Why was the SA80 so bad?
Specific complaints included: the poor quality plastic furniture fell apart and the gun was damaged easily; the magazine release catch was easily knocked accidentally and dropped the magazine; the catch on the top cover over the gas mechanism was too weak and constantly popped open, so it had to be taped down; only 26– …
Why doesn’t the SAS use the SA80?
Because the SAS never used SA80s in the first place. During the Gulf war, the standard battle rifle for UK Special Forces was the m16a2. The SAS had trials with the SA80, but it never got put into service and was replaced by the m16 due to the SA80s lack of customisation and fittings.
Why does the British army use the SA80?
Many thought the round was far too powerful for full-auto fire. So the FAL’s replacement — the SA80 — would use the same, smaller round as the M-16. This would make logistics and supplying the ammo easier, and allow soldiers to control their weapons when firing in automatic.
Is the British SA80 any good?
SA80 Maneuverability So, the SA80A2 offers excellent effective range (400 to 600 meters) in a compact package. That range-to-overall-length ratio is actually rather important to the UK military. UK forces often work from vehicles (primarily the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle and Ajax armored fighting vehicle).
Is the SA80 a good weapon?
“The SA-80 is a highly capable weapon which remains the individual infantry weapon of choice across the armed forces.”
Is SA80 better than M4?
The L85a2 (SA80) is superior to the M4 and probably to the M16a4.
Do the SAS use Glocks?
The Glock 17 is now the British military’s standard sidearm, replacing the venerable Browning High Power. The SAS, and other British Special Forces, use the Glock 17 and the compact Glock 19.
What sniper rifle does the British Army use?
L115A3 Long
The primary weapon of the British military sniper is the L115A3 Long Range Rifle. This is a bolt-action weapon, chambered in 338 Lapua Magnum (8.59mm), with an effective range out to 1.2 km.
Do Royal Marines use SA80?
The SA80 A2 ACOG is the standard Royal Marine weapon, capable of firing single rounds or burst. It enables Marines to deploy quick and accurate fire at short range; and accurate fire at longer ranges.
Do Royal Marines still use the SA80?
Initially used by 43 Commando Royal Marines before being declared as the replacement for the SA80 family of weapons in all Royal Marine units. Both A1 and A2 variants are used. Formerly the standard issue assault rifle, currently being phased out in favour of the L119 series.
When did the British Army start using the SA80 rifle?
Once dubbed the ‘civil servant’ by troops amid complaints over its reliability – the SA80 has been the go to rifle for the British Armed Forces on operations all across the world to this day. The first prototypes were created in 1976, with production of the A1 variant starting in 1985.
What is the difference between the SA80 and the L85?
The SA80 is a British family of 5.56×45mm NATO bullpups. The L85 Rifle variant has been the standard issue service rifle of the British Armed Forces since 1987, replacing the L1A1 variant of the FN FAL. The first prototypes were created in 1976, with production of the A1 variant starting in 1985 and ending in 1994.
Why did the SA80 fail in combat?
Some of the plastic components of the gun would freeze, melt or break. In operations in Sierra Leone, 2000, members of the Pathfinder Platoon discovered that the safety catches on their SA80s failed in the heat, making their weapons useless. The SA80 is also a heavy gun, 1kg heavier than comparable 5.56mm assault rifles.
Is the sa80a1 a fully automatic weapon?
Fire modes are single-fire and fully automatic. The SA80A1 assault rifle (L85A1) entered service in 1985, replacing the venerable L1A1 SLR (7.62x51mm NATO) as the British military’s standard assault rifle.