaa]

As if Russian weapons didn't exist, lol

[@appleandoranges1]

While training in Area 3 at Singo back in the early 90's, I went to ground through a bush, into an old unfilled stage 2 pit, and dented the dust cover of my L1A1 on a star picket which otherwise I would have landed chest first on. Two sprained wrists and an L&D form later.....

[@otterspocket2826]

+john fisk - I was pretty sure somebody would mention that, and when I saw 'squaddie proof' I knew I'd found my thread. "I was that squaddie" (twice).

[@hdgehog6]

My favorite rifle, hands down. In the states it's all AR15 but I'm a FAL and G3 nutcase...

[@zacht9447]

G3 is so much fun I've got a Cetme AR's are neat and all but I love the blast you get when you crack off with a G3 with the 17~ inch barrel

[@Thunderbolt22A10]

they exist but you're looking at over 700 per kit

[@user-dv8ge8hf1o]

As far as 5.56 rifles go the AR15 is hands down my preferred platform. I own an M1A, G3, and FAL and absolutely love them!

[@SonOfTheDawn515]

If I could get an FAL sub $700 I'd be all over it.

[@schlomoshekelstien6234]

What's the better FAL? Rhodie or Imbel?

[@tangero3462]

That has perhaps the most satisfying report of any battle rifle I've ever heard. The more modern British hardware suits you, it's a nice change of pace from Enfields.

[@wierdalien1]

Enfields for lyf.

[@Panzerfan93]

I too love my L1A1. it even got the wood furniture, which in my opinion lokks better than the plastic one

[@alanbugler5418]

Panzerfan93 i

[@sqike001ton]

hold my tea and watch this has to be the most British thing I have ever heard

[@alexfogg236]

NATHAN NEVILLE , I completely agree with you.

[@SgtSteel1]

I didn't hear him say that. What are you referring to?

[@232nightowl]

@@SgtSteel1 about 6 minutes in when talking about the charging handle

[@stephenreynolds6378]

Just to let you know yanks we dont all sound like this guy.hes a bit hugh grant.good vid though

[@chazychap]

I think he was saying it ironically for you yanks lol

[@nottyash100]

Best Battle rifle we ever had, the old Enfield was good, but the SLR was King, those of us who carried it loved it.

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

Agreed. The L1A1 was ideal for dropping hoards of third rate Russian infantry. Awesome piece of kit, loved it and would give my left one to own one in civilian life. Due to the draconian restrictions in the UK, the only option is a 'straight pull' conversion- re-cock after every shot. Not cheap at £3,000+ The Lee Enfield is a superb piece of kit though and has a significantly longer reach than the SLR. 600m is the furthest I dropped tgts with an SLR on iron sights, with a Lee Enfield, 900m is readily achievable.

[@xusmico187]

Beat the m14 but lost on the not made here front

[@Steve-RAF-311]

I did my initial military training in the late 1960s on the 303. But we switched to the 762 SLR shortly thereafter and the difference was remarkable. Also, unlike the SA80 (in my opinion), it looked the business on parade.

[@johntheball]

SLR is a smashing looking rifle....i havnt words to describe how terrible the SA 80 ( all variants) looks....doesnt even look like a proper weopon...just green tupperware crap....how the Brits have held on to it for so long shows Brexit levels of stupid ...give the best soldiers on planet the worst rifle...i dont know

[@appleandoranges1]

Fondly remember the L1A1 I carried in the Aussie Army Reserve. an LFTR (Lithgow Factory Thorough Rebuild) one. Much preferred it over the old shot out M16's we had at the time(early 90's)

[@HarryP457]

I used the L1A1 in cadets and later in the Army Reserve. 35years later I think I could still blind strip and assemble one. And Bloke, gas piston mortar is a well remembered fail from my A'Res days, that look of evil glee that came to an instructor's face if you accidently launched your gas plug into the wide blue yonder. I'm quite sure they enjoyed it immensely, me... not so much. Aaah, the good old days before I got old and fat with buggered knees. :)

[@bigbrowntau]

Yep, I remember the old L1A1's in the 1980's before they got the rebuilds. We'd crank up the gas adjustment so you'd have a more reliable action. You felt more recoil, but they shot better. The great thing about the larger aperture sight was that unlike the M16, you wouldn't end up with a drop of rain filling the sight. A wonderful rifle to use and carry. For a while I got to carry the fully auto L2A1, with the 30 round mag, bipod and heavy barrel. Loads of fun to use.

[@bigbrowntau]

Carried both at separate times, but just really liked the L2A1. It handled fine firing from the prone position, and the bipod helped. In a standing position, I'd only fire off 2-3 rounds at a time at most. The M60 was awesome to fire too, but much heavier to lug about.

[@rustykilt]

Would love to get back on the firing range with one of these again. Like you, served as reservist, with RNSWR for 10 years. Can buy them in some states, very expensive, but not in NSW.

[@Exiledk]

It was, and still is, a magnificent weapon. I used it during my military service and loved the thing. Powerful, accurate and easy to maintain. Would stop a charging elephant if needed. I wish I had one now....

[@PeterMaddison2483]

Lol... Too many charging elephants where you live, eh! I know what you mean though. I was only in the TA (4WFR CCoy) but I loved the weapon. I wonder if they could have turned the SLR into a 'bullpup' design by shortening the barrel instead of opting for a totally new one.

[@TheChiconspiracy]

@@PeterMaddison2483 I don't know about elephants, but if you've ever handled one with the 10 or 5 round magazine, it would make a decent hunting rifle for quite a lot of larger game species as well as an excellent "oh shit" weapon in an unexpected encounter with pretty much anything on land. I've handled one of the modernized versions from DSA Arms with a 16" barrel, improved furniture, and a foregrip, and it felt almost as handy as a 5.56 rifle. When you shoot it though, you're quickly reminded that you have a proper rifle round coming out of that thing!

[@PeterMaddison2483]

@@TheChiconspiracy It wasnt me who made the elephant reference, I was replying to the post above, but good point anyway. I wish we were allowed to have automatic weapons here in the UK, I'd buy one. My only gripe is that everything seems to be getting 'Americanised' by way of the rail system.

