A few years ago I wanted to make a L85 clone so I purchased the most realistic replica I could find and bought a 22lr host but the plan never materialized. I sold the 22 and have kept to the parts in a bin until finding them recently. I want to pick back up with the project but instead use a 9mm host.

My current plan is to use a Semi Auto MAC 9mm upper receiver.

1. Cut off the top front sight off
2. Weld the entire upper receiver into the l85 (If it can fit)
3. Find 16” Mac barrel
4. Turn down the barrel so it can mount the handguard holder/fake gas block.
5. Weld in a magazine well/ magazine release button from the original design
6. Build or weld into the l85 lower receiver, the Mac trigger group
7. Create a front connector for the upper and lower receiver
8. Put the charging handle to the side of the bolt instead of the top


I have to figure out if the Mac parts or upper receiver will fit. If you have one, can you let me know if the dimensions are close before I buy a semi Mac parts kit.

Looks like a very cool project.

Which L85 replica did you buy?

While I question your choice in precision measuring instruments, i admire your spirit, best of luck.

I ran out of batteries for my calipers, I’ll buy more and redo it when I’m able to go to a super market . This is just a brainstorming the plan

That’s pretty cool, hope it works out and wish we had a l85 option on 556

Just get this

The grail

There was a .22lr version/replica of the SA80 ??

No - it seems that he's saying the original plan was to shoehorn a .22lr into the non-gun/replica body.

That was the original plan but the first picture are of a 22lr LEI made of the l85. There’s very little information on them

I thought you had mocked that up in photoshop!

I had no awareness of such a beast until right this moment.

Yip - I might have known about it back in the day, but was too busy with other projects, such as going into the RAF
I know an LEI firm still exists - seem to make sound moderators - wonder if it is the same folk, likely so!

I'd spotted the airsoft type parts earlier, but the first photos were obviously of a factory made .22lr

I think there would be a market for this again - just hope IF it is made it's not monkey metal junk like a lot of the GSG made crap