SMALL ARMS THREAD
The British Army's L85 SA80 rifle was developed by the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield between 1975 and 1977. It was originally chambered in 4.85x49 mm, which was in many ways a superior to the M193 5.56x45 mm ammunition used by the US Army. (1/15)

When the Belgian SS109 5.56x45 mm cartridge was selected as the second NATO standard calibre in 1979, the L85 was re-engineered to accept it. This took longer than expected and the revised weapon didn't finally enter service until 1986 - almost a decade later. (2/15)

The L85A1 had a troubled start to life. RSAF was sold to BAE Systems with production transferred to a new site in Nottingham. Between 1985 and 1990, 27 major design modifications were made. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, it failed in the hot and dusty conditions. (3/15)

In 1999, Heckler & Koch (then owned by BAE Systems) was contracted to fix the weapon. It made extensive changes to the bolt, carrier, gas system and weapon controls. But, finally, in 2002, the Army had a weapon that was reliable as it should have been when first issued. (4/15)

Between 2002 and the 2014, the L85A2 performed well in Iraq and Afghanistan, proving to be accurate and reliable, but it was still heavy and with sub-optimal ergonomics. Today, it is probably fair to say it is respected more than loved by British troops. (5/15)

In 2017, Heckler & Koch were asked to upgrade the L85 further to A3 standard. Changes included a new handguard, a continuous top rail, a Cerakote protective surface treatment and a stud was added to the lower receiver to prevent over-rotation of the change lever. (6/15)

It isn't clear when SA80 will be replaced, but for the moment it is more than good enough. The Army is likely to track the US NGSW program and possibly acquire a UK version of the chosen system. Ironically, one of the bidders, GD-OTS, has opted to develop a bullpup. (7/15)

If NGSW fails and 5.56 mm remains the primary calibre, the UK might decide to purchase a new 5.56x45 mm weapon. The five strongest contenders are:
- HK416
- HK 433
- SIG MCX
- FN SCAR-L
- Colt C7 / C8
(8/15)

Heckler & Koch's 5.56 mm HK416 is widely used among SF units including the German KSK. (UK SF use its big brother. the 7.62 mm HK417. ) The HK416 uses a gas piston system instead of directly syphoning the gas to cycle the weapon. H&K believes this is more reliable. (9/15)

Heckler & Koch's HK433 is basically an all-metal version of its existing G36, but also includes features from its older G3 rifle, e.g. position of charging handle. It is currently being evaluated by the Bundeswehr, together with the HK416A7. An impressive weapon. (10/15)

The SIG MCX is another new weapon that's proving popular with SF users. It combines features of the Colt AR15 / M4 platform with the H&K G36. SIG has also re-engineered it to accept a 6.8x51 mm NGSW cartridge. This could be a weapon to watch. (11/15)

The FN SCAR-L is a modern assault rifle that borrows extensively from the original AK47 design. Although immortalised by the "Fortnite" video game, it seems less popular with SF units than the HK416 and SIG MCX. (12/15)

Finally, the Colt M4A1 is used by the US Army. Refined over many years of use it is the most widely used AR after the AK47. The C7 and C8 are versions of it manufactured by Colt Canada (previously Diemarco) If NGSW fails, then the US Army is likely to develop an A2. (13/15)

The UK's L85A3 compares favourably to all of these weapons (and even uses the same gas system as the HK416 and G36). One option we might consider is developing an A4 version with dual-sided charging handle and ejection. (14/15)

My view is that the only outstanding issue with the L85 is its ammunition. A slightly longer case and a slightly longer bullet would increase range and lethality without adding a weight penalty. This is what we envisaged with the 4.85x49 mm round developed in 1977. (15/15)