L9A1 Browning High Power

L9A1 9mm Browning HP Pistol

Range: 50m     Weight: 1.060 kg (Loaded)

© MOD

The Browning Hi-Power is a single-action, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. It is based on ideas conceived and patented in 1922 by American firearms inventor John Browning, and later patented by Fabrique Nationale (FN) . 

The Hi-Power pistol was named for its 13-round magazine capacity.  The Hi-Power had the first functional double-column magazine of 9 mm rounds, and was capable of holding 13 cartridges, with a 14th loaded in the chamber. Flush-fit 15 round magazines are now available, as well as higher capacity magazines which extend past the end of the butt

L2A3 Sterling Sub Machine Gun 

L2A3 9mm Sterling Sub Machine Gun

Range: 200m     Weight: 3.5kg (loaded)
Practical ROF: 102rpm

© MOD

 After the war, with large numbers of Sten guns in the inventory there was little interest in replacing them with a superior design. However in 1947 a competitive trial between the Patchett, an Enfield design, a new BSA design and an experimental Australian design with the Sten for comparison was held. The trial was inconclusive but was followed by further development and more trials. Eventually the Patchett design won and the decision was made in 1951 for the British Army to adopt it. It started to replace the Sten in 1953 as the Sub-Machine Gun L2A1. The weapon is constructed entirely of steel and plastic and has a folding butt which folds up underneath. Although of conventional blowback design, there are some unusual features: for example the bolt has sharp grooves around it which cut away dirt in the receiver and help to keep it clean. The magazine follower, which pushes the cartridges into the feed port is equipped with rollers to reduce friction and the firing pin is arranged so that it does not line up with the percussion cap on the cartridge until the cartridge has entered the chamber.

    Sterlings have a reputation for excellent reliability under adverse conditions and (allowing for the fact that a blowback action is used) good accuracy. The Sterling can be difficult for left-handed users to operate, due to the inherent asymmetry of the design. In particular, the weapon is designed to be used resting on the right side of the body. However, contrary to popular movie and other contemporary depictions, the weapon should never be used with the left hand holding the magazine, rather the barrel jacket should be gripped. Spent shell ejection to the right constitutes an additional hazard for left-handed use

L1A1 SELF LOADING RIFLE (SLR)

L1A1 7.62mmN Self Loading Rifle aka . SLR
Range: 600m     Weight: 5.07kg
ROF: 40rpm
(Also shown Top is a 1st Generation Night Sight)

Prince of Wales Own
© MOD

Great Britain developed its own variant of the FAL in 1957 as the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle (SLR). It was manufactured using Imperial measurements which also included minor changes. The early rifles were fitted with wooden furniture but latter these were changed to plastic. The  L1A1 FAL was produced as a semi-automatic only rifle, where as the original Belgian version could be used fully automatic. It was known for soldiers to modify their rifle's mechanism (normally by inserting a matchstick or coke can tab) to allow it to fire on automatic, resulting in all 20 rounds to be fired at once. A thirty round magazines from the 7.62 mm L4 light machine gun was used occasionally; but being designed for gravity assisted downward operation, they were not reliable and had to have the spring strengthened. 

"Sight Unit Infantry Trilux" (SUIT)

© MOD

  Later production rifles are noted for the availability of unique optional sights. The first of the optional sights included a folding dual-aperture day/night sight, commonly known as the "Hythe Sight". The Hythe sight was developed for close range, dusk and night use and incorporated two overlapping rear sight aperture leaves, and a permanently glowing (until radioactively decayed) tritium inserts in the front sight post for improved night visibility. Also noteworthy was a unique scope designed specifically for the L1A1 rifle. The scope, identified as the L2A1 "Site Unit, Infantry, Trilux" (SUIT) is a fixed-focus 4X magnification scope with an unusual prismatic offset, a unique inverted tapered tritium illuminated sight post reticule, and an integral bullet-drop compensation via a two-position mechanical cam. The offset prismatic design reduced overall length for improved clearance around the L1A1 action, reduced parallax errors and significantly reduced the effects of heat mirage from a hot rifle barrel. The inverted sight post allowed a very rapid target re-acquisition due to the fact that recoil typically raises the rifle barrel, leaving a clear sight picture under the inverted pointer, which combined with the pointer's thick taper promoted the quick target re-acquisition. Although relatively heavy, the SUIT scope was also noted for its durability, due to the very robust construction. It is also noteworthy that the during the Cold-War, the UK SUIT scope was copied virtually verbatim by the Soviet Union and designated as the 1P29 telescopic sight. Both the Hythe and SUIT sight options were commonly found on production UK L1A1 FAL rifles

