L87 rifle

L87 rifle series
Place of origin	Arthurista
Service history
In service	1987 - present
Used by	See Users
Production history
Manufacturer	l
Specifications
Weight	3.60 kg (7.5 lb)
Length	785mm
Barrel length	518mm
Caliber	5.56×45mm
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt (short-stroke piston)
Rate of fire	610-775 RPM
Sights	Iron sights or various optics

The L87 rifle is an [[Arthurista]n assault rifle which replaced the venerable L54 rifle in use since the 1950's with the Commonwealth Army and Commonwealth Marines. In contrast with its long, heavy predecessor, the L87 is a compact, bullpup weapon firing an intermediate cartridge, and as such much more suitable for use by mechanised infantry. Weight is reduced through the use of a forged aluminium receiver, whilst accuracy is increased through the employment of a SUSAT telescopic sight, although the latter is being gradually replaced by more modern optics. Reliability in adverse conditions was initially an issue, although most of the teething problems have been fixed and it is currently generally regarded as an effective infantry weapon.

Aside from optics, common accesories include a knife bayonet (socket-mounted in the hilt, with its blade offset from the barrel to the side), a 40mm underbarrel grenade launcher, laser designators and thermal sights.

The L87 rifle's bayonet fixed to a barrel

Alongside the basic rifle model, two variants have been fielded. One is the L87 Light Support Weapon, which is intended to be used as a fireteam-level light machine gun to lay down a heavy volume of fire, although its long barrel also confers upon it the necessary accuracy to fill the role of a marksman rifle. A subcompact carbine variant with a 285mm barrel is also produced to arm vehicle and air crew.