Photo Of The Day: Today we have some great reference pictures of the SA80 A2, as used by the United Kingdom. Above, pictured in an armoury is the SA80 A2 (L85A2) 5.56mm Rifle fitted with the ELCAN SpecterOS 4x and Close Quarter Battlesight (CQB).

From the original caption:

The Rifle 5.56mm L85A2 is the personal weapon system for British Land, Sea and Air Forces.

SA80 is the designation for a revolutionary family of assault weapons. On its introduction, it proved so accurate that the Army marksmanship tests had to be redesigned.

The L85A2 is magazine fed, gas operated rifle locked by a rotating bolt engaging in lugs behind the breech and carried in a machined carrier running on two guide rods; a third rod controls the return spring.

It is capable of firing in both single shot and fully automatic.

The individual weapon can be fitted with SUSAT, ACOG,ELCAN SpecterOS 4x OR thermal VIPER 2sights. A Vario Ray Laser aiming module can also be fitted.
Other attachments including the L123A1 40mm Underslung Grenade Launcher (UGL) and forward grips.
The L22A2 is a shortened carbine used primarily by vehicle and helicopter crews for self-defence.

The weapons system has been modified in light of operational experience. A major update in 2002 resulted in the current SA-80A2 series-the most reliable weapons of their type in the world.

This reliability is combined with accuracy, versatility and ergonomic design. It is considered to be a first class weapons system and world leader in small arms.

Pictured an SA80 A2 (L85A2) 5.56mm Rifle fitted with the ELCAN SpecterOS 4x and Close Quarter Battlesight (CQB) at the rear and SA80 A2 (L85A2) 5.56mm Rifle fitted with the SUSAT sight in the foreground.

If SA80s are your thing, then give these articles a look as well: Welsh Guards Armoury Upgrade – Heckler & Koch SA80 A3 and Falkland Islands Defence Force – SA80.

Photo Source: Stuart Hill. United Kingdom, Ministry of Defense.