Book Review - The Last Enfield: SA80 The Reluctant Rifle

Published on May 14, 2017
Duration: 4:24

This video provides an expert review of Steve Raw's book, 'The Last Enfield: SA80 The Reluctant Rifle,' by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. The book is presented as the definitive resource on the SA80's complex and often troubled development, covering its origins in post-WWII bullpup designs and the evolution through various iterations and cartridge evaluations before settling on the 5.56x45mm NATO standard. McCollum highlights the book's value for understanding how firearm development can encounter significant challenges.

Quick Summary

'The Last Enfield: SA80 The Reluctant Rifle' by Steve Raw is the definitive book on the SA80 rifle's complex development. Reviewed by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, it details the evolution from early bullpup designs like the EM-1 and EM-2, the extensive cartridge evaluations (4mm to 7mm), and the challenges leading to the L85A1 and L85A2 variants.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 'The Last Enfield'
  2. 00:50The Definitive Resource
  3. 01:45Book Content and Scope
  4. 02:49Historical Context and Cartridge Selection
  5. 03:31Conclusion and Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'The Last Enfield: SA80 The Reluctant Rifle' about?

This book, reviewed by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, is the definitive resource on the SA80 rifle's development. It covers the intricate and often problematic journey from early bullpup designs to the L85A1 and L85A2 variants, including cartridge selection and design failures.

Who is the author of 'The Last Enfield' book?

The author of 'The Last Enfield: SA80 The Reluctant Rifle' is Steve Raw. The book is published by Collector Grade Publications and is reviewed by Ian McCollum on the Forgotten Weapons channel.

What historical firearms preceded the SA80?

The SA80's development lineage traces back to post-WWII bullpup designs, specifically mentioning the British EM-1 and EM-2 rifles. These early concepts explored the bullpup configuration before the SA80 program.

What cartridges were considered for the SA80 program?

During the 'Enfield Weapon System' phase, the British military evaluated a wide spectrum of cartridges, ranging from small calibers like 4mm up to 7mm, before ultimately settling on the 5.56x45mm NATO standard for the SA80 rifle.

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