[@TheChiconspiracy]

@Peter Maddison DSA makes some minimal or non-rail versions in different barrel sizes. A lot of people definitely go overboard with rails on every side of the handguard loaded with "tacticool" accessories that add unnecessary weight! The 16 inch version I tried only had a rail on the receiver for optics mounting while the handguard looked like a standard FAL version with mlok slots on the bottom. It felt nearly as good to handle as the civilian SCAR clone at about a third the price! It seems a bit silly that you can't get a semi-automatic FAL variant when a ten round Enfield can be fired nearly as quickly with practice.

[@offshoretomorrow3346]

I think the bullpup idea is to keep the long barrel by putting the action way back in the stock.

[@kevhildebrandt6585]

Another youtuber about the L1A1 SLR 7.62, I LOVED IT. It fitted me greatly, I did 70-71 and 75-78. Used both times and like you said, it fitted you well, It fitted me GREATLY. I used it both times of service and would use it again it I could. Here is aus, we can't even have a bloody pissy .22 rifle. They took all our rights away to have a decent rifle for sport and protection at home. Piss on the law they brought in after the Port Arthur massacre in April '96. The arshole that killed all those people stuffed it up for all of us that just wanted to go to the firing range and have a shoot, or go out bush and shoot a couple of 'roos for some sport but brought the meat home for the freezer. Bloody good tucker. Cheers and Thanks for your Video, Teddy

[@chriscarter5720]

I live in France and have recently bought an SLR in original condition (i.e. it's still semi-auto) which puts it into what is labelled 'Category B'. Another member of the the club has an SLR which has been converted to single shot (It has to be cocked after each shot like a Lee Enfield). The level of bureaucracy required for category is different and, inevitably, more involved for for the SLR. But, being retired UK military, shooting the SLR will be a nostalgic event for me and well worth the effort. Thanks for all your posts Mike, they're always worth watching.

[@5roundsrapid263]

It could kill anything, except the aliens on Doctor Who!

[@GMANIM]

IIRC, it killed the Silurians pretty well. They analyzed a captured SLR and pronounced it "crude but effective"

[@mikehindson-evans159]

"Five rounds rapid" IIRC, on a coal tip in Wales. Thanks Brigadier!

[@tombrydson781]

5Rounds Rapid oh yes big time

[@dougputhoff3215]

LMAO

[@jamietus1012]

It nearly killed the 3rd doctor though, I think it was an slr at least, don't remember

[@richardmiller3922]

I really liked the SLR, power and accuracy. Although it did become heavy after a long TAB I still remember it fondly. 25 years since I last fired one.

[@sgtg4600]

There were NO bad points. Bloody brilliant rifle.

[@dylanwight5764]

The enlarged sand cuts on the later Australian production rifles had a tendency to kick sand into the user's face, but I think that just adds character.

[@tombrydson781]

Sgt G agree

[@Panzerbeast]

Getting in and out of wagons, inside buildings to name some disadvantages of it.

[@tristankeech4070]

@@dylanwight5764 gotta get the sand out somehow.

[@shaundouglas2057]

Used them in the Australian army back in 1988, but theirs one major bad point...NOW WHERE NOT ALOUD TO BLOODY WELL HAVE ONE HERE IN AUSTRALIA!

[@arieheath7773]

I've got a somewhat neutered California version in my collection. They are wonderfully good shooters. Can't wait to move so I can put it back into its normal configuration.

[@MrTangolizard]

Arie Heath what does California make u do to it ?

[@Riceball01]

As of right now he probably has a bullet button on it, this means he can't remove the magazine without some sort of tool. Often times times the tip of a bullet will do, hence the name, bullet button. Starting next year he'll have to either make it featureless (basically put a fin on the back of the pistol grip), make the magazine so that it can only be removed by opening the action, or registering it and not be able to sell it or pass it on.

[@MrTangolizard]

Riceball01 so I guess California’s logic for this is that it slows down any possible mass shooters reloading time ? Wouldn’t someone just buy a rifle from a state that doesn’t have that rule and bring it into California? Also u don’t have a bullet button on pistols do u there ?

[@Riceball01]

MrTangolizard Correct, that's the intent, but that's all predicated on someone actually following the law. For ARs, it's easy enough to put something over the bullet button so that it acts like a normal mag release again, while it's illegal to do so, what criminal or nut job is going to care? For AKs I think it's a little more involved but still fairly easy to mount a tool to the bullet button. There's also nothing preventing somebody from simply either building their rifle without the bullet button or buying a regular mag release and replacing the bullet button with it, which is what I believe the San Bernadino shooters did. You can buy a rifle from out of state and have it shipped in but before you did so you'd have to have the bullet button installed, either from the shop you bought it from or the FFL you're having it shipped to, I'm not sure which. Regardless, you're not going to get an unneutered rifle in from out of state unless you happen to buy it from a dealer who either doesn't know or doesn't care. We don't have bullet buttons on pistols . . . yet. We do, however, have a list of acceptable pistols that are allowed to be sold and bought in CA which gets smaller and smaller with each passing year. One of the criteria for new pistols to be added to the list is to have the non-existent micro-stamping technology incorporated into it. That alone keeps new pistols from being added to the list and the fees and hoops you have to jump through to get renewed means that a lot of gun makers aren't bothering to renew, esp. since, in some cases, it means continuing to make older versions of a pistol model because the older model is what is on the list and any changes to it, even a change in the finish, means that CA considers it a new design and has to be recertified to be placed on the list.

[@MrTangolizard]

Riceball01 wow I never knew California was that harsh on shooters I mean don't get me wrong I live in the uk and our rules are bullshit but I have to say that our rules don't change from county to county it just seems strange and a little pointless to have one rule in one state and another in another if a person is crazy what's to stop a person from Texas driving into California and shooting people there is no hard border between states so it's kinda stupid unless the idea behind it is to try and squeeze all people with guns out of California but that doesn't make economic sense regardless of what someone's view is on shooting firearms and shooting are quite a bit of revenue in the USA

[@elguapo1507]

I so miss firing the SLR. It just felt right in all respects. I also remember in training that it used to hurt if you didn't count your rounds!...if there was a "click" with an empty mag then Sgt Gallagher's boot would meet squarely with your ribs! 😂 Our counting skills improved no end thanks to his simple maths lesson! We were great all the way up to 20! 😋

[@paganphil100]

El Guapo: If you use one with a Bren magazine you'll have to improve your counting skills (for those who don't know, the Bren magazine holds 30 rounds).

