My new Ex New Zealand contract Lithgow L1A1

[huntervixen]

Morning all, the latest addition to my Straight pull L1A1 collection is complete!

I procured the parts kit from a well known major RFD (to remain anonymous) and had it transferred to Neal Parnam at Suffolk rifles, now I know Neal's standard of work well as he built up my first SP 1962 Enfield L1A1 and he didn't disappoint with this build, the barrel is very heavy in profile behind the handguards and is a real work of art, quite superb engineering!

My rifle was manufactured in 1964, one of 2198 rifles sold to New Zealand that year, it was probably allocated to the RNZAF, as most of the 1964 allocation appears to have been issued to the Airforce.

I provided Neal with a rough set of Brit plastics to build up the rifle and get it through proof, but as soon as I got her home she was whisked into the workshop for fitting out! Restored Lithgow Coachwood butt and pistol grip, followed by the quite rare second pattern flat rivet Laminate handguards and topped off with the NZ pattern carry handle.

I have also fitted an L2A2 SUIT and Hythe sight assembly including foresight, both need reactivating as the tritium vile's have expired, just haven't got round to it yet!

This final fit spec, (including the black paint work) would be correct for a NZ service rifle in approx 1978-81 ish.

Oh yes, also the 37 pattern sling, pull through and oil bottle were all procured from a friend in NZ.......Yep, I am that OCD when it comes to my milsurps!

All in all very pleased and looking forward to getting her onto the range, a big thank you to Neal Parnham and all how contributed to my project, guys!

[snayperskaya]

Very nice

Can I ask what the parts kit consisted of?

[bnz41]

Excellent L1A1 you have done very well... gunlike

[meles meles]

Ah, very nice. We always have a certain fondness for the old mechanical musket: things stayed dead when we shot them with that...

[huntervixen]

Very nice

Can I ask what the parts kit consisted of?

Cheers mate, It consists of the Receiver, TMH, bolt and carrier, top cover, rear sight assembly, flash eliminator and Gas block (the gas block is neatly deactivated).

[saddler]

...re-activating SUIT sights?

Do tell....one does have one that may benefit from such a tickling.

[huntervixen]

Thanks guys, the projects been a long haul and changed coarse mid way through, it started out as a dedicated .22 LR build idea, but the difficulty's involved in reverse engineering stalled the project for a long while, so it reverted back to a fullbore rifle.

[huntervixen]

...re-activating SUIT sights?

Do tell....one does have one that may benefit from such a tickling.

Well, here's one my fellow Fal-filers did earlier mate! http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190091

The fishing luminous viles are spot on for the job by all accounts.

I had considered luminous paint too (available in very small quantity's), don't know if its up to the job though...???

[NoEntry]

Really nice, my L1A1 was a Lithgow, exactly the same but semi auto of course. Got took away from me by the government.

[raybrown53]

Morning all, the latest addition to my Straight pull L1A1 collection is complete!

I procured the parts kit from a well known major RFD (to remain anonymous) and had it transferred to Neal Parnam at Suffolk rifles, now I know Neal's standard of work well as he built up my first SP 1962 Enfield L1A1 and he didn't disappoint with this build, the barrel is very heavy in profile behind the handguards and is a real work of art, quite superb engineering!

My rifle was manufactured in 1964, one of 2198 rifles sold to New Zealand that year, it was probably allocated to the RNZAF, as most of the 1964 allocation appears to have been issued to the Airforce.

I provided Neal with a rough set of Brit plastics to build up the rifle and get it through proof, but as soon as I got her home she was whisked into the workshop for fitting out! Restored Lithgow Coachwood butt and pistol grip, followed by the quite rare second pattern flat rivet Laminate handguards and topped off with the NZ pattern carry handle.

I have also fitted an L2A2 SUIT and Hythe sight assembly including foresight, both need reactivating as the tritium vile's have expired, just haven't got round to it yet!

This final fit spec, (including the black paint work) would be correct for a NZ service rifle in approx 1978-81 ish.

Oh yes, also the 37 pattern sling, pull through and oil bottle were all procured from a friend in NZ.......Yep, I am that OCD when it comes to my milsurps!

All in all very pleased and looking forward to getting her onto the range, a big thank you to Neal Parnham and all how contributed to my project, guys!

Wow very nice John... I might have to pop round and caress it assume you will be bringing both L1's on the next long overdue fun day...

Ray