SA80 History: The Pre-Production XL85 and XL86

This livestream announcement features Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms & Artillery at the Royal Armouries, discussing the L85A3 (SA80) rifle. The event highlights a collaboration between the Royal Armouries and the Cody Firearms Museum, with a focus on the L85A3's bullpup configuration and its in-game representation in Battlefield.

This guide details shooting drills and ergonomic assessments for the L85A1 (SA80) rifle, as demonstrated by Garand Thumb. It covers evaluating handling, practicing reloads with its unique controls, and assessing the trigger and safety mechanisms. The instruction emphasizes understanding the bullpup design's challenges and the specific operational nuances of the L85A1.

This guide details the installation and basic operation of underbarrel grenade launchers for the British SA80 weapon system, covering both historical Enfield adaptations and the modern Heckler & Koch AG SA80. It emphasizes proper attachment, familiarization with loading and sighting mechanisms, and crucial safety checks. The information is presented with the technical detail expected from an expert instructor like Ian McCollum.

This guide details the setup and operation of the EIW97, an experimental electronic variant of the SA80, as demonstrated by firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson. It covers connecting the weapon to vintage and modern computing hardware, understanding its MS-DOS based software for monitoring and tailoring firing parameters, and the importance of its electronic ignition system. The demonstration highlights the project's pioneering concepts in integrated soldier technology.

This video showcases Magpul's rigorous automated drop testing process for their PMAG Gen M3 magazines. Thousands of drops onto concrete are performed to ensure the magazines meet Magpul's standards for performance perfection and reliability under extreme stress. The testing involves automated machinery and manual inspection by technicians to verify structural integrity and feed lip durability.

The L85A3 represents a significant modernization of the British Army's SA80 rifle, focusing on improved ergonomics and accessory integration. Key upgrades include the H&K slimline M-LOK handguard, an Elcan Specter OS4 optic with a Shield CQB red dot, and enhanced receiver rigidity via electron beam welding. These changes enhance the weapon's adaptability and structural longevity.

This guide details the specific technique for separating two MAS-36 rifles that have been inadvertently locked together by their bayonets. It outlines the historical context of this issue, the modification made to the bayonet to resolve it, and the step-by-step procedure for disengagement. The technique requires precise alignment and the use of a pointed tool to access the internal release mechanism, as demonstrated by firearms expert Ian McCollum.

This guide details the loading and firing procedure for the M134 Minigun, as explained by Ian McCollum. It covers manual indexing of the barrel cluster, feeding the ammunition belt, engaging controls, and firing. The guide also touches upon the weapon's spin-down inertia and the function of modern clutch systems. Expert instruction from a recognized firearms historian highlights the technical aspects of operating this powerful weapon system.

This guide details the operational features of the H&K G11 K2, a prototype assault rifle known for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt. It covers the selector settings, magazine capacity, integrated optics, and the internal action designed for recoil management during high-rate-of-fire bursts. Expert insights from Ian McCollum highlight the historical context and technical innovations of this advanced firearm.

This guide details the operation of the German L.Gr.W.36 50mm light mortar, as demonstrated by expert Ian McCollum. It covers assembly, leveling procedures, ammunition handling, and live fire execution, emphasizing the difficulty in visually tracking the projectile. The instruction highlights the importance of proper setup for accuracy.