The L3A1 bayonet was designed for use with the British SA80 Rifle and is a one-piece forging with a hollow, ribbed hilt that fits snugly over the muzzle of the 5.56 mm NATO calibre SA80 Rifle.
The 178mm single-edged blade has a flat spine over a short single fuller and terminates in a clipped point. The blade is double-edged for the final 40mm and incorporates a wire-cutting edge and aperture for fitting to the wire cutter section of the scabbard. The first 65mm of the edge include an almost vestigial serrated section. The blade is in good condition with minor scabbard wear and retains its matt finish.
The integral cast hilt is in good condition and retains its black finish. The connection/locking mechanism is in good working order.
The scabbard is composed of plastic and incorporates a wire-cutter, a fold-out saw blade, and a sharpening stone. The scabbard is inserted into a camouflage pattern (DPM) nylon over-scabbard/full-length belt frog. The outer scabbard/frog is in good condition and is dated 1994, the final year of production of the L3A1 bayonet.
This is a good condition British army issued L3A1 bayonet for the SA80 rifle.