This video features Jonathan Ferguson from the British Royal Armouries discussing the issues and historical context surrounding the L85A1 rifle, also known as the SA80. The content delves into the operational challenges and design flaws of this British military service rifle, offering expert insights from a prominent figure in arms preservation and study.
This video showcases a new receiver from Aly and Kaufman LLC designed to convert a Brownells BRN-180 into a functional lookalike of the British L85A1 bullpup rifle. While not an exact clone, it aims to capture the aesthetic. These kits are FFL items, and the initial batch has already sold out with a second one anticipated. The description highlights this as a unique opportunity to acquire an L85A1-style firearm, potentially with improved performance over the original.
This video explores the history and usage of the Steyr AUG by the Falkland Islands Defense Force (FIDF). It details how the FIDF, an independent organization, chose the AUG over the British L85A1 in the early 1990s due to known issues with the L85. The FIDF acquired around 160 AUG rifles, including carbines and heavy-barreled LMGs. The LMGs, initially intended as support weapons, were largely converted to standard rifles. The video also touches on the issues with Elcan optics and their eventual replacement with British SUSATs on some rifles. The AUG served as the FIDF's standard rifle until recently, when they were replaced by L85A3 rifles from the UK for better integrated training. The video thanks the FIDF for access to their armory.
This Q&A session features Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms and Artillery at the British Royal Armouries, discussing various firearm-related topics with the Forgotten Weapons audience. Questions range from historical firearm development and production challenges (L85A1, L4 Bren, L1A1) to modern arms acquisition, specific weapon systems (water-cooled machine guns, SP4 rounds, NATO PDWs), and the UK's influence on firearm evolution. The discussion also touches on contemporary issues like old guns in conflict zones, and even delves into pop culture references (Metal Gear Solid, John Wick) and the history of artillery. Ferguson also shares his personal journey into firearms and his responsibilities at the Royal Armouries.
This YouTube video focuses on the United Kingdom's military rifle, the L85A1. While the description mentions several sponsors and links to their websites (Barbell Apparel, Onward Research, SDI School, Xidax Computers), the primary subject of the video is clearly the L85A1 rifle. The content creator, Garand Thumb, is known for his firearm-related videos, suggesting an in-depth look at this specific firearm, likely covering its history, features, and potentially performance. The video also includes a call to action for Patreon support.
This video features a range test of the British L85A1 rifle, specifically a factory post-1986 dealer sample. The creator aims to determine how long the rifle will function before experiencing a malfunction, having a limited number of cartridges in a previous UK range test. The video also references a comprehensive book on the SA80 program for further information and thanks those who provided the opportunity to film this rare firearm.
This video showcases the British L85A1 rifle, with a nostalgic nod to colonial Hong Kong. The description promotes the channel's newsletter, Patreon, and supporter Slate Black Industries, offering a discount code for MLOK accessories. It also includes an Amazon affiliate link for morale patches and a link to the channel's merchandise store. Distance conversions for various yardages are provided, alongside credit for the video's editing and music. The channel's mailing address in Houston, Texas is also included.
This video announces a Kickstarter campaign for Jonathan Ferguson's new book, "Thorneycroft to SA80: British Bullpup Firearms 1901 - 2020." Recorded at the Cody Firearms Museum, the discussion highlights the book's comprehensive coverage of British bullpup firearm development, from early prototypes like the Thorneycroft and Godsal rifles to the iconic SA80 series. Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms & Artillery at the Royal Armouries, brings extensive archival access and original research to the project. The book also covers various EM series rifles, the Enfield Weapon System, SA80 variants, and other developmental and civilian weapons, serving as a successor to "Chassepot to FAMAS."
This video from Armament Research Services (ARES) details the history and features of the British L98A1 Cadet Manually-Operated Rifle. It explains that this rifle was developed as a manually operated variant of the L85A1 for the Army Cadet Force, lacking a gas system and equipped with a specialized charging handle for easier extraction. The video also notes that the L98A1 was replaced by the L98A2 in 2009, which is a non-fully automatic version of the L85A2.
This video provides a historical overview and comparison of the SA80 rifle series, focusing on the L85A1 and L85A2 variants, with a mention of the upcoming A3. It details the extensive improvements made to the A2 model by Heckler & Koch to address the reliability issues of the A1, which became public during the Gulf War. The A2 variant is presented as the rifle the SA80 should have been from the outset, highlighting its improved performance due to subtle but significant changes in materials, tolerancing, and finish. The future A3 variant, featuring an improved upper receiver and optics rail, is also briefly discussed.
This video delves into the pre-production history of the SA80 rifle, focusing on the XL85 and XL86 variants. It highlights key mechanical changes, such as the redesigned magazine well for improved precision and the addition of a barrel support on the Light Support Weapon (LSW) to address the persistent 'split group' issue. The video also touches upon the declining morale at RSAF Enfield due to impending factory closure, which is suggested to have impacted quality control. Companion blog posts offer detailed photographic evidence.
This video from Armament Research Services (ARES) delves into the early history of the SA80 rifle program, focusing on the very first mockups. It explores the British military's long-standing interest in reduced-power cartridges post-WWII, which eventually led to the SA80 family. The content highlights five initial wooden and metal mockups, examining their conventional and bullpup configurations, as well as variations in stock design. A key takeaway is the early consideration of a universal optical sight. The video also details the subsequent functional prototypes, which were conversions of existing rifles, specifically a Stoner 63 and a Sterling AR18, into bullpup configurations. The description emphasizes the iterative development process with features like safety and magazine catch being refined.
