SA80 Assault Rifles

Now the standard weapon for British soldiers across the globe, the SA80's early years were surrounded in controversy after a series of dismal performances.
It was prone to jamming in desert conditions, had several flimsy parts that would often break after repeated use and had an incredibly sensitive magazine catch. When these issues came to light the SA80 was lambasted by the news, leading to the Ministry of Defence ordering an extensive modification programme that dramatically improved reliability.
Combat accounts and in-depth analysis of the SA80's performance in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq guide the reader through its troubled life, while vivid artwork helps to illustrate the transformation it underwent; from an unreliable rifle disliked by the soldiers who used it to being one of the world's most innovative and accurate small arms.

Neil Grant is from a military family and grew up on a succession of army bases. A graduate in archaeology, Neil is a Trustee of the Royal Armouries and a committee member of the Ordnance Society.
Peter Dennis studied Illustration at Liverpool Art College. He has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.
Alan Gilliland is a writer, illustrator and publisher who has contributed to more than 70 Osprey titles. He won 19 awards over 19 years as the graphics editor of the Daily Telegraph.

Introduction
Development
Use
Impact
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index