Inter change of commonwealth parts

[efsu]

was loooking at a picture of 'M' Coy 42 RMcdo Just after the taking of South Gerogia in 82. small version is in the osprey book Battle of the falklands (1) Land forces page 9 at top. Have a book on op Paraquat that has a bigger print of it and there is a few interesting bits of kit and orders of dress. But the Marine in the middle wearing the jumper appears to have Australian second pattern handguards on His SLR. Has anyone encountered them in british service before?

[NZ L1A1 Collector]

I haven't got a copy of the pic but from the sounds of it the rifle is fitted with British laminated handguards. These handguards were made circa 1968 - 1970. They do look the same as the Australian pattern although there are some minor variations such as the foil on the inside of the British handguard is smooth. The Australian version is chequered.

Top to Bottom

Australian Wood Handguards

Australian Mk. 1 Laminated Handguards

British Laminated Handguards

Australian Mk. 2 Laminated Handguards

[britplumber]

I've got a pic of a British para with the same handguards. Also I've seen Australian L1's in British service as on many photo's you can see the diferent machining of the Lithgows.

[NZ L1A1 Collector]

britplumber said:

Also I've seen Australian L1's in British service as on many photo's you can see the diferent machining of the Lithgows.

Indeed, the MOD purchased quantities of Australian L1A1 rifles and spare parts. This is separate to the interchangeability program that was happening as part of the Rifle Steering Committee (RSC).

There were enough Australian parts and rifles in British service to warrant them being specially mentioned in the Armourer Instructions instructing Armourers not to condemn parts because they are different to British production.

[efsu]

Yeap thats the ones. Anyone know of a dealer who has any? preferably in UK. Have a Deac SLR new spec wooden furniture and want a set of Aussie/Kiwi type handguards if UK used them to all the better