british self loading rifles 1944 - 1953
DESCRIPTION
This is a presentation delivered to a monthly meeting of the Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association (HBSA) of Great Britain in London, UK. Website: www.hbsa-uk.org by Tony Edwards 1940 SLR rifle specifications, WW2 ammunition decisions, SLEM-1 rifle by Dieudonne Saive, Sniper rifle SREM-1, Small Arms Calibre Panel, General Staff SAA Specification, Ideal Calibre Trials, FG42 rifle, EM-1 rifle, Korsac LMG, EM-2 rifle by Jesieranski, EM-3 rifle by Metcalf, The Hall SLR, EM-1 codename COBRA, EM-2 rifle codename Yellow Acorn, BSA 28P, FN series, FN No.1 carbine, FN No.2 carbine, US Trials, Rifle 7mm No.9 Mark 1,TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
British Self-loading Rifles
1944 - 1953
Tony Edwards
![Page 2: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
1940 rifle Specification
Calibre: 7.92mm Length: As for SMLEBarrel: 22-24 inchesWeight: 10lbs max, less than 9lbs if possibleMagazine: 10 roundsFire: Single shot, no burst fire capabilityOperation: Gas or recoil operatedBayonet: Similar to No.4 bayonetGrenade: No grenade firing capability required
![Page 3: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
World War 2 British General Staff Decisions
Nov. 1942 .30-06
Aug. 1943 7.92mm
Early 1940 7.92mm
![Page 4: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
SLEM-1 Rifle
Designer Dieudonne Saive
50 rifles manufactured, 5000 ordered for trooptrials, subsequently reduced to 2000 rifles andthen cancelled
Work discontinued in 1947
![Page 5: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
SLEM-1 details
Action: Gas, tilting breech blockCalibre: 7.92x57mmWeight: 9lb 8ozBarrel length: 21 inchesFeed: 10 round box
![Page 6: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Enfield SLEM 1944
![Page 7: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Sniper Rifle SREM-1
Action: BoltCalibre: 7.92mmFeed: 5 round box
![Page 8: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
![Page 9: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
![Page 10: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
![Page 11: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
.303 inch Mark VII
7.9mm P.P.43(7.92mm Kurz)
![Page 12: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
The Small Arms Calibre Panel
(SACP)
Set up 1945
First Meeting 1st May 1945
Four Meetings
Final Report March 1947
![Page 13: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
General Staff Specification
Object - Ideal SAA cartridge giving greatest efficiency compatible with minimum weight.
Ball projectile to penetrate steel helmet, body armour, haversack etc. to maximum practical range of weapon.
Ball projectile must penetrate “soft” vehicles and be effective against crews inside.
Ball projectile to be effective against personnel in trenches protected by 20-24” of loose earth, 1” – 1 ½” unreinforced concrete or equivalent at 100 yards on single shot performance.
![Page 14: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Trajectory - as flat as possible to 600 yards
Range - 800 yards for all weapons up to, but not including MMG
No smoke, no flash, smokelessness most important
Required for lightened rifle, sniper’s rifle, self loading rifle, light automatic gun, medium machine gun
![Page 15: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Ideal Calibre Trials
6.5 x 55mm .30-06 .33 BSA 7.92 x 57mm
![Page 16: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
![Page 17: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
![Page 18: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
![Page 19: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
SACP Final Report (5/47) issued March 1947
Conclusion:
“The conclusion to be drawn from this report is that the standard round chosen should be of the smallest calibre possible, since this will mean the lightest rifle and automatic gun, and the smallest and lightest ammunition with all the attendant advantages. If the full specification is adhered to, and tungsten carbide A.P. bullets are not permitted, the calibre should be about .27 inches, but if the use of tungsten carbide is allowed or the armour performance clause is relaxed it would be of advantage to choose a lower calibre of .250, the lowest calibre considered.”
