L1A1 self loading rifle. Made of black composite material and steel with a pistol grip and two sling loops. Fitted with a 20 round detachable box magazine. It is gas operated and semi-automatic. The calibre is 7.62mm. The following is stamped on the rifle: 'UB139214 RIFLE 7.62mm L1A1 UB61 A139214 960 2302', (on magazine) 'D960-0017'. A Nato agreement to standardise small-arms ammuntion and the development of reliable self-loading (semi-automatic) rifles before and during the Second World War made the replacement of the .303 Lee Enfield rifle inevitable. Despite developing a relatively successful British rifle, the EM2, a decision was made to adopt the Belgian FN FAL, using a cartridge of American design, the 7.62mm. This sturdy and reliable rifle was eventually put into service by over 50 nations. The British L1A1 version was replaced by the 5.56mm SA80.