Developed in the late 1960s as an upgraded/improved version of the WWII No.4 MK I (T) sniper rifle designed to shoot the new 7.62 NATO cartridge. These were in continuous use until the development of the L96A1 in the early 1980s. It has a completely rebuilt WWII standard No. 4 MkI (T) receiver that was fitted with a new heavy weight, hammer forged barrel with an original WWII No. 32 scope. The scopes were completely rebuilt/recalibrated for use with the 7.62 NATO round. The forestock and top front handguard was shortened to provide a free floating barrel. There were approximately 900 originally produced in total with over 65% destroyed in the post-service years by the Ministry of Defense. It is estimated that approximately 400 only were imported by Navy Arms in the mid 1980s. The receiver is correctly remarked "L42A1 D71 T", and both the bolt head and the matching bolt handle (AM7421) 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) scope markings were lined out and the scope tube remarked with: "1240-99-963-2063/TEL.STRT.STG.L1A1/OS 2429 G.A./No 21714". The scope mount has been renumbered with the matching serial number "7421" towards the upper edge of the mount. The scope rings numbered "H665"and "H666" respectively. It has a new short forestock that is numbered "7421", 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 "21714". 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 and the very rare original British issue green metal scope can also numbered to the rifle, an original web sling and an original green wooden rifle/scope storage box. The box has several compartments for various accessories with the inventory list inside of the lid.

Very fine with 95% of its British arsenal repainted black exterior finish with minor edge and high spot wear. The wood components are all in very fine condition showing only minor handling marks on the sides. The scope and mount also retain 95% of their British arsenal repainted finish overall with clear sharp optics. The large wooden storage case is fine condition with its repainted green exterior finish. A scarce original British issue L42A1 sniper rifle.