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), laser designators and thermal sights. A 40mm grenade launcher may be mounted, but at the moment the Commonwealth Army has refrained from procuring them, believing in the greater utility of the Rifle Grenade General Service.
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.