L42A1
Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1970
Also known as: Enfield L42A1, Lee-Enfield L42A1, L42
Overview
The L42A1 is a British Cold War-era sniper rifle created by converting World War II-vintage Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk 1(T) and Mk 1*(T) sniper rifles from .303 British to 7.62x51mm NATO. The conversion, carried out at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield between 1970 and 1971, involved fitting a new 699mm hammer-forged heavy barrel with four-groove right-hand twist rifling, replacing the original five-groove left-hand Enfield-type rifling. The L42A1 retained the characteristic Lee-Enfield rear-locking bolt action with its exceptionally fast bolt throw, combined with the No. 32 Mk 3 telescopic sight. It served as the British Army's standard sniper rifle for over two decades.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4430 g (156.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4700 g (165.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1181 mm (46.50") |
| Barrel Length | 699 mm (27.52") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 838 m/s (2749 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3337 J (2461 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62 NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Telescope No32 Mk3 Scope, Heavy Barrel, Hammer Forged Barrel, Cheek Piece, Hand Selected Components, Iron Sights Retained
Base model
Service history
Operators
- British Army · adopted 1970
- Royal Marines · adopted 1970
- Royal Ulster Constabulary
Conflicts
- The Troubles (Northern Ireland) (1970-1998)
- Falklands War (1982)
- Dhofar Rebellion (1963-1976)
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,080 · Production years: 1970-1971
Approximately 1,080 rifles were converted from existing No. 4 Mk 1(T) and Mk 1*(T) sniper rifles. All conversions were carried out at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield
Discontinued: 1992
Notes
The L42A1's Lee-Enfield action, while dated, offered one of the fastest bolt-action cycling rates of any military rifle due to its rear-locking lugs and short bolt throw. The conversion to 7.62 NATO was driven by the need for commonality with NATO standard ammunition after the adoption of the L1A1 SLR. The rifle was replaced in British service by the Accuracy International L96A1 in 1985, though some L42A1 rifles remained in service with reserve units and the Royal Ulster Constabulary into the early 1990s. About 1,080 rifles were converted in total.
Background
The L42A1 saw combat in the Falklands War of 1982, where Royal Marine and Army snipers used the rifle in the harsh conditions of the South Atlantic. During the Battle of Goose Green and the battles around Port Stanley, British snipers proved the aging Lee-Enfield action still had teeth, engaging Argentine positions at ranges the Argentines could not effectively return fire. The rifle also served throughout The Troubles in Northern Ireland, where its accuracy and reliability made it a key tool for British military and police snipers in urban and rural operations.