The L42A1 Sniper Rifle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The L42A1 was the last military Lee-Enfield rifle approved by the British government, certainly a fitting end to the Enfield as a service rifle. By the late 1960’s the need for a 7.62mm NATO chambered replacement for the tired .303 British No4 MkI(T) sniper rifle was apparent to the British government, perhaps overdue. This task fell to RSAF Enfield who, using existing stocks of No4 MkI(T) rifles, designed a conversion of sorts based on the earlier L39A1 Military Target rifles.

 

This conversion consisted of:

Re-barreling the receivers with a heavy free floated 7.62mm barrel,

Milling out the receiver slightly to accommodate a 10 round 7.62mm magazine,

Replacing the bolthead with a stronger one proofed to 19 tons,

Replacing the extractor on the rifles bolthead for the rimless cartridge,

Fitting the completed barreled action with a new shortened fore-end and handguard arrangement,

Finally the new rifle was proof tested for the 7.62mm round.

 

In addition to the conversion work done to the rifle the No32 Mk3 scope was also converted to reflect the different trajectory of the 7.62mm round. Was completed these No32 Mk3 scopes were renamed L1A1 scopes.

 

In total there were approximately 1000 or so manufactured during the rifles service period of 1970 to 1992.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The receiver showing the L42A1 mark as well as the Enfield manufacturers mark and manufacture date of 1970.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Close-up showing the same markings. Notice the very faint T stamp and the scopes serial number AV0118

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture illustrating the serialized scope rings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

This picture shows the original manufacturer of the receiver M47C (BSA Shirley), made in 1945, the rifles serial number and faintly below the TR (Telescopic Rifle) stamping. Note also above and below the fore-end stock reinforcing band, bedding inlays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Close-up of the free floated barrel.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                        

 

 

 

 

                                                          

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                                                                                                                                                                The modified extractor                                        The Proof Testing mark on the bolt handle.

 

 

 

 

 

                                     Close-up of the muzzle.

 

 

 

                                                                                                   

 

                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

 

 

 

 

 

The 10 rd Sterling type magazine designed for the 7.62mm cartridge.

 

 

 

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