L85A1 Infantry Weapon (SA80) "Endeavour"

L85A1 5.56mmN (Endeavour) Assault Rifle aka. SA80

Range: 400m     Weight: 4.68kg
Practical ROF: 40-60rpm

© Royal Ordnance

The L85A1 is a selective-fire gas-operated assault rifle that uses ignited powder gases bled through a gas port above the barrel to provide the weapon’s automation. The rifle uses a short stroke gas piston system (the piston travels inside a gas tube located above the barrel) and a three-position adjustable gas regulator; the first gas setting is used for normal operation, the second – for use in difficult environmental conditions and the third setting is used to propel rifle grenades. The weapon uses a rotating cylindrical bolt that contains 7 radially-mounted locking lugs, an extractor and casing ejector. The bolt’s rotation is controlled via a cam pin that slides inside a camming guide machined into the bolt carrier. The weapon fires from a closed bolt and has a 30 round magazine.

 
The L85A1 is equipped with a hammer striking mechanism and a trigger mechanism with a fire-control selector that enables semi-automatic fire and fully automatic fire (the fire selector lever is located at the left side of the receiver, just aft of the magazine). A cross-bolt type safety that prevents accidental firing is located above the trigger; the “safe” setting disables the trigger. When the last cartridge is fired from the magazine the bolt and bolt carrier assembly lock to the rear. The rifle features a barrel with a slotted flash suppressor, which also serves as the base for attaching and launching rifle grenades and mounting a bayonet. Built in a “bullpup” configuration, with a forward mounted pistol grip. The rifle was designed to be used exclusively by right-handed shooters since the ejection port and cocking handle (reciprocates during firing) are on the right side of the receiver.

L85A1 rifles used by the Royal Marines, infantry (and other soldiers with a dismounted combat role) and the RAF Regiment are equipped with a SUSAT (Sight Unit Small Arms, Trilux) optical sight, with a fixed 4x magnification and an illuminated aiming pointer powered by a variable tritium light source. Mounted on the SUSAT’s one-piece, pressure die-cast aluminum body is a mechanical back-up iron sight that consists of a front post and small rear aperture. Rifles used with other branches of the armed forces when not on operations are configured with fixed iron sights, consisting of a flip rear aperture (housed inside a carry handle, mounted to the top of the receiver, replacing the SUSAT sight) and a forward post, installed on a bracket above the gas block. The rear sight can be adjusted for windage, and the foresight – elevation. In place of the SUSAT a passive night vision CWS scope can be used.

The L85 was trialed in the early 1980's and was issued to BAOR frontline units from 1987 with some units especially the TA still had not received the new rifle by the mid 1990's.

L86A1 LSW "Engager"

L86A1 5,56mmN (Engager) Light Support Weapon.

Range: 600m     Weight: 6.58kg (Loaded)
ROF: 700-850rpm

© Royal Ordnance

 Based on the L85 the L86 Light Support Weapon (LSW) is a magazine-fed automatic weapon originally intended to provide fire support at a fireteam level. It has a longer barrel than the L85 and a bipod, buttstrap and rear pistol grip, together with a different design of handguard. Its longer barrel gives an increased muzzle velocity and further stabilizes the bullet, giving a greater effective range. The weapon is otherwise identical to the L85 version it is based on and the magazines and some internal parts are interchangeable. The lengthy, free-floating nature of the heavy barrel and the optical performance of the SUSAT gives the weapon excellent accuracy. From its inception, the L86 has been a target of criticism on much the same basis as the L85 with the additional issue of its inability to deliver sustained automatic fire unlike a belt fed weapon.

