SA80
From Airsoft Community Wiki
SA80 (Small Arms 1980) is a family of related arms including the British Forces's standard rifle (the L85A2). They are of the Bullpup design.
The most notable AEG airsoft replicas of the SA80 series are available from Star and G&G. Recently ICS have announced plans to develop an L85 variant, but whether it will be A1 or A2 is not yet known for certain. There is also a ACM L85A1 made by ARMY.
Contents |
Possible Improvements for Star L85
As many know the Star L85 isn't perfect, here are a couple of improvements that really make the STAR L85 shine:
- A new hop up rubber, recommended : G&G, CA or Systema hop up rubbers all work well with the L85
- New motor, The STAR motor isn't great, so most people advise a TM EG1000 motor, for further increased ROF try the systema high speed motor.
- Tighter barrel, though the Star L85 barrel is very good as it is, it can still benefit from a tighter barrel, one to go for would be the mad bull AK barrel. I wouldn't get this upgrade unless grouping was horrible, but as said the stock barrel is quite good. Coupled with a new hop up it shines.
- The field strip mod developed by forum member "Snoopy" would be a noteable add-on to the L85, making changing inner parts easier. Link:
http://www.airsoftcommunity.co.uk/forums/Star-SA80-field-strippable-project-t85239.html
Real Steel Information
Background
The real steel is a 5.56mm (.223), gas operated, select fire assault rifle, sporting a bullpup design that means it can have a much larger barrel in a much more compact design, and firing from a closed bolt. As it stands, the SA80 is one of the most accurate standard personal weapons in the world, infact when it was first introduced in 1987 the marksmanship tests currently in place for the L1A2 SLR (Self Loading Rifle) had to be redesigned.
The original SA80 (L85A1)was produced by Enfield Royal Small Arms Factory and was first issued in 1987. The Rifle weighed 4.98kg loaded, had an RoF of 650rpm, effective range of 500m and a length of 705mm (30.9in). Its design was adapted from a 4.85mm (.191) weapons family to suit the newly decided NATO caliber, and the weapons system itself was intended to replace the array of rifles and submachine guns in active service at the time. The L85A1 gained a reputation for being fraught with a series of problems, including a high rate of jamming and magazines falling out due to a poorly designed mag release catch.However, many users of the L85A1 say that the main cause of the rifle becoming jammed was due to the operator and not the weapon
The original series included the L85A1 IW (Individual weapon), rarely known as the "Endeavour", and the L86A1 LSW (Light Support Weapon) again, rarely know as the "Engager", both official designations. The L86A1 was designed to be used as a section level support weapon, with the main differences being that it had a longer barrel, a lightweight bipod incorporated in the design, and could fire from an open or closed bolt.
In 2000-2002, a mid life overhaul by the venerable Heckler and Koch of Germany produced the much improved A2 versions, as well as several modifications and sub variants. Approximately 200,000 L85A1 rifles were upgraded into the L85A2. While official reports on the L85A2 were glowing hte initial field reports were less flattering to the improved A2. However, many of the problems reported were most likely due to incorrectly performed maintenance and cleaning tasks.
Current varients of the L85 (SA80) weapons family include the L85A2 (Standard IW), L86A2 (Light Support Weapon) and the L22A2 Carbine. The L85A2 can be fitted with a Underslung Grenade Launcher attachment. The L86A2 is the standard Light Support Weapon issued to troops, it is commonly found in use at a rate of 1 LSW to every Fireteam (4 man detahcment). The L22A2 Carbine is issued to tank crews because the shorter barrel allows easier retrieval, storage and use in the limited space inside an armoured vehicle.
Variants
- L85A1 (original IW)
- L86A1 (original LSW)
- L85A2 (updated IW)
- L86A2 (Updated LSW)
- L22A1 (AFV variant)
- L22A2 (modified AFV variant)
- L98A1 CGP (Cadet General Purpose rifle, single shot variant of L85)
Accessories
- SUSAT (standard sighting setup for combat arms (i.e. infantry))
- Bayonet (multi purpose)
- AG36 (underslung grenade launcher, 40mm, manufactured by H&K)
- LLM (Laser Light Module, incorporating both visible light and laser, and IR light and laser, for use with the NVG's now being standardised across the BA)
