These are original, British Army issue, Mounting Brackets for the Individual Weapon Sight (I.W.S.) night vision 'scope, to mount the sight onto the L1A1 SLR.

Originally supplied as one of the 4 'standard' mounts held in the hard case for the original US made 'Starlight Scope' and subsequently the L7 IWS (for Infantry versions of the sight), these once common items are now difficult to come by. The L4E1 mount comprises of a standard SLR top cover with a permanently fitted cast and machined bracket to accept the universal adaptor fitted to the body of the IWS. Fitting the bracket is achieved in the same way as the fitting of the SUIT sight mounting, in that the rifle is 'broken' the plain top cover slid off and the mounting slid on. No special tools are required. The rifle can be carried with the bracket fitted and the IWS carried in it's soft case and only mounted at dusk when required. The bracket is offset to the left (see photos) and still allows the standard iron sights to be used when in place on the rifle.

Once the IWS was fitted the rifle was notoriously heavy and ill balanced, however at the time of first introduction it was 'state of the art' and saw extensive service in Northern Ireland, the Falkland Islands and the first Gulf War. The IWS remained in front line service beyond the withdrawal of the SLR.

These brackets are in excellent used condition. The top cover tabs are intact and the original black painted finish shows only minor wear and tear.

Unit of sale; 1 Mounting Bracket.

NATO Stock Number; 1005-99-963-3746.

Stock Number; NIGHTVISION30

Please note that the de-activated SLR shown in the photos is for illustrative purposes only, is not included in the sale and is not for sale!