Enfield L85A1: Perhaps the Worst Modern Military Rifle

Published on December 29, 2016
Duration: 16:23

This guide details the field stripping process for the Enfield L85A1 rifle, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It highlights the AR-180 influence with dual guide rods and provides a step-by-step breakdown of removing the bolt carrier group, bolt, firing pin, and cam pin. The video emphasizes the importance of safety during disassembly and notes the rifle's historical reliability issues.

Quick Summary

The Enfield L85A1 is a British bullpup rifle notorious for its poor reliability and design flaws, including issues with sandy environments and ergonomics. Mechanically, it's a bullpup version of the AR-180. These problems led to a significant redesign by Heckler & Koch, resulting in the improved L85A2 variant.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Reputation
  2. 00:45Development and Caliber History
  3. 01:55Bullpup Lineage and Design
  4. 02:32Production and Reliability Issues
  5. 04:23The H&K Redesign (L85A2)
  6. 07:33Ergonomic and Technical Flaws
  7. 09:34Visual Differences: A1 vs A2
  8. 11:40Disassembly and Internal Mechanics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Enfield L85A1 rifle?

The Enfield L85A1 is a British bullpup assault rifle, often criticized for its poor reliability and design flaws. Developed in the 1970s to replace the L1A1, it was officially adopted in 1985 but later underwent significant redesign as the L85A2 by Heckler & Koch.

Why is the Enfield L85A1 considered one of the worst modern military rifles?

The L85A1 faced severe reliability issues, particularly in sandy conditions, leading to widespread malfunctions. Design flaws included an inability to be fired left-handed, an overly heavy SUSAT scope, and an easily triggered magazine release.

What is the mechanical basis of the Enfield L85A1?

Contrary to some assumptions, the L85A1 is not a descendant of the EM-2. Its mechanical design is essentially a bullpup adaptation of the AR-180, utilizing a short-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt system.

What improvements were made to the L85A1?

In 1997, Heckler & Koch was contracted to redesign the L85A1. This resulted in the L85A2 variant, which addressed many of the original rifle's reliability and ergonomic shortcomings through extensive internal component redesign.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →