Developed in the late 1960s as an upgraded/improved version of the highly regarded WWII No.4 MK I (T) sniper rifle that was designed to fired the newly approved 7.62 NATO cartridge. These were in continuous use until the development of the L96A1 in the early 1980s. These rifle uses the standard No 4 receiver that was completely rebuilt with a new heavy weight, hammer forged barrel with the original WWII No. 32 scope that was rebuilt/recalibrated for use with the 7.62 NATO round. The forestock and top front handguard was shortened to provided a free floating barrel. About half of the approximately 900 rifles made were condemned and destroyed in the post-service years by the Ministry of Defense. It has the standard No. 4 rear sight with an improved front sight. The left side of the receiver is correctly remarked "L42A1 D71", and both the bolt head and bolt handle have been restamped "19T" indicating it was reproofed for the high pressure 7.62 NATO round. When the scope was rebuilt, the original WWII markings were lined out and the scope tube was remarked: "1240-99-963-2063/TEL.STRT.STG.L1A1/OS 2429 G.A./No 23626". The scope mount is correctly restamped with serial number "2392" in the upper rear edge of the mount. The scope rings are numbered "150" and "151" respectively. The scope comes stored in an original No.8 MKI metal scope can that is numbered to the scope and the rifle. The buttstock has the correct matching scope number stamped on the upper rear flat of the stock behind the receiver, and it is correctly fitted with a hardwood cheekpiece mounted to the comb. Included with the rifle is the original green painted hardwood shipping case with the original L42A1/L1A1 nomenclature plate on the inside of the lid. The scope also comes with an original set of leather lens covers and an original L8A1 green web sling for the L96A1 sniper rifle with all the NATO small arms markings.

Very fine as arsenal refurbished with 90% plus of the blackened metal finish still remaining overall. With wear and thinning on the edges and high spots as well as on the underside of the exposed barrel area. The scope and mount retain 97% of their black painted type finish overall and the scope has clear sharp optics. The windage and elevation knobs both work correctly. The metal scope can retains 95% of its arsenal repainted finish and the wooden storage case also retains 95% of its repainted exterior finish. As noted, this very desirable rifle has a matching scope mount, scope, and scope can.