Author Topic: History of the SA-80  (Read 1053 times)

CrystalHunter1989

  • Guest
History of the SA-80
« on: May 10, 2013, 11:25:46 AM »
I've heard rumors that the Brits are going to ditch this rifle once and for all. While investigating, I found this article.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2002/oct/10/military.jamesmeek

Offline Peter Prepper

  • Prepper Apprentice
  • *
  • Posts: 2
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: History of the SA-80
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2013, 09:40:22 PM »
British special forces rifle of choice is the M16, says it all realy, I would take a SLR (FN FAL L1A1) over a SA80 everyday of the week.

Offline JohnyMac

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 15108
  • Karma: +23/-0
Re: History of the SA-80
« Reply #2 on: June 01, 2013, 07:02:10 AM »
Interesting article Crystal.

Welcome Peter Prepper to the forum!

What are the draw backs Peter to the SA80 vs. the M16 in your opinion?

Keep abreast of J6 arrestees at https://americangulag.org/ Donate if you can for their defense.

Offline Peter Prepper

  • Prepper Apprentice
  • *
  • Posts: 2
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: History of the SA-80
« Reply #3 on: June 01, 2013, 04:43:29 PM »
Interesting article Crystal.

Welcome Peter Prepper to the forum!

What are the draw backs Peter to the SA80 vs. the M16 in your opinion?

Hi JohnyMac, I couldn't give an accurate write up to be honest, I was in a main battle tank regiment (chieftains, so thats a while ago) and my edc was a Browning SMG, used to use the SLR alot and would take that over the SA-80, only used the SA-80 a few times on the ranges, but it felt cheap and plasticky if you know what I mean, very underpowered compared to the SLR, and the stoppages were prolific.

Mind you, these were the very first SA-80s because they were just being introduced to the British Army as i was leaving (1990) so can't comment on how the weapon has progressed since then.

Best wishes. 

Offline JohnyMac

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 15108
  • Karma: +23/-0
Re: History of the SA-80
« Reply #4 on: June 01, 2013, 07:26:53 PM »
Thanks Peter.

The thing that seems odd for me (I am an old set in my way Yank) is having the mag well where it is. It seems it would get in the way performing certain ops. In all, may statement isn't fare as I haven't given it a try.  :gunner:
Keep abreast of J6 arrestees at https://americangulag.org/ Donate if you can for their defense.

Offline CJS06

  • Committed prepper
  • *****
  • Posts: 580
  • Karma: +3/-0
Re: History of the SA-80
« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2013, 09:47:37 AM »
Internally (only) it is more closely related to the AR18 (AR180).  It was not unlike the M16 in its growing pains, in that from where it started to now it has repeated gone through improvements. The end product however doesn't nearly equate with the success of the M16/AR family.  A good friend of mine served with one and absolutely loves the bull-pup concept. He did say however that you couldn't pay him to take an SA80 though. He loves his AUG.  I have only had it for a short time but as far as bull-pups go I am really liking the TAVOR........but still not enough to get away from my ARs.

Offline JohnyMac

  • Administrator
  • *****
  • Posts: 15108
  • Karma: +23/-0
Re: History of the SA-80
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2013, 10:17:56 PM »
Still CJS06; that dang mag/well is aft of the grip. It just seems to be weird to me. I haven't fired one in a CQB drill and it may be the "cats pajamas."

Have you spoken with anyone who has? What are their opinions?

On another note: How is that EOTECH treaten you?   :gunner:
Keep abreast of J6 arrestees at https://americangulag.org/ Donate if you can for their defense.

Offline thatGuy

  • Kind Lover
  • Community Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 3454
  • Karma: +12/-0
    • thatGuy's youtube
Re: History of the SA-80
« Reply #7 on: June 03, 2013, 12:01:41 PM »
The reduced length and improved ergonomics of a bullpup rifle will always be offset by the convoluted remedial action drills.

No rifle functions 100% of the time so it had better be easy to get a jamb cleared, in that moment you will be redefining 'stress.'

The MOD report 'Equipment Performance (SA80) During Operation Granby' criticized the acceptance of the weapon into service... nuff said.

For more reading on the SA-80 than you want check out http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_SA80.html