![Page 20: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
.280 .270 7.92mm
![Page 21: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Burney 7mm RCL Rifle
![Page 22: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
7mm BTC Ammunition
![Page 23: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
RIFLE DESIGN
![Page 24: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
FG42 (second model)
![Page 25: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
MP43/44/Stg.44
![Page 26: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Gerat 06 (1945)
![Page 27: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
The EM-1
Korsac LMG
Designer: Mr.Korsac CEAD
![Page 28: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Korsac EM.1 Details
Calibre: 7.92mmAction: Gas operated, rotating boltFire: Single shot & Full automaticWeight: 12lbs 5oz.Barrel: 20.5 inchesOA length; 43.5 inchesRifling: RH twist, five groovesMagazine: 18 shot
Work discontinued in May 1947
![Page 29: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Korsac rifle (bipod not fitted)
![Page 30: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
The EM.2
SLR
Designer: Lieut. Jesieranski CEAD
![Page 31: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Jesieranski EM.2 Details
Calibre: 7.92x33mm KurzAction: Inertia locked blowback. Fluted chamberFire: Initially Single shot, later full automaticWeight: 8lbs. or 12lbs including bayonet and bipodOther details not known
Work discontinued in May 1947
![Page 32: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
The EM.3
Light Automatic Rifle
Designer. Mr.Metcalf
![Page 33: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Metcalf EM.3 Details
Calibre: 7.92x33mm KurzAction: Gas operated, Roller lockedFire: Single shot initially later full automaticWeight: 8lbFeed; 18 round box
This was the basis of the later Thorpe EM.1 rifle. Work discontinued in May 1947
![Page 34: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
The Hall (Later EM.3)
SLR
Designer: Major J.F.M. Hall
![Page 35: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Hall EM.3 details
Calibre: Proposed .303 inch RimlessAction: Vertical sliding blockWeight: 7lbsBarrel: 19 inchesMagazine: 10 roundsFire: 20-30rpm semi auto onlyEjection: Upwards, over the shoulder
Only one wooden mock up madeWork discontinued in early 1947
![Page 36: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
![Page 37: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Complete Korsac EM.1 in its present calibre
Stop detail work on Metcalf EM.3 rifle but modify this weapon to eliminate the butt and place the trigger mechanism further forward.
Cease work on Jezieranski EM.2 but determine weight of the gun to this general design if the T65 round with 130Grain bullet and a muzzle velocity of 3,000 fps were used.
![Page 38: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Memo: 6 January 1948Manufacture of new automatic rifles
The three new auto rifles under design will be known for experimental purposes as:
Automatic Rifle .270 or .280EM-1 – Mr.Thorpe’s design
EM-2 – Captain Januszewski’s design (Janson)EM-3 – Major Hall’s design
(Signed) W.Reeve(Col. For CEAD)
![Page 39: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Objective:
To have both EM.1 and EM.2 rifles ready for trials in the United States in February 1950
![Page 40: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
The EM-1
Code name COBRA
Designer: Stanley Thorpe CEAD
![Page 41: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
EM.1 (Thorpe) Details
Action: Gas, Roller lockedCalibre: .280 inchWeight: 10.25lbsBarrel length: 24.5 inchesFeed: 20 rounds detachable boxCyclic rate: 600r.p.m.M.V.: 2350 fps
![Page 42: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
![Page 43: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
![Page 44: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
![Page 45: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
![Page 46: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
![Page 47: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
EM.1 Manufacture
Serial Nos. 1 & 2 proofed June 194816 more ordered. All manufactured at RSAF Enfield in .280 inch calibre.
![Page 48: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
The EM.2 Rifle
Code Name Yellow Acorn
Designer: Stefan Januszewski CEAD(later Janson)
![Page 49: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
EM.2 (Janson) Details
Action: Gas, pivoting lugsCalibre: .280 inchWeight: 7lbs 13oz.Barrel length: 24.5 inchesFeed: 20 round detachable boxCyclic rate: 600-650 r.p.m.M.V.: 2350 fps
![Page 50: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
EM.2 First hand made prototype
![Page 51: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
![Page 52: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
![Page 53: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
![Page 54: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
![Page 55: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
![Page 56: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
![Page 57: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
![Page 58: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
EM.2 Manufacture
Serial Nos. 1 & 3 made by Chambron LtdSerial Nos. 2 & 4 by RSAF EnfieldSerial Nos. 5 -20 by RSAF Enfield(All .280 inch calibre)
Serial No. HV-1 Chambron Ltd (7x49mm Second Optimum)Serial No. HV-2 Chambron Ltd (7.62x1mm)Serial No. HV-3 Chambron Ltd (7x49mm Second Optimum)Serial No. HV-4 Chambron Ltd (7.62x51mm)
![Page 59: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
EM.2 Manufacture (cont.)
