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The L2A1 Sub-calibre Aiming Rifle

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See also: Air Rifle Sub-calibre devices

and the Boys Anti-Tank Rifle Savage .22RF Sub-calibre device

This sub-calibre unit for the 120mm artillery piece is actually a conversion of the Lee-Enfield No.8 Rifle.

The No.8 rifle has been stripped of its wood furniture and sights, and engineered to fit into a120mm carrier that centres the .22RF barrel in the barrel of the tank's gun.

The carrier is in the form of a circular cage, of the dimensions of a 120mm round. The tank or artillery piece would be static on a 30 metre "miniature" field range,

and the crew could run through their respective battle drills, loading, and sight setting.

There was obviously no recoil involved, and the usual significant explosion would be replaced by a barely audible crack.

The target would be one of a number of differently sized rubber model tanks that represented various range distances.

The original engraved designation of "22 No 8 MK1" and the serial number are in the usual position on the left-hand-side of the action body.

It has been reported, but not confirmed, that these model tanks,

fitted with screw-eyes back and front so that they could be drawn across the butts,

were manufactured from shredded and compressed waste tyres.

They were fairly accurate representations of tanks, and it is understood that they were capable of absorbing quite large numbers of hits.

Such material as is used to make Linatex rubberised curtaining for butt splash protection is brought to mind.

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The butt-socket carries the rifle's original serial number "A4827"

The trigger-guard and supporting frame are no longer required, but the safety-catch remains in place.

The barrel reinforce has had the unit insignia painted on.

The fore-sight and its mounting block have been removed, and the muzzle is otherwise untouched

The original barrel marks and serial number of the No.8 rifle remain unchanged

However, we have become aware that these units when in service were not only afforded

the nomenclature L2A1, but were appropriately marked on the LHS of the action.

" RIFLE .22" AIMING L2A1 "

" CR . 57. G.A. "

Should any reader have information on, or photographs or drawings of,

the 120mm cage into which this sub-calibre unit was fitted,

we would be most grateful for sight of same.