L22 Carbine
Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield · Carbine · In Service · 1994
Also known as: L22A1, L22A2, SA80 Carbine
Overview
The L22 is a compact bullpup carbine in the British SA80 family of 5.56x45mm NATO weapons, developed by the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield. Sharing the gas-operated, short-stroke rotating-bolt action and 30-round magazine of the L85 rifle but cut down to roughly a 12.5-inch (318 mm) barrel, it was created as a handy personal-defence weapon for vehicle drivers, armoured vehicle and tank crews and helicopter aircrew who needed a full-power rifle cartridge in a package small enough to stow and use in confined spaces. The shortened barrel trades some accuracy and stopping power for compactness, and later L22A2 examples added a vertical foregrip and short lengths of mounting rail. The carbine was also favoured by Royal Marine boarding parties such as 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group, whose work in the tight interiors of ships suited the weapon's small footprint.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 580 mm (22.83") |
| Barrel Length | 318 mm (12.52") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1445 J (1066 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56x45mm, SS109, M855
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Bullpup Design, Rotating Bolt, Compact Carbine, Vehicle Crew Weapon, Vertical Foregrip, Picatinny Rail, Modular Family Concept
Variants
- L22A1 Carbine — Carbine
- L22A2 Carbine — Carbine
Base model
Production
Production years: 1994-present
Produced in limited numbers relative to the L85 rifle, as a specialist carbine for vehicle crews and support roles.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield
Notes
Carbine member of the SA80 weapon family; later L22A2 variant received Picatinny-rail and reliability upgrades in line with the H&K-led SA80A2 program.
Background
Born from the troubled but ultimately reliable SA80 program, the L22 packed the British Army's standard 5.56mm rifle cartridge into the smallest practical bullpup form so that a tank commander could fight from inside a cramped turret without giving up rifle-calibre punch.