Serial Nos. 1 – 10 BSA Ltd (7.62x51mm)Serial Nos. EN100 – EN114 RSAF Enfield (7.62x51mm)
Serial Nos. 1 – 10 Canadian Arsenals Ltd (7x51mm Compromise)
Total manufacture 58 weapons
![Page 60: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
History of Chambron manufactured HV-1.
Received 28 February 1952 in 7x49mm Second Optimum - 1452 rounds fired.
Converted to 7.62x51mm 15 July 1952 - 5803 rounds fired
New 7x49mm barrel fitted 9 September 1952 - 115 rounds fired
Converted back to 7.62mm 18 September 1952 - 898 rounds fired
7x49mm barrel refitted 28 October 1952 - 675 rounds fired
7.62mm barrel refitted 10 February 1953 - 2404 rounds fired
Rebuilt and rechambered in .30-06 November 1953 – 190 rounds fired
![Page 61: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
The BSA 28P
Designer: BSA Guns Ltd
![Page 62: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)
BSA 28P Details
Action: Gas, locked by tilting boltCalibre: .280 inchWeight: 9lbs 6ozBarrel length: 24 inchesFeed; 20 round boxM.V.: 2350fps
![Page 63: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/63.jpg)
![Page 64: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/64.jpg)
The FN Series
Designer: Dieudonne Saive
![Page 65: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/65.jpg)
FN No.1 Carbine Details
Action: GasCalibre: 7.92x33mm KurzWeight: 8lb 9oz (light barrel)
10lb 14oz (heavy barrel)Barrel length: 19 inchesFeed: 20 round box
![Page 66: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/66.jpg)
FN No.1 Carbine
![Page 67: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/67.jpg)
FN No.2 Carbine Details
Action: GasCalibre: .280 inchWeight: 8lb 9ozBarrel Length: 23 inchesFeed: 20 round box
![Page 68: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/68.jpg)
FN No.2 Carbine
![Page 69: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/69.jpg)
1950 FN FALs, all .280 calibre
![Page 70: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/70.jpg)
U.S. Trials February 1950
Technical Trials: Aberdeen Proving Ground2 rifles of each type
User Trials: Fort Benning10 rifles of each type
Plus wound trials at Edgwood
![Page 71: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/71.jpg)
Competitors:
EM.2
FN
T.25
![Page 72: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/72.jpg)
Conclusions:
1.The U.S. T.65 .30” round is not suitable for Army Field Forces use because of its excessive recoil, blast, flash and smoke.
2.That the British calibre .280” round is not suitable for Army Field Forces because of its comparatively high trajectory.
3.That of the basic types submitted for test, the British .280” round is preferred.
4.That none of the test rifles are suitable for Army Field Forces use in their present form.
5.That of the rifles tested, the FN showed the most promise for development for early use.
![Page 73: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/73.jpg)
These recommendations were overturned by the United States Board of Ordnance who would not accept any cartridge less powerful than the .30 M1
![Page 74: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/74.jpg)
In August 1951 Britain unilaterally adopted the EM.2 as
Rifle 7mm No.9 Mark 1
And the ammunition as
Cartridge SA Ball 7mm Mark 1
![Page 75: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/75.jpg)
Cartridge S.A. 7mm Mark 1z
![Page 76: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/76.jpg)
Following the General Election of 1951 which returned the Conservatives to power, Churchill visited Washington to clear up a number of outstanding defence matters, including the rifle question.
In doing so he reversed the earlier British decision tounilaterally adopt the 7mm EM.2 rifle
![Page 77: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/77.jpg)
Over the next three years Britain, Belgium and Canada tested a number of rounds in what became known as the BBC trials in an endeavour to meet the NATO requirements
However, nothing became of this and in 1954 Britain formally adopted the FN FAL with the 7.62x51mm T65 cartridge
![Page 78: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/78.jpg)
.270
.280
.280/
307m
m 2
nd Opt
.7m
m H
V7m
m C
ompr
.7.6
2mm
![Page 79: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/79.jpg)
The final appearance…..
Experimental 6.25mm (1969)
![Page 80: British self loading rifles 1944 - 1953](https://reader033.vdocuments.us/reader033/viewer/2022061504/5588e505d8b42a28148b4637/html5/thumbnails/80.jpg)
The End