[@elguapo1507]

@@paganphil100 LoL! I did...but it was the LMG if you remember...rechambered from .303 to 7.62mm. Great days Phil!

[@tombrydson781]

El Guapo ditto

[@kruler-westoz-nauman3638]

@@paganphil100 yeah but you used 27 in Bren mag 29 at a big arsed push if it wasnt an over used mag when using it on an SLR, even then you were more prone to feed problems as gravity was not assisting the weaker mag spring, wasnt really worth it.

[@longuecarabine8103]

Very well done. You do not waste time or verbiage as many do. This was succinct and to the point and covered the bases.

[@mickgavin6493]

Great video, enjoyed it. Take the point about the sights. We only ever set them to 300m anyway. Apart from that point, yes, it was incredibly easy to look after and totally reliable. I never had anything else and I didn't appreciate the clever folding handle or the improvements to the gas system. So interesting to learn about that now.🙂 Cheers!

[@johnjenkins2209]

I remember spending hours and hours cleaning the gas plug and gas piston head with the small wire brush in the cleaning kit. It was forbidden to ever dip the piston into a sand fire bucket and twist it to clean the carbon after firing or using a Swan Vesta red head match to do the same. If we were ver caught it was hell to pay with the Sgt and CSM. I loved this weapon and shot it many times.

[@Otacatapetl]

We were told to use a Swan Vesta. Seemed to work.

[@iandawson7723]

We used to stick the gas plug and piston in the soil they cleaned up well that way .

[@sking3492]

Lol, don't forget the one by one cloth to clean the barrel.... got one stuck once - minutes before going up on the range shoot!! A hanging offence back in the day. Or...if the bloody pull through snapped inside with one by bloody one attached 😳😳😳. If the armourers didn't give you a pull through, the sar major certainly would! Lol.

[@PeterMaddison2483]

@@iandawson7723 I did that too, as did some others, though we were told not to let the orifice's see as we would get a bollocking...

[@lesrush6298]

Loved this rifle I found it very accurate with its iron sites could hit heads at 300 yards 90 percent of the time

[@PeterMaddison2483]

Only 90%... You slacker, lol

[@newy2277]

Loved my SLR never had a stoppage or any malfunction, it was a man stopper unlike the shit they have now ( which i used )

[@davidrees1279]

My Late Father Said EXACTLY The Same Words!

[@EthanThomson]

heard pretty damn good things about the SA80A2 A1 was fucking awful

[@paul1978g]

@@EthanThomson A3 is even better, it's lost the iconic furniture around the barrel, but it can now accept a wider range of attachments.

[@EthanThomson]

@@paul1978g yeah, i think the gas system has been modified given it lost the dovetail and the front sight mount

[@boggym]

The SLR barrel was an "Eye-opener" especially the first four inches. ( Those who know, know..)

[@levitated-pit]

still got the scar!

[@gregorykillen4564]

These rifles are truly a work of art. Trained and used one as my primary weapon when I was an infantryman. Now everyone wants a bullpup which are piles crap. These are a true soldiers best friend!!!!!!!

[@synovialpig9983]

Bull pups have less length:barrel ratio and therefore longer range of fire:rifle length

[@jon1801]

Magic piece of kit, especially this version with the stock and fore grip in hard plastic. A sad day when the girlie SA80 replaced it along with girlie rounds.

[@BartolomeoPestalozzi444]

It's classified as a hunting weapon in Italy, sold with the magazine cut to hold no more of 5 cartridges (bigger magazines were allowed until a few years ago, like the one in the video - now to be sold to a new owner they must be shortened). Very nice rifle!

[@blah5533]

You can still get the original mags for them in France. A good example of the SLR complete with two 20 round mags and sling will set you back €1200 ish

[@jonnybravo3055]

Rather have the L1a1 than a G3 or M14.

[@dkindig]

I've owned all three and the L1A1 is the only one I still own.

[@anon4932]

I'd take any one of those over the L85A1.

[@MrAvant123]

Certainly streets ahead of the M14

[@frednel4326]

Ex South African Defence Force soldier and our standard issue was the South African version of this rifle, only small differences like the iron sights, muzzle break and ours had the rifle grenade sights and full auto selector though that was useless if you don't have a strap on because this thing kicks like a mule and maybe one shot on target and the rest over the top lol, for me semi auto was more than enough, it's a tough rifle too and verry reliable, acurate and hard hitting, downfalls are it's long and heavy but we quickly got used to that as our rifles went wherever we went and even shared our sleeping bags with us 🤣👍, it's no joke carting a few mags of ammo around either especially when fully kitted lol, I'm 61 now and if I ever had to go to war again this rifle would be my personal choice, I still shoot alot and absolutely love revolvers and rifles and R1(FAL) is still my fav rifle

[@trapperraptor7356]

Hi We loved it in Rhodesia,,,bush fighting with 7.62 they didn't like it up em,,,,,

[@davidpage4005]

And the further up it went, the better it was.!!

[@KevinTullock]

You didn’t Serve with a fella called Bill Smith did you?

[@trapperraptor7356]

@@KevinTullock HI looking for my album in the roof space,,,

[@KevinTullock]

A wee angry fella 😂😂

[@trapperraptor7356]

@@KevinTullock Hi you might be right,,,,,fiery with a lot of passion,,,,,,,,its all flooding back to me,,,,,,i was RECCE,,,,COY,,,,out all night and working on the farm all day,,,,were you in,,,,,,,

[@piobmhor8529]

I carried the C1A1 (Canadian) version. Basically the same firearm, just with wooden furniture (plastic had a tendency to crack in Canadian winters). The dust cover only covered the rear half, but had a slot to accommodate five round stripper clips. It had a disc rear sight adjustable from 200-600 metres. The only other difference I know of is that the Canadian ones had a holding-opening device, so it stayed open on the last round, and made it easy to load the next round after a mag change. Wonderful dependable weapon. It was a very wise choice in it’s day.

