L85A2
Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2002
Also known as: SA80, SA80A2, Enfield L85
Overview
The L85A2 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield since 2002. Safety features include manual safety, firing pin safety, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 209 years of firearms manufacturing experience, Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4410 g (155.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4980 g (175.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 785 mm (30.91") |
| Barrel Length | 518 mm (20.39") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 940 m/s (3084 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1700 J (1254 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 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
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Bullpup Design, Nato Magazine Compatible, Picatinny Rail, Susat Optical Sight, Gas Regulator, Rifle Grenade Capable, Ambidextrous Magazine Release
Variants
Service history
Operators
- British Armed Forces · adopted 2002
- Royal Bermuda Regiment
- Falkland Islands Defence Force
- Jamaica Defence Force
- Royal Gibraltar Regiment
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
Production
Estimated total produced: 320,000 · Production years: 1985-1994 (A1), 2000-2006 (A2 upgrade)
Approximately 320,000 L85A1 rifles produced 1985-1994. About 200,000 rifles upgraded to A2 standard by Heckler & Koch between 2000-2006.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Notes
The L85A2 upgrade by Heckler & Koch included over 50 modifications including a new extractor, modified ejection port, improved hammer, and strengthened components. The rifle accepts SUSAT optical sights as standard. The A2 upgrade successfully addressed the reliability issues that plagued the A1 variant.
Background
The L85A1 was so plagued with reliability issues that British troops in the Gulf War dubbed it 'the civil servant' - it didn't work and couldn't be fired. When Heckler & Koch took over the upgrade program in 2000, they implemented over 50 modifications, transforming it into the reliable L85A2 that has since served with distinction in Afghanistan and Iraq.