Rifle 5.56mm M16 /AR15

Range: 400m    Weight: 3.1kg
Practical ROF: 40-60rpm

© MOD

Almost as soon as the American Armalite AR-15 was marketed the British Army purchased a number for evaluation. Shortly after a batch of about 10,000 AR15 and M16 rifles were purchased. This order was placed before the US Army adopted the M16 as there standard rifle. Both the AR15 and M16 are of the original design which did not feature the bolt forward assist that was a feature of the latter M16A1. The rifle was never accepted for front-line service  but it has been used extensively in Belize, the far east and Northern Ireland. The weapon is favored by the Royal Marines due to its lightness and was issued to specialist units. The British army also adopted the M203 grenade launcher which fits to the rifle in place of the fore grips. 

L4 LMG Bren

L4A4 7.62mmN Light Machine Gun (LMG) - aka. "Bren"
Range: 1650m     Weight: 10.35kg
Practical ROF:  120rpm 

Cheshire Regiment
© HQ NI PR

With the British Army's adoption of the 7.62 mm NATO cartridge, the Bren was re-designed to 7.62 mm calibre, fitted with a new barrel and magazine, and continued in service. It was redesignated as the L4 Light Machine Gun and continued in British Army service well into the 1990s. The change from a rimmed to rimless cartridge and nearly-straight magazine improved feeding considerably, and allowed use of 20-round magazines from the SLR to be used in emergencies. The conical flash hider was also replaced by a slotted type similar to that of the SLR and GPMG.

L7A2 GPMG "The General"

L7A2 7.62mmN General Purpose Machine Gun

Weight: 10.9kg    Range: 800m
Practical ROF: 100rpm

BATUS
© MOD

The L7 is a licensed built FN MAG and is affectionately nicknamed "the Gimpy" pronounced with a soft G (or "Jimpy") by British soldiers (alternatively "The General" in some units). The L7 was adopted by the British forces as a replacement for the long-serving Vickers machine gun (in the medium role) and the Bren (in the light role), following trials in 1957. There have been two main variants, the L7A1 and L7A2, developed for infantry use, with the L7A2 having superseded the earlier variant. Several other variants have been developed, notably the L8 (A1 and A2), modified for mounting in armored vehicles (the L37 variant was developed for mounting on armored vehicles). Although intended to replace the Bren entirely, that light machine gun (re-titled the L4) continued in use in jungle terrain (especially in the Far East), where there was no requirement for the medium machine gun role, and with secondary units, until the adoption of the L86 Light Support Weapon (LSW). The LSW was intended to replace both the L7 and the L4 in the light machinegun role, but dissatisfaction with the L86's firepower and reliability resulted in combat units continuing to utilize the L7 whenever possible (although neither it, nor its 7.62mm NATO ammunition were supposed to be issued to infantry platoons). 

(Also see the Support Weapons page)

L1A1 LAW66

L1A1 66mm Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW)
Range: 300m     Weight: 2.37kg

© MOD

The L1A1 is the British designation for the American M72A1 and M72A2 HEAT rocket launchers. Designed to replace the 3.5" Bazooka it is intended as a 'one-shot and throw away' device. These weapons although outdated by the late eighties due to the increase in Soviet Armour thickness they were found to be during the Falklands conflict effective at taking out the enemies fire trenches and sanger emplacements.

84mm MAW "Charlie G"

L14A1 84mm Carl Gustav Medium Anti-tank Weapon (MAW)
aka "Charlie G" seen here fitted with Optical sight
Range: 500m     Weight: 16Kg (18.59kg loaded)

© MOD

The Carl Gustav is the common name for the 84mm recoilless rifle anti-tank weapon from Bofors Anti Armour AB in Sweden. The Carl Gustav was first introduced in 1946, and while similar weapons of the era have generally disappeared, the Carl Gustav remains in widespread use today, and is even being introduced into new roles. British troops refer to it as the Charlie G. Designed to destroy the armour of the day, the Charlie G was able to fire three types of  rounds; HEAT, Illumination and White Prosperous Smoke. This weapon was used to great effect during the Falklands conflict, nearly sinking a Argentinean Destroyer and was effective against the heavy machine gun sangers. It was phased out by the late 1980's being replaced by the more cumbersome and less versatile LAW 80.