[@rhodesia1578]

I used the Belgium version in the Rhodesian bush war .. the R1 .. fantastic weapon that never let me down ever . Reliable and accurate ! There are no cons or bad points here on this weapon. Just brilliant!

[@MrCanadave]

This brings back memories of the FN C1A1 I had in the Canadian army almost 60 years ago.

[@gobbiner]

Loved the SLR, started off with it in the army, being a south paw it was a joy to use, unlike when we changed to the SA80.

[@calikid3336]

I have one identical to that made by Century Arms in the USA. Love it! I live in the state of Colorado USA and fortunately have several 20 and 30 round mags that are 'grandfathered' after a 15 round mag law went into effect in 2013. Can't sell them or buy new ones... Nice video.

[@sandmanhh67]

those unfamiliar with the FAL never owned an Action Man ... or is that me showing my age?

[@langrichar]

Maybe , perhaps , I don't want to admit that my friend . :)

[@somecoder3054]

Bought a few from Germany back in the day. No shame in owning my boi and his jetski set.

[@simonmonk7266]

Yep

[@seancullum1561]

I remember the TV ad ... "What Action Man can"t do .. isn't worth doing"

[@edwardparsons5085]

Did my time in the NZ territorials with this rifle in 1986 loved it and enjoyed the hitting power of 7.62 marvellous peice of weaponry 😊

[@shaneoleary4589]

Me,Ex RNZN, mid-late 70's, gas on 5. Chambered every time, one sweet piece, the kick reminded you of what you had. 😆

[@patricklamshear6662]

The best weapon ever,to hell with the rest.

[@hansstrouf]

FN SCAR best

[@jeremyortlepp8000]

patrick lamshear the AK kinda beats it, can carry more ammo and is more controllable but I do love my FAL

[@rrplanb4030]

Best .308 battle rifle ever made.

[@ironstarofmordian7098]

Alot of G3 fans just called bullshit. But islt is a very fine rifle.

[@dirkwickline4528]

The g3 is shorter and in theory more reliable, but I've always found them more awkward and clunky than the FAL

[@nowthisis2stupid]

Jorge Warcrimes The G3 is a superb rifle, no doubt. However the FAL is far superior in a number of ways.

[@deeo4888]

@@nowthisis2stupid name them, please

[@angelakerridge]

@@daviddou1408 308 ammo is 5,000psi more that 7.62 therefor you should not use 308 in the SLR even though it will fire.

[@rimsdad]

Enjoyed toting one about in Canadian Army from 72 to 89, one of the last units to convert to the Armalite!

[@andybawn1]

In a fire power demo back in the 70's I watched a tripod mounted SLR get a head shot from a mile away. 600 yards was a normal day on the range for us. loved my SLR. Our armoury, I think, had every military style weapon ever made and I got the opportunity to fire most of them, we even had a couple of muskets, but still loved going back to my SLR

[@simonforget280]

I really miss my C1A1D (special version for the Navy, fully automatic...). Training with it made the C7 almost too light. The Canadian version of the L1A1 (known as C1A1) differs from this one in a few ways. It has a rotating disc rear sight (way better than L1A1), a removable trigger guard (useful with mitts) and a last-round hold open. We could even use ammo clips to reload. A few of our C1A1 were so good they got use by our snipers between the 60's and the 90's. Keep up your good work.

[@philcarr7969]

Hi BoTR. I'm Aussie, ex service, and this was our service rifle when I was in uniform. Great, hard hitting even at long range rifle.

[@CrikeySpiders]

CHARGING HANDLE? Uggh! It's a cocking handle, son.

[@nellynelson965]

After being medically discharged, the Army got me a job for the MOD as a gunfitter/armourer . One of my 1st jobs was to inspect all the "decommissioned" SLR that were being replaced by the new SA80. One of the only things I was told to check thoroughly was the little pin and the plate above it that would get hit by the receiver (memory from 30 years ago) causing stress cracks. If there wasn't anything wrong, and the barrel was ok, we sold them to "Africa", Chilli and Brazil after I had reinstated the full auto parts and tested the guns. Great job, shit pay.

[@gusgone4527]

An excellent service weapon that was soldier proof, with the possible exception of the matchstick mod, so it will fire full auto! Shush don't tell the Wops.

[@1015780]

and a LMG mag

[@olliegohard9997]

Lol

[@shanebroomhall]

Up until 1996, Australians were allowed to, and trusted with these, I was saving up for one, when posted overseas with the RAAF, and when I got back, firearms owners were being punished for the actions of a simpleton who was realistically unable to recreate the actions of a special forces trooper, AKA the Port Arthur shooting, but lets not let the facts get in the way of firearms legislation. This rifle was my first true love, but made at Lighgow. Love your work, keep up the good work..

[@HOBMACHINE]

My rifle had the usual squaddie white paint on the butt ; D 1. Rack D, rifle No 1. Carried for four years in Northern Ireland. Loved it like a woman. I would love to know where it ended up. Very fond memories of that gun.

[@gonnabegood5680]

Small arm, rifle, weapon, SLR but never a gun :)

[@dulls8475]

India

[@gusgone4527]

@@gonnabegood5680 Gat, always a Gat.

[@sticks5614]

@@gusgone4527 I think that's an age thing. When I called my weapon a gat nobody had a clue what I was talking about. My one in NI though was totally knackered so when they gave me an LMG I was quite pleased, my SLR back in the Reg was pretty good though. In case your interested, when the Army got shot of them they were all refurbished and sold because the Maritime Security company I worked for bought a shed load of them and the younger lads who used them all loved them as well. You can't beat them as a soldiers weapon.

[@paulbantick8266]

@@gonnabegood5680 Yup! The Royal Artillery have 'guns'

[@gobangs1117]

I carried an L1A1 for few years and regard it very highly. One time in Malaysia at a rather casual range shoot we had about half a pallet of ammo we had to "dispose of". I had the barrel glowing and the glue oozing out of the hand guard without any malfunction. Very accurate but a bit heavy and cumbersome in the jungle. I was always happier when handed an M16.

[@sking3492]

Wonder what the Belgian paratrooper version was like. Should have had that in the jungle, folding stock and short barrel.

[@gobangs1117]

@@sking3492 I've good things about it in particular that it had less recoil than the L1A1.

