Extremely Rare British, Enfield Manufactured, Military Issued GPMG L37A1 - Coaxial Variant

This is an extremely rare British military issued GPMG - General Purpose Machine Gun. It was manufactured in 1969 by Enfield and is correctly marked L37A1 with broad arrow acceptance stamps. Chambered in 7.62mm NATO, it carries the correct British UE serial number and designation codes. This particular example is referred to as a "Coaxial" variant. The coaxial models often lack the butt stock, carrying handle and bipod and are found with a barrel extension piece. It can be either trigger or solenoid fired depending on the application or requirement. In the UK the coaxial models are known as the L8A1 and L8A2 and benefit from an improved feed mechanism for higher rates of fire. They are still in use with the British army and are currently fitted to tanks and various armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) .

The L37A1 was adopted by the British army in 1961 seeing service in many conflicts. It is quite plausible that this example was involved during the Falklands War in 1982 . The barrel markings prove that this one saw active service with various numbers struck through. These are characteristic armorers markings used when reworking and maintaining stocks of serviceable weapons. The old British markings on the barrel, L3A2 were originally used on .30 cal Browning M1919A4 and L6A1 for .50 calibred machine guns on Centurion tanks. These markings confirm it was used on a British tank or AFV.

This is the first one of its type we have encountered. The British Army rarely release these types firearms into the public domain, most are simply destroyed.

This extremely rare piece of British military hardware was deactivated to old specifications in 1995. It has a full working action and can be cocked, stripped and dry fired.

This would be very a impressive centre piece and is ideally suited to be mounted on a tank or AFV.