Topic: Compare and contrast, M 16 series, L 85(SA80) series

5.56X45mm · January 19th, 2008

I've fired both rifles many times. I carried the M16A2, M4, M4A1, and the M16A4. As of right now I carry the Colt AR-15A3 (Law Enforcement/Civilian Rifle). I find the British SA80 (L-85) to be a okay rifle but I will list the pros and cons of it.

The SA80 is a bullpup rifle. Some bullpup rifles can be fired from either side but the SA80 cannot due to it's design. it does not allow the shooter to switch the ejection port like the Steyr AUG. It does have a shorter overall length then the AR family of rifles. The design in of itself has some issues. When it was first fielded and issued the stock had some chemical issues with the then standard bug spray that was given to all of the troops. the Bug Spray would melt the plastic stock parts. That issue has been resolved back in the 1980s. Also when it was first field it was such a piece of crap that Heckler and Koch of Germany had to step in and redesign many of the part and production tooling for the British Government.

As of now, it's an okay rifle but it's not the best in the world. The AR series of rifles is a very modular platform and also very ergonomic. Both left and right handed shooters can fire the AR series without a problem expect for the first batch of M16's and Colt SP1's (First Production of rifles without a forward assist and a shell deflector). More optics, calibers, sights, barrel lengths, suppressors, rail systems, stocks, weapon lights, magazines, slings, etc... are made for the AR series of rifle. For the SA80, what you see is what you get.

In the end, I believe that the British should adpot a new rifle design. Whether it is as simple as going with a AR-15 type rifle or with a completely new design like the Magpul Masada or a FN SCAR or some other rifle. As of right now to my knowledge, the British SAS use the standard Colt Canada AR-15 Series of rifles [Diemaco C7/C8]. Which is nothing more then an American AR-15 made in Canada and given a different nomenclature number and company brand.

My choice for my service rifle is the Ar-15 series of rifles.

January 19th, 2008
5.56X45mm 100% Space Shuttle Door Gunner Gear	I've fired both rifles many times. I carried the M16A2, M4, M4A1, and the M16A4. As of right now I carry the Colt AR-15A3 (Law Enforcement/Civilian Rifle). I find the British SA80 (L-85) to be a okay rifle but I will list the pros and cons of it. The SA80 is a bullpup rifle. Some bullpup rifles can be fired from either side but the SA80 cannot due to it's design. it does not allow the shooter to switch the ejection port like the Steyr AUG. It does have a shorter overall length then the AR family of rifles. The design in of itself has some issues. When it was first fielded and issued the stock had some chemical issues with the then standard bug spray that was given to all of the troops. the Bug Spray would melt the plastic stock parts. That issue has been resolved back in the 1980s. Also when it was first field it was such a piece of crap that Heckler and Koch of Germany had to step in and redesign many of the part and production tooling for the British Government. As of now, it's an okay rifle but it's not the best in the world. The AR series of rifles is a very modular platform and also very ergonomic. Both left and right handed shooters can fire the AR series without a problem expect for the first batch of M16's and Colt SP1's (First Production of rifles without a forward assist and a shell deflector). More optics, calibers, sights, barrel lengths, suppressors, rail systems, stocks, weapon lights, magazines, slings, etc... are made for the AR series of rifle. For the SA80, what you see is what you get. In the end, I believe that the British should adpot a new rifle design. Whether it is as simple as going with a AR-15 type rifle or with a completely new design like the Magpul Masada or a FN SCAR or some other rifle. As of right now to my knowledge, the British SAS use the standard Colt Canada AR-15 Series of rifles [Diemaco C7/C8]. Which is nothing more then an American AR-15 made in Canada and given a different nomenclature number and company brand. My choice for my service rifle is the Ar-15 series of rifles. __________________ Dibs On Sarah Palin If Ever Single! Last edited by 5.56X45mm; January 19th, 2008 at 01:33.