[@alganhar1]

Interestingly enough, the FN FAL was originally designed for the .280 that the British designed after the war. The rifle was grudgingly rechambered for 7.62x51 when the US flat out refused to use an intermediate cartridge. Shame really, the EM-2 was probably the best Assault Rifle of the 1950's that was (briefly) adopted.

[@tamlandipper29]

alganhar1 - I think Forgotten Weapons has a video on that.

[@ndenise3460]

Actually the FAL was designed for the 7.92 Kurz, and was stretched for the 7.62x51 after the USA refused the .280/30 british(.473 base diameter) changed from the earlier cartridge (thinner base)redesigned for the sake of nato stanag. The british agreed to the 7.62x51 if the usa went to a common rifle FAL based which the US reneged on, and then 5 years later changed to the M16.

[@timothyterrell1658]

308/280 very little actual difference. And load your ammo to your own spec. I prefer 308 for the bullet selection light or heavy. If you want mid range power load that.

[@timothyterrell1658]

The 308 has 1 thing many other cartridges don't have. That I find vital ... Not super high velocity, not super high energy, not super light weight. It has non of these. It has virsitility. A loading for many occasions. Light slug squibs to 200 grain copper solids .

[@viktordtz2080]

However the US have M 14 adopted and not the FAL...

[@charlieyerrell9146]

A good rifle. I carried one in lybya and Northern Ireland. Easy to dismantle and clean . Easy to use.

[@zoomer325]

Nice nostalgic video for some of us who remember having the pleasure of having to sleep with one in your sleeping bag lol. Thought I would mention that I remember every now and again you might still come across one with the A for Auto marking even though it could not be selected for firing etc (S and R were usually the only marking on the weapon for firing selection). Also the UE, UB etc with 2 numbers representing year of manufacture etc , the UE stood for made in Enfield, UB Birmingham and the odd one UA Antwerp etc as an armorer once told me. Also a drawback was that the sight picture would need to be re zeroed after opening for cleaning due to the rear sight not being on the same part of the weapon as the foresight - I believe this was also a reason for being told to never lean the weapon against a wall although lol as I recollect if you do lean one against a wall it will bend very easily if some one reverses a landrover into it - btw make sure the one you have has not been straightened out - anyway enough of my trivia as a former user. Did I tell you the story about the LMG (BREN) guns that had the 303 markings striked through and alongside newer marking denoting 7.62 ... oh I my must stop!!! Have to say while I was mostly issued a pistol when pretending to be at war, I remember getting trained on the SA80 and only ever firing 5 rounds in 1994. Today 23 years later I could not even remember how to disassemble the SA80 but will never forget how to strip and clean the SLR. Also worth a mention first time I saw an SA80 was when I saw an SAS trooper with one in the late 80s. I asked if I could look at it and he said sure and the first thing he said was 'their shit' before showing me why, of course SA80 came a long way since then but people still luv that SLR!! Right thats it I am stopping the cabbage stories now!

[@rogerlewis6488]

I was first issued an L1A1 SLR in January 1967. Love at first sight. I was only 5' 6" but the rifle was a perfect fit for me. Only wood in those days, no plastic. I still preferred the wood after plastic came out as they seemed to have a better balance. I still like the idea of effective individual fire up to 300 metres and effective section fire up to 600 metres. I remember my first day on the range and the instructors in the weapons cadre gave us a firepower demo. I think all of us were impressed when one of the instructors put a round through a 1/2 inch mild steel plate at 100 metres.

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

I used the FN C1A1 semi and the FN C2A1 full automatic back in the day. Our has the last round hold open, a very nice feature, let you know when you emptied a mag. it also had wooden stocks, and half shell dust cover which allowed you to use feeder clips to reload mags. The rear sight if I recall correctly was rotating wheel with graduated apertures for various ranges which flipped backwards. The main differences between the C1 and C2 was that the C2 had a thicker barrel for automatic fire (trained to do 3 round bursts by commenting of the RSM's relationship with his mother, aka Son of a bitch) and a folding bipod fore stock, as well as a 30 round mag, although the mags were interchangeable between the models. And although it was frowned upon and a chargeable offence, you could convert your C1 into a full auto with just a bit of a standard paper match jammed under the shear I believe, I never learned the trick myself, but saw it done a few times.....Forgot to mention, the C stood for Canadian

[@gunnerjames1056]

I can identify completely. Awesome comments, which I could easily echo. " SON OF BITCH " I remember from the Sterling SMG at Wainright. I knew of a fellow Gunner who got himself in deep shit getting caught with that bit of match paper. I have assembled in my collection the complete 80's Canadian kit, but am quite pissed I can not ever own a FN C1A1.

[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

CFB Wainwright, now there is a blast from the past, an all too well remembered frozen wintry blast from the past truth be told. Spent more than a couple of winters up there living under canvas in the middle of winter. During one exercise, the temps got so low that they put it on hold and called everyone back into the barracks.....expect us poor bloody MP's, we were left stuck out at some lonely TCP wondering just where the hell were the convoys we were supposed to direct had gotten to. Weird fact, doing a traffic control point at some isolated intersection in the middle of nowhere between CFB Calgary and CFB Wainwright, we would first fire up a mountain stove and get the coffee brewing......and it never failed, a least a couple of the Queens Cowboys, aka the RCMP would show up with mugs in hand.......I swear they could smell the coffee a hundred miles away.

[@wrxs1781]

The C1 to C2 option had nothing to do with a match, easier than that. That is why they are prohibs in Canada.

[@gunnerjames1056]

Oh I know, but the whole idiocy is that there are people in Canada who have a prohib license, and can own these. The fact that I can't ever get that license is what really piss's me off. I have a rivet in my magazines, which prohibit me from having more than five rounds in a semi auto. [ except for M1 Garand }. But I do not take that rivet out because it is against the law. I would also not change a C1A1 to full auto. for the same reason. Criminals don"t care about those or any other laws, and will make, convert, or obtain, these regardless These comments I make are not directed at you. I am only stating a frustration with the laws here in Canada. It is like trying to explain why an AR type rifle is restricted. It is restricted only based on it"s looks.

