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Post by NZ L1A1 Collector on May 30, 2009 6:04:05 GMT 1
I've just got this off eBay, with the understanding it was for the L1A1 rifle, but after trying a rifle in the bag (it fits) find its not correct for a rifle but would seem to be made for the L4A4 Brens. The reinforcing patches don't match up with areas on the L1A1, there is also a gap in the top of the bag that seems to be for a carrying handle to poke through. Its too far forward for the L1A1's carrying handle but seems to suit a .303 Bren barrel I have. It's marked on the inside:- 1005-66-038-8243
QUINS
6-75 Thought you guys would like to see it, I don't know how common they are. Front Back Bren barrel fitted |
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Post by tom on May 30, 2009 10:10:15 GMT 1
Outstanding Kevin!, Something for me to search for to go with my 1972 L4A4!
I'd no idea they made these.
One thought, could it be for something pintle mounted on a vehichle with the place you have the barrel handle being for where the mount is on something like a M60 or Browning M1919A4? Its a bit like a L7 cover I have/had.
ATB
Tom
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Post by Kev on May 30, 2009 15:04:21 GMT 1
Looks similar to a 1919A4 cover ? Can't find a match for the NSN number apart from cover,gun.
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Post by NZ L1A1 Collector on Jun 1, 2009 9:53:56 GMT 1
I managed to get my hands on a Mk.1 Bren Gun today and tried the cover on it. I definatly would say its for any Aussie L4A4 Bren. It's only because of the Mk.1 backsight that stopped me from closing the last snap shut. The time period (75) would be correct for the L4 Bren. The floor is open for bids :-D ;-)  |
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Post by missingsomething on Jun 1, 2009 13:31:47 GMT 1
Kevin, nice find.... looks like a 1919 or M60 cover to me.... I am not sure but did the Aussies use the 1919 in the 70's or was it more the US M60's?
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Post by tom on Jun 1, 2009 23:00:34 GMT 1
The reinforcing patches look correct for a L4. The Aussies where still using the M1919A4 on AFVs well into the 1970s but the reinforcing where a fore sight would rub wouldn't be needed where it is on that cover as the one on the 19' is way back on the front of the body.
I hadn't realised it had a open end for the butt, the US M1919 cover I have is closed there.
I can't say what a M60 cover would look like but they would probably buy the US one and then copy it if more where required?
Anyroad, if I wasn't skint or had any L1A1 kit you hadn't got umpteen times I'd be trying to cadge it off you, a very interesting find.
Cheers for sharing it.
Tom
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Post by Kev on Jun 2, 2009 1:22:05 GMT 1
Agree on the foresight reinforcing Tom but the reinforcing patch on the bottom that you would assume would be for the bipod feet looks to be too far forward for and L4 ?
Interesting !
ATB Kevin
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Post by NZ L1A1 Collector on Jun 2, 2009 5:35:57 GMT 1
Agree on the foresight reinforcing Tom but the reinforcing patch on the bottom that you would assume would be for the bipod feet looks to be too far forward for and L4 ? Interesting ! ATB Kevin The reinforcing seems to match up for the Bipod feet. One question though, is there any length difference in the Mk.1 Barrel and the L4A4 barrel? |
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Post by NZ L1A1 Collector on Jun 2, 2009 5:37:52 GMT 1
The reinforcing patches look correct for a L4. The Aussies where still using the M1919A4 on AFVs well into the 1970s but the reinforcing where a fore sight would rub wouldn't be needed where it is on that cover as the one on the 19' is way back on the front of the body. I hadn't realised it had a open end for the butt, the US M1919 cover I have is closed there. I can't say what a M60 cover would look like but they would probably buy the US one and then copy it if more where required? The hole at the back of the cover where the butt protrudes is too small for the M60 to fit |
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Post by Kev on Jun 2, 2009 15:21:15 GMT 1
Hi Kevin,the L4 barrel is 20mm smaller in length.
So no problem with cover being short.
Has anyone access to Aussie NSN's to clear this up ?
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Post by NZ L1A1 Collector on Jun 2, 2009 23:07:45 GMT 1
Hi Kevin,the L4 barrel is 20mm smaller in length. So no problem with cover being short. Has anyone access to Aussie NSN's to clear this up ? I've tried looking for the NSN's but get the same as you, I wish the pasts listings would have more detail then just 20 characters. 20mm shorter is good it would mean the bipod feet would be more on the reinforcing. |
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Post by Kev on Jun 3, 2009 0:48:10 GMT 1
20mm shorter is good it would mean the bipod feet would be more on the reinforcing. Kev if the carry handle stem is a close fit in the cover opening the bipod feet wil be in the same place,there will just be 20mm of extra room at the end of the barrel. Are there any rub marks inside the cover to give any clues ? ATB Kevin |
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Post by NZ L1A1 Collector on Jun 3, 2009 11:18:05 GMT 1
The cover is unused so there are no rub marks to provide any clues.
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Post by tom on Jun 4, 2009 17:41:21 GMT 1
What? it's ...minty....?
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Post by NZ L1A1 Collector on Jun 5, 2009 11:28:03 GMT 1
I guess it is, I don't think it's ever been used, I can't see any ware marks on it from being fitted to a Bren. It just seems to be grubby from 34 years of kicking around.
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