L86A2 LSW
Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield / Heckler & Koch · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 2002
Also known as: SA80 LSW, L86A2, Light Support Weapon, SA80 A2 LSW
Overview
The L86A2 LSW (Light Support Weapon) is a bullpup designated marksman rifle that served with the British Armed Forces from 2002 until its withdrawal in 2019. Originally designed as a light support weapon variant of the SA80 family, the L86A2 was repurposed into the designated marksman role following the introduction of the FN Minimi (L110A1) as the section-level automatic weapon. The A2 designation indicates the reliability upgrade performed by Heckler & Koch in the early 2000s, which addressed the chronic reliability issues that had plagued the original L86A1. The rifle features a longer, heavier 646mm barrel compared to the standard L85A2's 518mm barrel, which increases muzzle velocity and provides superior accuracy at range. In its DMR configuration, the L86A2 was typically fitted with a SUSAT or ACOG optical sight and used in semi-automatic mode to provide accurate fire out to 600 meters, extending the infantry section's engagement range beyond that of the standard L85A2 assault rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6580 g (232.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 7100 g (250.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 900 mm (35.43") |
| Barrel Length | 646 mm (25.43") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 930 m/s (3051 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1739 J (1283 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Lined Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Stanag Compatible
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Heavy Barrel, Bipod, Susat Optical Sight, Acog Compatible, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Rear Vertical Grip
Service history
Operators
- British Army · adopted 2002 · as L86A2
- Royal Marines · adopted 2002 · as L86A2
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2014)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1985-2002
Original L86A1 production ran alongside the L85A1. All surviving units were upgraded to A2 standard by Heckler & Koch between 2000-2002. Withdrawn from service in 2019.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield
Discontinued: 2019
Notes
The L86A2's transition from light support weapon to designated marksman rifle was driven by operational experience rather than original design intent. The weapon's longer heavy barrel naturally suited the precision role better than the automatic fire support role, where its 30-round magazine capacity was a significant limitation compared to belt-fed alternatives. The H&K A2 reliability upgrade achieved a mean rounds between failures of 12,897 rounds, a dramatic improvement over the notoriously unreliable A1 version. The L86A2 was replaced in the DMR role by the 7.62mm L129A1 Sharpshooter rifle, which offered greater range and terminal effectiveness. The L86 was formally withdrawn from British military service in 2019.
Background
The L86 LSW had one of the most unusual career trajectories in modern military history. Designed as a light machine gun, it proved inadequate in that role due to its small magazine and inability to use belted ammunition. When the FN Minimi took over the automatic support role, the L86 found unexpected new life as a designated marksman rifle, where its longer barrel and heavier weight became virtues rather than limitations. British soldiers in Afghanistan called it 'the sharpshooter' long before the L129A1 officially claimed that title.