Developed in the late 1960s as an upgraded/improved version of the WWII No.4 MK I (T) sniper rifle that was designed to fire the newly approved 7.62 NATO cartridge. These were in continuous use until the development of the L96A1 in the early 1980s. This 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 23124". The scope mount is correctly restamped with serial number "D36675" in the center of the cross-bar, with the scope rings numbered "82"and "83" respectively. The scope comes with an original No.8 MKI metal scope can that is numbered to the rifle. The upper rear flat of the stock had the old scope number removed and restamped with the matching "23124" scope number. It is also 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 7.62 NATO box magazine also numbered to the rifle.

Very fine as arsenal upgraded and refurbished with 90% of the black painted exterior metal finish overall, with the only rear wear being on the bolt knob/handle, the edges and high spots and the center section of the bolt body. The scope mount and scope themselves are also painted with the same level of British black paint. The scope has clear sharp optics with an intact reticle. The arsenal reoiled stock, forestock and handguard are all in fine condition having been refurbished and reoiled showing no handling marks anywhere. The metal scope can and wooden storage case are both in very fine condition with 98% of their arsenal refurbished painted surfaces. A really nice British L42A1 sniper rifle set.