84mm LAW 80

84mm Light Anti-tank Weapon (LAW80) - Drill Version
Range: 500m     Weight:9.5kg

© Hunting Engineering

The LAW80 was undergoing field trials around 1985 and was expected in service by 1987. Designed to be a one-shot throw away weapon. The LAW 80 came with an inbuilt 9mm spotting rifle which was used to aim the weapon, a sort of "Ping, Ping, Ping....BANG!" approach to taking out armour. Designed to replace the LAW 66 and Charlie G this weapon has proved effective if some what cumbersome and timely in readying for action. It is of note though that although a similar weapon is used by the US army, the weapon it replaced, the Charlie G has now been taken into service by the US Army and several other armed forces; time to make your own conclusions about the introduction of the LAW 80 and withdrawal from British service the Charlie G.

40mm Grenade Launcher  M79

40mm Grenade Launcher M79

Weight: 2.72kg     Range: 150-400m

On board Canberra heading south to the Falklands. 
© Welsh Guards Forum.

The M79 grenade launcher also know as "the Thumper," is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break open grenade launcher which fires a 40 x46 mm grenade and first appeared during the Vietnam War. Because of its distinctive firing sound, it earned the nicknames of "Thumper", "Thump-Gun" or "Blooper" among American soldiers; Australian units referred to it as the "Wombat Gun". The M79 can fire a wide variety of 40 mm rounds, including explosive, anti-personnel, smoke, buckshot, flechette, and illumination. The British Army originally considered the weapon as a Infantry weapon but at the time long-term supply problems meant that the idea was dropped. When the troubles began in Northern Ireland it was adopted as a Point Defence Weapon for static locations and for crowd control firing CS gas rounds. It was also used in Hong Kong and Belize in training for Jungle warfare. 

When the Falklands conflict started it was at least, issued to members of the Welsh Guards for use as a close infantry support weapon with at least one ending up in the Atlantic with a broken firing pin.

Light Mortar 2-in

Designed and used in World War Two the standard service version of the 2-inch mortar had a barrel length of 21 inches and could fire a high explosive bomb weighing 2.25lb out to a range of 500 yards. With such a short barrel the normal firing method, where the bomb was dropped down the tube and a pin in the base of the barrel struck the detonator in the tail of the bomb, would not work so firing was by a small trigger mechanism at the breech. Originally the 2-inch mortar was fitted with a large collimating sight with elevating and cross-level bubbles, but this was soon dropped as unnecessary in a front-line unit. It was replaced instead with a simple white line painted up the length of the barrel. The firer only had to line this up in the direction of the target and fire a number of bombs for effect. Whilst this method of operation may sound rather haphazard, it worked well and the practice continued long after the war. The mortar evolved in other directions too, with the original large base plate being replaced by a simple curved model, to give it a combat weight of 10.25lb. Due to its small size, and for simplicity the mortar had no forward strut or bipod like larger designs needed. The barrel would be held at the correct angle by one soldier while the other loaded and fired the round. It could achieve a firing rate of some eight rounds per minute. The bombs were cylindrical with a (perforated) four finned tail. For the HE projectile an impact fuse was fitted in the nose of the bomb. The illuminating round weighed 1lb and the smoke round weighed 2.25lb. A whole range of other ammunition was also developed including a specialized bomb that cast a lightweight explosive-filled net over patches in minefields so that it could be detonated to clear a path. 

By the late 1970's the 2-in mortar was being slowly phased out. Used only for Smoke and Illumination It was replaced in the early 1980's by the 51mm Mortar L9A1 but continued in service with some units. It was also issued for use in the Falklands War.

51mm Mortar L9A1

© Royal Ordinance

The L9A1 51 mm Light Mortar is a man-portable mortar which fires Smoke, illuminating and high explosive bombs. A short range insert device is also used to allow the mortar to engage targets at a shorter range. Proposals for a new mortar to replace the aging 2-in started in the early 1970's, by the late 1970's the protracted development stage had been frozen and the mortar made ready for production. Production started in the early 1980's but did not replace the 2-in mortar until the late 1980's.

Weight: 6.275kg   Range: 800m