[@PatGilliland]

I was a reservist back in the 80's the C1 was an excellent rifle. Just a joy to shoot and tough as nails. The rear sight was indeed a flip up disc with multiple apertures. Don't forget the built in winter trigger mod and the #2 pencil instead of oil in winter.

[@karlaiken6152]

Great review. Thank you. I used this rifle in Jamaica as a JDF Coast Guard Reservist for 11 years and it was an absolutely reliable weapon. A bit heavy but accurate out to 300 yds or more and easy to clean. Hearing protection was scarce so my ears have gone a bit, but a lovely rifle. We had a lot of the wooden furniture models and later more of the "plastic" furniture.

[@nemisous83]

Hold my tea and watch this.

[@exsanguinenation]

Probably already answered a few times over the years, but I looked into the bolt hold-open delete question, and what I found was that the British military had a particular concern with how quickly sand could sully an open action of a rifle, and removing a feature that left the action open longer than necessary was their solution. They also added sand relief cuts to the bolt and carrier. Additionally, I read that their experience in Aden was perhaps directly influential in these feelings.

[@loquat44-40]

There are other rifles without the last round hold open like the G3, but then the G3 is easily locked to the rear. The AK also lacks that feature and the bolt is difficult to securely hold back, but can sometimes be sorta precariously wedged back...

[@casinodelonge]

And remember RSM - "What do we use the carrying handle for?" Everyone else "Nothing"!

[@MA-wq2ih]

When the Kiwis rebuilt their SLRs in the early 80s they eliminated the carry handles altogether. Filled the gap in the receiver with a nylon washer.

[@chrishewitt4220]

Unless you were in the Green Jackets. They seemed to use them a lot when running around.

[@nige601]

Only ever used the carrying handle when we were detailed to help move ours from the armoury at the RAOC Apprentice College down the armoury at the RAOC Depot when the college closed for block leave. We were carrying 3 in either hand so it made it a quicker job. We were instructed that they were for use of and I quote "Poofs & Paras!"

[@glenostick3979]

@@chrishewitt4220 both the RGJ and LI used the carrying handle our drill was different as we marched at a faster pace and did all commands from the "at ease" position.

[@chrishewitt4220]

Glen Ostick I know, was having a wee laugh!

[@gerrycorbet5431]

This takes me back to the 80's. I used one of these in the Falkands and carried one on 3 tours of NI. Always felt safe with with this wonderful weapon in my arms. Oh to shoot one again!!

[@ghadman1061]

Best battle rifle ever hands down. Cerried one for 11 years. Goes through 1/4" mild steel plate like butter from 200m .

[@sking3492]

Unless of course some smart arse would prop a rock behind it so it wouldn't fall down when hit - during competitions of course 😜😜👍👍

[@timwingham8952]

Thank you so much for this video. Takes me back - the L1A1 always felt right. In my opinion (despite its length ) the perfect service rifle.

[@madrock1970]

Loved my SLR. Howard the arse and his gun laws stop me from owning one now.

[@defenderoftheadverb]

You can blame that on silly cunts killing people. That's not something a sane government ignores.

[@madrock1970]

@@defenderoftheadverb No one used an SLR and as for Port Arthur martin Bryant didn't do it, it was two professional "gunmen" and the same MO for every other mass shooting in the US. Same gun same call to ban them. There will always be silly cunts killing each other

[@weswolever7477]

living_loving_hunting If only the silly cunts would stick to killing each other and leave the rest of us out of it,,,,

[@BEACH.LUVER101]

living_loving_hunting no way he could pull off those headshots, the whole thing stinks, from the wild goose chase the cops were sent on that morning on to the purchase of the massive morgue truck, and Howard was all for disarming the population.

[@tomsoki5738]

@@defenderoftheadverb would it be better if it was a car or a knife or a bomb used?

[@RedOrm68]

The fixed rear sight apparature on the Dutch FAL set at 300 m was a necessity. The Dutch army was an army of mostly conscripts, who served for twelve months, with two months of basic training which included gun maintenance and (basic) musketry. There was no time to learn the finer points of adjusting for windage etc. We were not expected to be expert marksmen, just to keep our rifles in good working condition and to know how to operate them. Also, these rifles changed hands so often they had to be simple, rugged and reliable. Limiting the variables was simply a prudent decision. This is of course an oversimplified and very personal view. The FAL was a lovely weapon to shoot and to care for, as was the UZI. And to be fair we did actually manage to hit our targets most of the time at the firing range.

[@bepolite6961]

I still remember the IA drill as a recruit. "Weapon firing, weapon stops, COCK, HOOK AND LOOK." Over and over and over again and again until it was second nature, it became part of you, look after it and it never let you down.

[@springerrob8202]

On looking inside, there are rounds in the magazine, but no round in the chamber, working parts forward and carry on firing.

[@dmgroberts5471]

I was never a squaddie, but I had the pleasure of firing an SLR in America, ironically. I managed to find an American gun range that had a selection of British weapons and in between the SMLE and the HK 53, I fired an SLR. It was incredible fun and I really felt like I was holding a gun that could be depended on.

[@freddieellis8449]

Amazing how many ex-military I’ve spoken to who say they wish we still used the L1A1, simply because when you put some fucker down, they STAY down! #DestinationFucked!

[@peterstubbs5934]

Cant fault that. Speaking to a medic, if hit by a .556 you had to survey the injured soldier to ascertain/locate the wound. If hit by a 7.62, you could put your fist into the exit wound....

[@markfryer9880]

Freddie Ellis The proof of that comment is to be found when reading Blackhawk Down. The guys on the ground were shooting the Moggies and they would keep running. If a Ranger got hit by an AK 47 round he was down for the count or dead. When you add in the effective kill range of 5.56 vs 7.62 I think it helps explain some of the problems seen in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[@rogerhudson9732]

The change from a decent 7.62 to a 5.56 is because of bullying by one country, the home of the 'spray and pray' M16.

[@1LRLRG]

Learned on the Canadian C1 variant and loved it, in the Navy was especially good for Naval Landing party when you had to do the line for crowd control, wood but if you were to hit someone you knew it wasn't going to break and they were certainly going to feel it.

