This is a very nice example of a scarce British L42A1 Sniper rifle set. These rifles were developed during the mid-1960s and actually put into service in the early 1970s using the original WWII British Enfield No 4 MK 1 (T) sniper rifle as the basic weapon platform, with the intent to introduce an updated sniper rifle which utilized the new 7.62 NATO round. It is estimated that approximately 900 rifles were converted/produced and approximately 450 were actually imported into the US in the late 1980s early 1990s by Navy Arms, with the rest being destroyed by the British Government. The original WWII rifles were completely rebuilt from the ground up, which included installing a new heavy weight, hammer forged, target barrel, chambered in 7.62 NATO, that included a new high pressure bolt head, (correctly engraved "19 T/0", indicating minimum headspace), and a new box magazine and ejector for the 7.62 NATO round. The original WWII, No 32 MKIII scope was completely rebuilt and calibrated in meters for the 7.62 NATO round. The old scope markings were just lined out with the new NATO markings of "1240-99-962-2063"/"TELSTRT.STG.L1A1"/"N25530" engraved on the side of the scope tube. The left side of the butt socket still retains the original WWII markings of "M47C,/1945/T32632/TR" and the left side of the receiver has the new markings of "L42A1/D71.T". The original scope mount has been reused/renumbered twice (with matching serial number to the rifle) which would be correct for these rifles as they were all original WWII models that were used over and over, because no new mounts were ever manufactured. The buttstock and hand guard are both made of beech with the forend made from walnut. The rifle is complete with only the original cheekpiece, the original WWII British metal scope can (numbered to the rifle and scope) and original green painted wooden storage chest, (that has an end label numbered to the rifle). The chest has a hinged lid, three latches, two canvas carrying straps and metal corner protectors. The inside of the lid has one affixed label, that reads "CHEST RIFLE, 7.62mm L-42 A1/EQUIPMENT LIAI (CR 185 A)". This lot is complete with a No 4 spike bayonet and scabbard and a reproduction chamber cleaning rod and a set of original British leather scope caps.

Very fine overall with 90% plus of the arsenal black painted finish, which has been typically repainted/touched up in several areas overall. The buttstock, forend and hand guard are all in very good plus condition with minimal handling marks. The scope is in excellent condition overall with 95% of the black repainted finish overall with clear sharp markings. The elevation knob moves freely, while the windage knob is very tight, but usable. The metal scope can retains 95% of it's green painted finish with clear markings and labels. The wooden scope chest is also in very fine condition with 95% of the green painted exterior with a nice sharp label inside with all the hinges, locks and straps intact. A nice example of an original L42A1 sniper rifle rig with all matching numbers.