Developed in the late 1960s as an upgraded/improved version of the WWII No.4 MK I (T) sniper rifle that was designed to use 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 an 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 provide a free floating barrel. Originally approximately 900 rifles in total were manufactured or rebuilt with over 65% destroyed in the post-service years by the Ministry of Defense. Only a very small quantity (estimated at 400) were imported by Navy Arms in the mid 1980s. The receiver is correctly remarked "L42A1 D71", and both the bolt head and the matching bolt handle (39800) have been restamped "19T" indicating it was reproofed for the high pressure 7.62 NATO round. The barrel was fitted with the original front sight and a new recalibrated adjustable rear sight. During the rebuild/overhaul process the original (No. 32 Mk III) scope markings were lined out and the scope tube, remarked with: "1240-99-963-2063/TEL.STRT.STG.L1A1/OS 2429 G.A./No 28111". The scope mount has been renumbered with the matching serial number "39800" towards the upper edge of the mount. The scope rings numbered "A295"and "A296" respectively. It has a new short forestock that is numbered "N36805", and it is also fitted with a new top handguard. The upper rear flat of the stock has been stamped with the matching scope number of "28111". It is also fitted with a hardwood cheekpiece mounted to the comb. The desirable rifle is complete with one original 7.62 detachable box magazine which is also numbered to the rifle and one of the very rare original British L8A1 green web slings that were used on both the L42A1 and the L96A1 sniper rifles.

Very good as arsenal refurbished with 75% of the British black painted finish overall with edge and high spot wear and areas where the paint has flaked off on the exposed section of the barrel . The buttstock, forestock, and top handguard are all in very good condition with minimal handling marks on the sides, having been lightly cleaned during the rebuild process. The scope and mount are also in very good condition with 80% of their arsenal refurbished black painted finish overall and clear optics.