[@davel831]

The best rifle during my army career , loved my SLR compared to the SA80

[@pdxyyz]

Canada was the first country to buy the FAL, and created the inch plans used by the commonwealth countries. The Canadian version had an open breach and the cover had a stripper clip guide. The hold open on last round was active on the Canadian C1. Rear sight was a disk aperture with 200 to 600 yard adjustments. No slide, just turn the disk. We also had all wood furniture. The plastic did not hold up well to arctic conditions.

[@simonsignolet5632]

I miss my SLR. It'd be so useful today, dealing with chavs and the like. Certainly in the 1980s, we were shooting to 100m to 500m, all distances with regularity. On ops in the 1960s and 1970s, SAS and Paras were engaging targets WELL beyond 300m. 12:12 - it's "Cock, Hook and Look". :-)

[@edwardhowie6102]

If memory serves me right it could kill at up to a mile but was accurate up to 600 meters

[@jamesnoland7821]

You've inspired me to rebuild an L1A1 that I bought as a teenager!

[@ape3774]

A tip for you.. On the rear sight, to get to 300m just push the sight block forward with the leaf sight down, the leaf sight will stop against the sight post and you are at 300m, always leave it there as its the recommended battle range for the weapon. Sight the rifle on a 100m target look for a 1 inch grupe, there is no need to adjust the sight higher or lower at ranges up to 500m as the rifle will give groupings of 5 rounds in 16inch/40cm at 500m anyway. try to use your trigger finger to use the bolt open catch, you may find it easier The best rifle the British army ever had.

[@dkindig]

LOL! I noticed him fumbling with the BHO as well. I do the same thing, grab the rifle with my shooting hand and reach under with my trigger finger, push up on the BHO while pulling the bolt back. Much easier.

[@ape3774]

:).. You can always tell them that can from them that have no idea, Just by the rear sight .. Civi's mate, you got to love them, Thay are entertaining :)

[@andrewmiller-yy4de]

One main reason of the slide staying closed after the last round was to stop dust from getting in. It was a modification required by the Royal Australian Army.On that note I carried that rifle for 3 years and never let me down or my comrades. One reason why we changed to the Aus Styer 88 was because of the weight comparison, 4.5kg unloaded 5kg loaded. Dam shame we didn't consider the Parra version.Served us extremely well from, Malaya,Borneo,and Vietnam. As the saying goes' The SLR, was the battle rifle of the free world"

[@zx7-rr486]

The saying was actually "The right arm of the free world" .. but I'm nit picking. It is an iconic rifle. Got to hand it to Dieudonne Saive, the original Belgian designer of the FAL - beautiful aesthetics and brilliant functionality.

[@MaxSluiman]

One can make the semi auto version go full auto quite easily. 1 remove the tumbler that is in the hinge when you open the weapon. Or just remove the fire selector. Fun, because it goes very fast! Beware however, the barrels are not made for that, so keep it limited to avoid overheating blow backs.

[@britishpatriot812]

As a teenage air cadet I had the great pleasure and excitement to put a few rounds downrange on several occasions, with one of these, during the mid 70s. At annual camp on an RAF station. Under the beady eye of an RAF regiment NCO. The recoil was a bit unexpected after the sleeved (to .22) Lee Enfields we learned on at an indoor range. Enjoyed the video. Happy days.

[@KB9813]

Being Canada service weapon for such a long time it's sad that its a prohibited firearm....

[@vaughanerwin7195]

But at least there are 10000s in Canada that the feds never got there hands on most were cut in half behind the bolt locking pin and could be easy welded back up as the back only held the stock the british fn parts kits could be had for $125 in the 90s many just had the bolt cut and barrel pluged both easy to get and replace there are so many here that getting mags is hard. they been baned from the ranges since 92 great gun not a issue hitting man sized gong at 600m on open sights the canadian sights were the best makes the g3 a piece of shit the bolt hold open was dropped do to jamming

[@redactedagentdataexpunged9431]

Got to hold a Belgian FAL at a local WW2 reenactment along with Belgian, immediately loved the gun then after

[@BryanMennie1]

Good video. I enjoyed that one bloke. Thank you

[@88mmFlaK]

Being left eye dominant I really like the height of the sights and the stock configuration that allows me to operate right-handed while sighting with the left eye. I just love the ergonomics overall.

[@kieronbevan2949]

Great rifle. It influenced me on getting 308 for deer

[@stephen2583]

The .22 conversion for small indoor ranges was a lot of fun as well. You could practically draw pictures with it.

[@stephen2583]

@Wallace Carney dont recall ever having one, but then cant say we used it extensively either.

[@starfleethastanks]

DSA will make you a FAL with both a folding charging handle AND a working last round hold open.

[@ElijahDecker]

Yeah, the metric pattern BHO will fit in an inch pattern receiver. Best of both worlds.

[@MA-wq2ih]

Making a working hold-open is easy. Just knock out the short pin that's in there, and stuff in a roll pin of suitable length.

[@brynleyhall]

25 years using the SLR a fantastic weapon. Preferred the wooden stock and butt. A truly nostalgic video, hearing the sound of it being fired brought back memories of hours of use and thousands of rounds fired.

[@OneofMyTurns]

Love my Original parts kit STG58 with Imbel receiver with cold hammer forged barrel. Austrians only ones that did that.

[@jackee-is-silent2938]

Interesting. I used the Canadian FN C1A1 for years. It was like the L!A1, except it has a hold-open device on empty mag, a disk rear sight (100-600m), and a body cover partly cut back with a notch for 5-round charger clips. I loved that rifle.

[@davidcollishaw2771]

bad drills that man. you forgot the 'with a magazine of ten rounds, load. make ready. watch and shoot, watch and shoot.' you missed out the fact that luke skywalker killed the death star with one. it isn't raining plus there's no norgy of tea anywhere to be seen.

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

A proven battlefield weapon with accuracy and knock down power at good distances, even behind walls they weren't safe, I loved the kick in the shoulder and knowing that 7.62 round just done what it was designed to do, one shot one kill.

