Search, FAQ, and other forums did not turn up much, so I am trying here:

Can anyone give SPECIFICS on the problems that have plagued the British L85?

Specifically:
- What problems/symptoms do the troops in the FIELD see when the rifle gets troublesome?
- What MECHANICAL, MAINTENANCE, or DESIGN features/problems have been identified as major contributors to these "field problems"?
- What SPECIFIC changes have been applied to the L85 design as solution attempts?
- IS there any "in-common" experience the checkered L85 career may share with the early M16 problems?

All I can find on the net is the usual bureaucrat-speak about the problems; nothing technically SPECIFIC!  So I am trying here, where the well-informed usually hang out.

[url]http://www.smallarmsreview.com/pdf/sa80.pdf[/url]

The most info ive ever seen on them.

Miserable failure.

MOD spent $145 million to modify 200,000 in 2000-2002, that works out to $725 each. Could have bought new M4's for that. Due to be replaced within 4 years.

A defence official added: "The SA-80 was a weapon designed by committee. It was meant to be all things to all people and it had to be British-built - but in the end it was almost a disaster. We won't make that mistake again. The next rifle will be the best available."

http://www.news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2002/08/11/nrifle11.xml

http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/SA80.htm

http://world.guns.ru/assault/as22-e.htm

I don't believe there were many if any similarities.

[b]Virtually all of the problems of the early AR-15/M-16 were caused by the Army switching from IMR powder to Ball.[/b]  The Army did not notify either ArmaLite or Colt of the change and both companies found out after a Marine company was overrun and many were found dead with FTE's*.  About the only problem that couldn't be traced directly to the powder change, that I'm aware of, was the failure to chrome the chamber.  About everything else goes back to the powder change.  (Stoner is due some blame too but nothing like the Army.  BTW Stoner's blame had nothing to do with the powder change - his due blame is from marketing bullshit.)

To this very day, we civilians and the military are using a rifle with powder that the AR-15's and M-16's were never designed to use.  Ball powder is still not and will never be compatible with the AR-15/M-16 as it fouls the gas system and wears out the piston rings.

*See the "Ichord Committee Report" for more detailed information.  [b]Excerpt:  page 5370..."that the failure on the part of officials with authority in the Army to cause action to be taken to correct the deficiencies of the 5.56mm ammunition borders on criminal negligence."[/b]

What the fuck.  No one cared - not Johnson nor McNamara - none of the entire, sorry ass bunch.  Just a few more dead American service people.  No one gave a shit.