[MG Note: This is the third of four installments on the C1A1 and L1A1 series rifles. I want to thank all of those individuals and businesses that brought this project from a concept stage to actual shooting hardware.]
Commonwealth C1A1 and L1A1 Rifle Characteristics
(continued)
Above: Photo (retouched) through the SUIT showing the arrangement of the reticle. When turned on, the LED causes the "V" of the tip to glow red in low light. (Photo: Bob Stoner)
In low light conditions of dusk and dawn, the tritium element caused the tapered tip of the reticle post to glow for targeting. The SUIT had a two-position lever attached to a cam. When the lever was set in one position, targets could be engaged out to 300 yards; when moved to the other setting, a cam allowed shots to 600 yards. The SUIT was nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging. If the sight was damaged, it was easily removed so that the rifle's iron sights could be used.
Above: Close-up of the L2A2 SUIT showing the location of the LED power module and range change cam lever. (Photo: Bob Stoner)
British experience in tropic climates emphasized the highest level of corrosion resistance for rifles. British L1A1 rifle finishes were phosphate covered by black high-temperature stove paint. Unlike their Australian and Canadian counterparts, the British never used an automatic rifle version of the FAL. Instead, they converted the various marks of World War 2 Bren guns to 7.62 NATO caliber and designed a curved, 30-round magazine for these guns.
Above: The L4A1 7.62 NATO 30-round magazine was designed for converted Bren light machine guns, but could be used in the L1A1 rifles. Note the distinctive curvature. Australian L2A1 and Canadian C2A1 automatic rifle 30-round magazines were straight and followed the standard 20-round rifle pattern. (Photo: Pat Jones)
The L4A1 Bren magazine was interchangeable with the L2A1 20-round magazine of the standard infantry rifle. British 30-round magazines were also interchangeable with 30-round Australian and Canadian magazines.
Above: My British upper and lower receivers, before refinishing, showing the rifle nomenclature, manufacturer code locations, year of manufacture locations, and matching serial number locations. Note that British lowers are marked with "S" and "R" (no "A" as in the Australian lower). (Photo: Bob Stoner)
The location of the British rifle's nomenclature also differs from that of the Australian. The manufacturers of the rifles -- Enfield and Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) -- were coded UE and UB. The manufacturer code was followed by a two digit year of manufacture, such as UE 62 or UB 61. Upper and lower receivers were serial numbered to each other with the numbers appearing at the rear of the upper and lower receivers and taking the form of A123456. British lower receiver selector setings are S (safe) and R (repetition or semi-automatic). They do not have the A or automatic setting.
British L1A1 barrels may be found with either a five or three slot flash eliminator (flash suppressor). The three slot eliminators were an upgrade fitted to rifles going through overhaul or repair.
British L1A1 rifles were issued the L1A3 or L1A4 bayonet. The bayonet was all metal, with metal grips riveted on, and has a characteristic "Bowie"-type tip that is slightly different in shape that the Australian or Canadian. The bayonet has a recess around the bayonet catch. Early bayonets had phosphated/painted grips, cross guards, and about 1-inch of the blade with the remainder polished bright. Later production bayonets were completely phosphate/paint finished.
Canadian C1A1
Canadian rifles were manufactured by Canadian Arsenals, Limited (C.A.L.) and had phosphated metal parts. Older C1 rifles were converted to C1A1 standard. New C1A1 rifles and those converted to C1A1 standard were identified by a brown plastic carrying handle as a major recogniton feature. The butt stock, grip, and handguards were made of walnut wood.
Above: A late model Canadian C1A1 rifle (one of the last 1,500 manufactured in the 8L-series of serial numbers) shows off its distinctive features: (1) single screw hole butt plate; (2) rear-folding rear sight aperture; (3) short top cover with charger (stripper clip) guide; (4) smooth sided (no zig-zag cut) bolt carrier; (5) Canadian Type 1 handguards without cooling slots; and (6) replaceable front sight "ears." (Photo: Kevin Adams)
Below: The late production C1A1 butt plate was a two-piece steel design with a single hole for the butt plate screw. The Canadian C1A1 rifle butt plate screw attached to butt plate to the stock by engaging the inner threads of the recoil spring tube screw. A Canadian C1A1 butt stock had a five piece lower sling swivel assembly -- swivel, upper plate, two wood screws, and a lower plate. The upper and lower plates were inletted into the bottom of the stock. (Photo: Rich Saunders)
Below: Wooden stock L1A1 rifles of Australian and British manufacture used a butt plate with two screw holes; the lower hole was for a machine screw that attached through the threaded post of the rear sling swivel assembly. The L1A1 sight aperture folded forward when not in use. (Photo: Bob Stoner)
C1A1 handguards had no cooling slots, but had the metal liners/asbestos inserts like the first type Australian and British handguards. Canadian flash eliminators (suppressors) had their interiors reamed to improve accuracy and had five slots like the Australian and early British types.
Above: The replica late production C1A1 rifle shows the location of the matching serial numbers and the manufacturer and year markings. The receiver manufacturer's name and address could not be changed and so the "C.A.L. 1968" marking was moved closer to the ejection port. Compare this photo with the origianal C1A1 rifle shown in later photos. (Photo: Bob Stoner)
Below: The replica late production C1A1 rifle shows details of the Canadian handguards. This rifle has the open front sight protectors that were milled as part of the gas block. All C1/C1A1 rifles, excepting the last 1,500 produced, had this kind of gas block. Compare this with the following photo. Also shown is the Canadian web sling with plastic keepers. (Photo: Bob Stoner)
(Concluded in installment 4 of 4)
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