[@davidrendall7195]

Re: Automatic fire. I was lucky to fall under the tutelage of a former RLI corporal when I joined battalion. He drilled us to fire single aimed shots in a brilliantly planned ambush on the ranges. The butt party were eight of us each carrying a Fig.11 target, held 4ft above our heads on their 2x2 baton so the target was fully exposed above the butt edge. Six of us were in ambush positions on the 100m line, arc'd to a kill zone roughly in the centre of the range. The butt team would walk their targets with proper spacing from right to left. Targets bounced as the moved, were to fall when hit, run away or get under cover against he Butt edge as soon as they could react to effective enemy fire. First time we used our SA80s on automatic. Three out of eight targets went down in the opening fusillade. The other five went off in all directions and hid all but their heads. With auto fire it became very difficult to hit these now small targets close to the ground. Loads of dust got thrown up, ruining the sight picture. Loads of noise going on but by the time we had to change mags most of the Fig.11s were still alive. RLI/Cpl takes the mag changes as his que to start throwing thunderflashes around the firing point, simulating our targets getting cross. I don't think we got all the targets. Second time on repetition four went down in the opening volley. But as the other four got into cover all but one was taken out by the second volley. The last Fig.11 was now a tiny top half of head target but was easily removed by the the third volley. At this point RLI/Cpl flicks a switch and five more Fig.11s on the regular pulley system storm into view and he starts chucking thunderflashes around again. Within seconds all five targets are down. The effect was electric. Partly the abandonment of normal ranges procedures - gleaming - partly the confidence it gave us in proper marksmanship under stress, but the main effect was in the butt party. First time round the effect of loosing three and then no more while partially covered by the dust and it didn't feel like a bad day. We were still a team. Second time round two volleys and there was just one of us left. Different feeling, not brave. The RLI/Cpl had made his point. When his second unexpected team of Fig.11s came at us it was a surprise and you really don't want a surprise when you're changing mags. We still had 25 round each to deal with the new threat. Auto is great for suppression, but MGs are for suppression, because you may have to do it for hours. Rifles are for killing, so pick your targets and stay calm.

[@sebekglab]

David Rendall Absolutely right. German ww2 doctrine was base on MG fixing enemy with high volume fire, and infantry men was thought to only shot when he can take aim , so they can pick up anyone without adequate cover. It work quite well for them in attack or in defence.

[@davidrendall7195]

@@sebekglab Yes and No! There's a lot you can do to mitigate the effects of SF MG fire, and the 98K had little utility outside of pre-1914 tactics. If your enemy can choose his ground and make you go rat catching in trenches, towns and forests, you have to significantly increase the number of MGs to compensate or take big losses as you loose the initiative. This entails far greater resources and ammunition use, which can be a problem for logistic limited forces like Germany. In those scenarios the small magazine, over powerful and expensive 98K wasn't particularly good. It's why the Germans built the MP series of SMGs and later the StG-44 to fill the gap. But the first was a garden sprinkler in terms of accuracy the second was too late to change anything. They both have a hint of panic about them. Where the Germans could choose their ground the MG-38 or 42, 98K, MP40, 8cm Mortar combination worked well. Just as the - Vickers/Bren/Lee-Enfield/Sten/3inch - SG-43/DP-28/M1891/Ppsh-41/81mm - Browning/BAR/Garand/Carbine/Thompson/Grease Gun/60mm did. It wasn't a unique system and their enemies knew that play inside out. You could argue the allied forces had a greater flexibility in weapons range. They certainly could afford to increase resources at sticky points. When faced with a defensive line they stopped, bought forward HE and armour and made a mess from long range to punch through at their convenience. The Germans were a fascinating mix of ultra-conservatism and radical invention. When they launched their offensives (1939-42) they had superb defensive weapons (MG-38, 98K, 8cm mortar.) When they were on the defensive (1942-45) they had superb offensive weapons. (MG-42, Stg-44, 21cm Werfer 42 and Tigers). They had fantastically mobile Panzer divisions operating at the edge of technology and communications, supported by horse drawn artillery and infantry who were basically in 1914. If you're gonna invent an MG with a 1,200 round cyclic rate, you probably want to invest in more trucks to carry the ammunition, not horses. And it's worth pointing out they lost their war.

[@robscamino]

A good lesson!

[@josephdixon1827]

I really enjoy your videos. Anyway, I own and L1A1 SLR. It is my Deer rifle. a 20 power scope and a 5 or 10 round magazine, instant hunting rifle. I live in the U.S. and the state of Florida. I hunt in Tennessee and in Florida. I harvested a few deer with my L1A1. Plus I added a bolt hold open on mine. It is easy to do.

[@Epiclyspeaking]

"Hold my tea and watch this." Last words of the British Yobo

[@salkalints5982]

The us should've adopted the fal instead of the m14.

[@wetlettuce4768]

I don't agree with that so much, the M14 is also a very good battle rifle and the reason the US chose to make those instead of the FAL besides the "MADE IN THE USA" stamp is becuase the M14 could be made without having to retool the workshops that made the M1 rifles.

[@MA-wq2ih]

That was the sales pitch put on by Springfield Armory for *their* M14...the reality of production was quite different.

[@poncoolride]

No, the m14 is a better rifle. Im not knocking the FAL, I own one.. but ive got an m14, its all around a better rifle.

[@danukil7703]

@@wetlettuce4768 The US _thought_ they could just use the old tooling, but that didn't really work.

[@Alf763]

poncoolride I mean it’s really not, there’s a good reason we were using SLRs into the 80s and yet the M14 was found totally inadequate the first time it went into the jungle

[@ms.annthrope415]

When i worked in a gun shop in the first half of 1990s, we sold FALs. I had always wanted one but as I was putting myself through law school, I couldn't afford much. Some 25 years later when I could afford one, they are like unicorns. I compensated by getting FNs progeny, the SCAR17. I can say i love the SCAR. Just incredibly ergonomic, easy to shoot, accurate, and with thr folding stock, just like the FAL Para.

[@jackee-is-silent2938]

I used the Canadian version, the FN C1, when I got into the Canadian Forces, as well as the heavy barrel full auto version, the FN C2, with a heavy barrel, a biopod, and a 30-round magazine. The Canadian FN's were much like the UK, but the Canadian ones had the automatic hold-open on empty magazine and a dust cover cut back with a stripper clip loading gate. They also had a dial rear sight that had I believe 7 settings from 100 to 700 metres. I was an Armoured Corps recce soldier and I loved that rifle.