L1A1 Sectionized Self Loading Rifle

Place Oceania: Australia, New South Wales, Lithgow
Accession Number REL/10278
Collection type Technology
Object type Firearm
Maker Small Arms Factory, Lithgow
Place made Australia, Australia: New South Wales, Lithgow
Date made Unknown
Conflict Period 1970-1979
Vietnam, 1962-1975
Period 1980-1989
Description

The L1A1 SLR (self loading rifle) is a gas operated, semi automatic, magazine fed battle rifle. The gas system is located above the barrel and operates on the short stroke piston principle. When a shot is fired the gas piston makes a quick tap to the bolt which commences the reloading cycle through the inertia of the bolt group. The gas system is fitted with an adjustable gas regulator. The locking system consists of a bolt carrier with a separate bolt that locks the barrel by tipping its rear section into a recess in the receiver floor. The trigger housing and the pistol grip are hinged to the receiver behind the magazine well. A recoil spring is housed in the butt of the rifle.

The cocking handle which folds flat when not in use, is located at the left side of the receiver and does not reciprocate when the rifle is fired. A safety selector switch is located on the left side above the trigger guard. The barrel has a prong flash suppressor. A bayonet can be attached to the flash suppressor which is locked in place by a bayonet lug under the barrel.

The butt stock and forearm are made from wood. A carry handle made from wire and plastic is attached to the top of the barrel and can be folded down when not in use. The magazine is a metal, twenty shot, detachable, staggered row box magazine.

The front sight is a protected post. The rear sight is a graduated folding peep. Black parkerised and enamel metal parts. Hinged action with a combined bolt and piston group. Varnished wood butt, pistol grip and laminate two piece fore end. The centre swivel carry handle has a green plastic grip. The muzzle is fitted with a flash eliminator and a bayonet boss.

The left side is cut away to expose the barrel rifling (with a projectile), the gas piston, trigger mechanism, bolt and recoil spring. The cut away side of the butt also has a pull through cleaning rope and oil bottle.

History / Summary

This rifle is one of a batch made for training purposes to show the mechanism of the weapon.