The SA80 (Small Arms for the 1980s) is a British family of 5.56×45mm NATO service weapons used by the British Army. The L85 Rifle variant has been the standard issue service rifle of the British Armed Forces since … See more

Accepted into service: 5.56×45mm, L85A1, L86A1, L98A1
After receiving feedback from users and incorporating the various design changes requested, including … See more

Operating mechanism
With the exception of the L98A2, the SA80 system is a selective fire gas-operated design that uses ignited powder gases bled through a port in the barrel to provide the weapon's automation. The rifle uses a short-stroke gas … See more

The SA80 has been used in all conflicts in which the British Armed Forces have been involved since its introduction in the early 1980s. Deployments … See more

Post-war intermediate weapon development
The idea dates back to the late 1940s, when an ambitious programme to develop a new cartridge and new class of rifle was launched in the United Kingdom based on combat experience … See more

There are four main variants that make up the SA80 family: the L85 Rifle, the L86 Light Support Weapon, the L22 Carbine and the L98 Cadet rifle.
Rifle
The L85 Rifle, referred to on occasion as the L85 Individual … See more

Other bullpup assault rifles
• AUG – (Austria)
• FN F2000 – (Belgium)
• QBZ-95 – (China)
• HS Produkt VHS – (Croatia) See more