*Australian, Lithgow L1A1 Self Loading Rifle (SLR) and Sling, with Bayonet, Scabbard and 1945 Frog, Deactivated, AD61, Dated 1961*
7.62mm Cal. 21″ Barrel Length. Serial Number AD6100847
The Australian Army, as a late member of the Allied Rifle Committee along with the United Kingdom and Canada adopted the committee’s improved version of the FAL rifle, designated the L1A1 rifle by Australia and Great Britain, and C1 by Canada. The Australian L1A1 is also known as the “self-loading rifle” (SLR), and in fully automatic form, the “automatic rifle”. The Australian L1A1 features are almost identical to the British L1A1 version of FAL. It operates on a gas-operated, semi-automatic system with a magazine feed, utilizing a short-stroke gas piston above the barrel. Classified as a long rifle, technically a battlefield rifle rather than an assault rifle, it is chambered for the NATO 7.62x51mm cartridge and boasts accuracy up to 600 yards. Unlike the abandoned British bullpup EM-1 and EM2, the SLR emphasizes aimed shots over rapid fire.
Designed for precision targeting of human-sized objectives, the SLR’s magazine holds 20 double-stacked rounds. This capacity allows disciplined troops to avoid carrying excessive weight, and the semi-automatic nature ensures a focus on deliberate firing rather than indiscriminate shooting. Rapid fire is defined as twenty aimed shots within a minute for suppressive purposes.
L1A1 with black polymer furniture. Marked on the side of the receiver: “Rifle .762mm, L1A1” there are several war arrows. Marked YDS for yards underneath the sight. Marked on the other side of the receiver with the serial number AD6100847. Also marked on the receiver by the stock and with electropencil on the top of the chamber and underneath. All matching serial numbers.
The first two letters of the serial number signify the country (England used UE (Enfield)/UB (BSA)/UT (Theale), Australia and New Zealand – AD (Australian Defense)) and the first two numerical digits represent the year the SLR was made – so this was made in Australia in 1961. These rifles commonly known as Lithgows as most Australian SLR’s were produced at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory. The first production Lithgow L1A1 was made in February 1959. 1962 was their busiest year of production, marking this 1961 as early production. All parts were made to be interchangeable whether English, Australian or Canadian, so the differences are slight. The War Arrow on the SLR suggests that some of this SLR was fitted with British L1A1 made parts This has an Australian 1st Pattern flash eliminators.
Magazine – Marked with “War Arrow, 9600017. D81.”
Bayonet:
Bayonet Marked 9600257, L1A3, D62
The L1A3 bayonet was introduced in the late 1950s to address concerns about the protruding press stud on earlier L1A1 and L1A2 designs, which made the bayonet prone to dislodging. The L1A3 featured a flush press stud on the pommel. The blade includes deep long fullers on both sides, aiding in easy withdrawal after being thrust into a target (in the mid-60’s the fuller was shortened, creating a long ricasso). It has a 200 mm blade length, measuring 300 mm overall. The Nato stores number “9600257”, “Lia3”, “D62” is marked on the grip, there is a war arrow on the pommel. The letters D59 with a war arrow are engraved on the very short ricasso. The No 5 scabbard is unmarked
The green frog is marked A.U. 1945 with a war arrow, AF 0261.
*Condition*
An excellent and combat proven battlefield rifle. The bayonet is also in very good condition retaining its blued finish, it does have some nicks to the blade, the press stud works well and the scabbard fits tightly. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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