L86 Light Support Weapon
SA80
Overview
L86A1 Light Support Weapon
Rights side view of the L86A1 Light Support Weapon resting on its bipod.
Source: UK MOD -
© Open Government License
United Kingdom - Royal Ordnance
Variants
L86A1 Light Support Weapon
The L86A1 is the original model as introduced in 1985. It suffered from the same reliability issues as the L85A1 assault rifle. The L86A1 is easily recognizable by the longer barrel and the outrigger for the bipod. A read monopod and shoulder rest are also fitted.
L86A2 Light Support Weapon
The L86A2 went through the same improvement programme as the L86A2 assault rifle. Since the handguard fits differently it cannot be fitted with the Daniel Defense quad accessory rail forearm. With the introduction of the Minimi the L86A2 was issued in limited numbers for use as a designated marksman rifle.
Details
Media
L86A2 Light Support Weapon
UK Para with L86A2 Light Support Weapon seen during an exercise in the Falkland Islands in 2017.
Source: UK MOD
Copyright: Open Government License
L86A1 Light Support Weapon
US Marine being familiarized on a L86A1 or A2 Light Support Weapon during joint training in the Dominican Republic in 2004.
Source: US Marine Corps
Copyright: Public domain
Related articles
L85 Individual Weapon
The L86 LSW is the light machine gun counterpart of the L85 assault rifle. Both weapons are part of the SA80 family of small arms.
Steyr AUG H-Bar
The AUG H-Bar is a similar light machine gun conversion of a bullpup assault rifle.