Weapons and Kit

L85A2 to A3: How the upgraded variant of the SA80 combined function with form

Watch: L85A2 to A3 – How the SA80 assault rifle was brought up to date

With the experiences of the Gulf War to draw on, Heckler & Koch managed to turn the unreliable L85 into a fully functional assault rifle, but the update from L85A1 to A2 was not the end of the story.

In 2018, the A3 variant was rolled out, introducing a new raft of features that offered some real quality of life enhancements.

HK's second update package featured a modification to the body of the rifle, including a welded full-length rail for optional add-on kit such as a vertical foregrip, laser, infrared designator or torch.

Later versions of the L85A2 had also been upgraded with a rail system, this being made by US company Daniel Defense.

The Daniel Defense rail used the Picatinny rail – a system using cross slots interspersed with flats that allow accessories to be slid into place from the end of the rail and then secured in place.

While this was fine for the upper rail, where the optic is mounted, the ridges created a 'cheese grater' effect on the sides of the handguard, making it uncomfortable to hold.

The HK rail still uses the Nato-standard Picatinny rail for mounting the sight, but uses a flush M-Lok system to fit add-ons, using small sections of Picatinny rail only where they are needed.

The lower part of the rifle – the trigger mechanism housing – was also modified to ensure the change lever could no longer over-rotate.

Ironically the flash eliminator on the A3 is the same as that of the A1, an interim design having being used but then rejected.

While later A2s were painted a desert tan colour, this has now become standard on the A3, as Jonathan Ferguson, keeper of firearms at the Royal Armouries, explains in the video above.

While not a distinguishing feature in itself, L85A3s are usually fitted with a new optic – the Elcan Spectre – which offers the same 4x magnification as the older Susat sight.

But the Elcan also has a reflex sight fitted on top of the optic for close-range work as opposed to the mini iron sight on the Susat.

The updated L85A3 has some internal upgrades in addition to making it more ergonomic (Picture: MOD)

Despite the various upgrades that have been made to the L85 over the years, one major criticism remains – the rifle is only designed to be fired right-handed from the right shoulder.

While soldiers can be taught to shoot it from the left shoulder using special close-quarter battle drills, this is not common practice.

The Royal Marines and the Army's own Ranger Regiment are equipped with the new L403A1, also known as the KS-1.

It remains to be seen what will eventually replace the L85 across the rest of the Armed Forces.