~ Deactivated Wooden Stock L1A1 SLR Assault Rifle With Bayonet and Accessories ~
This L1A1 rifle is complemented by elegant wooden furniture and comes equipped with an original canvas sling for easy carrying. Included in the sale are an L1A1 Bayonet, adding to its historical value, a Training Booklet for comprehensive guidance on use and maintenance, and two cleaning kits to ensure the rifle remains in top condition. These extras, shown in the included photographs, round off a package that combines functionality with collectible appeal. The rifle is stamped with the serial number 960-2266 and UB 62 / 152444 and the magazine marked with 9600017. The wooden stock is marked in white paint 242. There is also some writting on both the sling and frog of the bayonet – which I cannot read.
~ History of L1A1 ~
The L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle, often referred to as the SLR, is a British version of the Belgian FN FAL rifle, which was one of the most widely used rifles during the 20th century. The FN FAL itself was designed by Dieudonné Saive and Ernest Vervier at the Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium in the early 1950s. The rifle’s name, FAL, stands for “Fusil Automatique Léger” which translates to “Light Automatic Rifle”.
The British adopted the FN FAL in 1954, but with modifications to suit British requirements, leading to the designation L1A1. One of the primary differences between the original FAL and the L1A1 is the latter’s semi-automatic operation, as opposed to the FAL’s select-fire capability, allowing for both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. This change was made to ensure greater control and accuracy, as the British military doctrine emphasized precise, controlled fire. Additionally, the L1A1 features different sights and a folding cocking handle, among other modifications.
Manufactured in the United Kingdom by the Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield, the L1A1 became the standard service rifle of the British Armed Forces, replacing the Lee–Enfield No. 4 rifle. It was widely used in various conflicts, including the Falklands War, the Malayan Emergency, and the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The rifle was appreciated for its durability, reliability, and the powerful 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge it fired.
Other Commonwealth nations, including Australia, Canada, and India, also adopted variants of the FN FAL, with each country making its own modifications. For instance, the Australian version was designated as the L1A1-F1 and was manufactured locally.
The L1A1 was eventually phased out of front-line service starting in the 1980s, being replaced by more modern rifles like the SA80 in the British Army. Despite this, the L1A1 SLR remains an iconic rifle and is remembered fondly by those who used it. Its impact on military firearms development and its widespread use across the globe cement its place in the history of small arms.
~ Condition ~
The body of the rifle is in good condition for age and use. Hardy any pitting along the barrel or wooden furniture either. The Bayonet is in exellent condition as well with orginal bluing from factory. Please refer to the images for the condition. It is deactivated to EU specifications so neither the bolt or trigger moves.
~ Dimensions ~
The piece has a total length of 113cm (44.25 inches) – not including Bayonet attached.
