Aussie L1A1 Clone Questions

[gary1978]

Other than the "coachwood" furniture and funny carry handle, what are the unique parts to an Australian version that cannot be easily substituted by Brit L1A1 parts? Other than the markings, are there any real differences between the barrel assy, or lower receiver for instance? I'd like to build an Aussie clone and want to use nicer condition parts. Most of the Brit parts are still available in new condition and I hate to put so much money into worn out, or aftermarket parts.

[chrsdwns]

All parts are interchangabel.

However, the Aussie parts such as the frame lock lever, gas system adjuster and the safety selector are slightly different designs.

The Brit buttstock has a slightly different contour at the receiver mating surface and plywood is inserted to prevent cracking.

The wood laminate handguards have a different contour and heat shield configuration.

The markings and proofs are different and the receivers have different cuts and contours.

Aussie barrels were chrome plated after about the mid 60's but I don't think the Brit barrels ever were.

Overall, the IMHO Aussie parts seem to better quality and the workmanship is better. Aussie receivers were made using a better quality alloy and full heat treat.

A Lithgow L1A1 is probably one of the best made, highest quality FALs produced by any of the FAL manufacturers. Lithgow seemed to spare no expense and took no shortcuts when it came to making their SLRs.

They also charged an arm and leg for them - about $2600 a unit in the mid 80s. Shame they were all cut up and melted for scrap - many in NIB condition.

Very few NOS Brit parts are avaialble - most of the new stuff these days is Lithgow. SLR 5000 has most of the NOS parts, except the barrel, to make a new SLR

[Prototype Services]

Where are you finding Brit parts in such good condition?
Hard to find -any- inch parts these days.
Although, I think I have enough for a while.....:devil:
Dave

[Andy the Aussie]

Originally posted by chrsdwns
They also charged an arm and leg for them - about $2600 a unit in the mid 80s ....$1450Aussie delivered in 1984 ;) They stopped private sales in 1986 after a shooting incident in Melbourne. He used a Poly M14 but no one was really taking note of such fine points even then.

Andy :cool:

[marcus5]

Hey guys i need a inch receiver..Does anybody haveany ideas where i can get one kinda quick? I have posted on the market but no luck.:cry:

[Diomed]

Originally posted by marcus5
Hey guys i need a inch receiver..Does anybody haveany ideas where i can get one kinda quick? I have posted on the market but no luck.:cry: "Kinda quick" will require some luck, unless waiting to see what shakes out of DSA in the next few weeks is quick enough. It really does look like they're going to do it - hell, they sent me one last week, so I'm cautiously optimistic.

[N8Gunnr]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=74294264

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=74294135

Here are some New Old Stock Parts on GB Auction, The Auction is not mine, but I stumbled accross it this morning

[gary1978]

I appreciate the notice. I purchased both of them. I ordered an Interord L1A1 kit for the small parts and the "go-by". You had a good rifle for sale.
I'd have bought it myself except for the receiver. I've built a few L1A1s in the early to mid 90s using Entreprise receivers and just had too much trouble with them to trust them myself. I just don't want to put that much money into a rifle that I don't have confidence in the receiver. I've got a DSA L1A1 receiver on order and I'm slowly accumluating a set of parts. When I'm done, I'll unfortunately have more in mine than what you were asking for yours. But I do this for fun, not for profit. No way to get rich.
Thanks,
Gary R.

[sturmgrenadiere]

Gary,

I corresponded with the seller on this barrel. It is a good buy. I have one also. Check these threads of mine, may be of interest if you don't know the quality of barrel you now have:

http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=190773
http://www.falfiles.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=190827

Regards

Ben