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Just seen the damndest thing. I was taking my wife to work passing Moodys Down range and some soldiers were marching on the grass verge towards the range. They were carrying what appeared to be full size model plastic SA80 Rifles. they were a light brown in colour. they didn't have slings. I suppose it makes sense saves the real thing getting knocked about, assuming they weigh the same as the pukka item. presumably when they get to the range they will swap them for the real thing. Anyone else seen them/know anything about them about these pretend rifles?

Jenks

Are you sure they weren't the issue weapon sprayed tan in colour...?

Sim G wrote:Are you sure they weren't the issue weapon sprayed tan in colour...?

SimG...

No they were definitely not the real deal. Even the optical sight was light brown. Not one of them had a sling attached. Which I assume would be the normal way to carry the rifle when 'tabbing' I think I will pop along and see what I can find out......Mr Nosy


Jenks

Ok, I'm a little wiser now. I spoke to a young chap acting as a marshal. The faux rifles are indeed made of injection moulded plastic and are within a gram the same weight as the issue weapon and they do have the facility to fix a sling. They have been in use for several years now at training depots like Pirbright and Sir John Moore barracks Winchester.


Jenks

The sling thing is down to how the PTIs feel about tabbing with rifles. Sometimes they aloow it, other times it's slings off and carry it.

I've not done a CFT yet where I was allowed to use the sling I was issued for the rifle.

We use similar in the police,

http://www.niton999.co.uk/shop/product_ ... de_FS.html

They do not require the same armoury procedures or overnight security etc so are easier for doing some types of training than using the real items.
They don't need cleaning either, which is nice at the end of the day.

DM

The way defence cuts are at the mo the lads will have to carry a plastic rifle into battle and get a real one from a casualty just like Stalingrad !

Are they 3D printed?

What's next ---- Jonesy's van is Dads Army?????

Open, 2,3
Up 2,3
Bang, 2,3
Bang, 2,3
Bang, 2,3
Down 2,3
Close, 2,3

JohnG :cornwall:

It's all about "muscle familiarity"; letting recruits have access to plastic same size/weight models during evening/play time, allows them to pick up the real thing on the range without any drama's. By which time their handling of the weapon is one they have been accustomed to.

I know of one bloke who is attached to a SF unit who uses an airsoft pistol at home for familiarising himself with his issue pistol!