Enfield L86A1 LSW (Light Support Weapon)

The British Army's choice for squad automatic fire became the L86A1 'Light Support Weapon' in its 5.56x45mm NATO form, thus bringing to an end to the era of the popular World War Two-era Bren Light Machine Gun series (detailed elsewhere on this website). The L86A1 was actually based on a modified version of the bull-pup L85 5.56mm rifle already in service with the army and in all actuality utilizes about 80% commonality in parts with the assault rifle version including the ability to fire from the same magazine.

Differences between the L85 assault rifle and the L86 LSW are subtle though the L86 is fielded with a heavier barrel with added length (effectively extending the range of the weapon past that of the rifle counterpart) that is more consistent with the sustained-fire squad automatic role. Additionally, a light-weight bipod is fitted to the near-front of the weapon for controlled firing and there are some modifications to the trigger mechanism as a whole.

The L86A1 allows for single or automatic fire select modes. The new barrel assists in heat dissipation during full automatic fire which is important considering the barrel is not changeable on this system. A rear grip is added just behind the magazine and pistol-grip trigger for two-hand support. Optical sights on the L86A1 are also standard.

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