The L85 Rifle variant has been the standard issue service rifle of the British Armed Forces since 1987, replacing the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle. The prototypes were created in 1976, with production of the A1 variant starting in 1985 and ending in 1994.

The L85 is a gas operated, magazine fed, selective fire rifle of bullpup layout. The receiver of the L85 is made from stamped sheet steel, reinforced with welded and riveted machined steel inserts. The gas operated action has a short stroke gas piston, located above the barrel.

May 29, 2023 · Regardless, after 15 years of combat use in Iraq and Afghanistan, the L85A2 rifle is still going strong. Complaints are few and since a widely publicised incident in 2002, even the press controversy has petered out.

Apr 30, 2024 · With a fully automatic capability and a large 30-round magazine, the L85 – part of the SA80 family of weapons including the L86 Light Support Weapon and L98 Cadet GP rifle – looked to be a good choice for the Armed Forces.

May 1, 2024 · Heckler & Koch's upgraded L85A2 was a weapon that worked, and its next A3 upgrade made it an even better fit for modern warfare.

Nov 1, 2019 · In the mid-1980s, the United Kingdom became the first major NATO power to adopt a so-called “bullpup” assault rifle. The L85A1 Individual Weapon was unique in that it placed the rifle’s...

The SA80A1 assault rifle (L85A1) entered service in 1985, replacing the venerable L1A1 SLR (7.62x51mm NATO) as the British military's standard assault rifle. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, with a magazine capacity of 30 rounds, the SA80A1's ammunition was less powerful but lighter and easier to carry in high quantities than its predecessor.

Feb 3, 2020 · The SA80 A2 L85 is a 5.56mm gas-operated assault rifle manufactured by Heckler & Koch. It is a member of the SA80 family of assault weapons and serves the British Armed Forces as individual weapon (IW) and light support weapon (LSW).

The L85 has been a standard issue rifle for the British Army since 1987. It’s not a secret to anyone who served during that time and with that rifle, that it was not the easiest rifle to get along with. It had a number of serious design failings that made it unreliable when used in the field.

Sep 19, 2022 · Page details technical specifications, development, and operational history of the Enfield L85 IW (Individual Weapon) (SA80) Infantry Assault Rifle / Assault Carbine including pictures.