Words: Rich Norman

Thanks to the feedback I received after publishing my article entitled Modern L119A1, I’ve been encouraged to do a quick breakdown of an ‘Alternative IUR’ L119A2 photo.

This less familiar L119A2 is characterised by its full-RIS upper and more limited feature set when compared to the partial-RIS L119A2, better known by most.

What I mean by a more limited feature set is that whereas the partial-RIS L119A2 is issued with an ambi-charging handle and ambi-mag release, the full-RIS L119A2 exhibits non-ambi versions – certainly in all the pics I’ve seen so far. Equally, the full-RIS L119A2 features a basic birdcage flash hider, as opposed to a Surefire FH556-216A.

The full-RIS L119A2 does still include refinements such as ambi-fire controls and a Geissele trigger group however – features identified in pics and through other documentary resources – which are shared by both platforms.

Here’s my interpretation of the salient features shown in the pic:

Here’s a visual guide to those same features:

Not seen in the pic, but it’s also worth mentioning that the full-RIS L119A2 IUR has its US patent number lasered on to its left side by Colt Canada, like this:

Interestingly, the newest Colt Canada MRR uppers – progeny of the IUR – have the patent embossed during the forging process; perhaps showing it’s growing importance:

Lastly, I’m not 100% sure why the NSN on the magwell has been partially blanked in the original pic.

Below is a screenshot which has found its way into the public domain, which lists two NSNs. All NSN instances I’ve seen end in 98 (regardless of upper length). Lowers with NSNs ending 99 may exist – I’ve just not seen one yet.

Thanks to Jay Taranis for editing the original pic.

You can read more about my L119A2 clone correct project here:

Part 1 – Initial Parts Selection

Part 2 – Colt Canada Parts

More articles relating to the L119A2:

  • The Comprehensive UKSF (SAS/SBS) L119A2 Parts and Accessories List
  • The original L119A2 primer, here
  • GG&G AR15 vertical fore-grip in use here
  • Magpul QDM and ASAP QD in use here
  • 15.7″ L119A2 upper in use here
  • Surefire FA556SA Suppressor here
  • GG&G Aimpoint T1 mount in use here
  • Magpul MS3 sling in use here
  • Magpul ACS stock in use here
  • Colt Canada parts – as used on the L119A2 – here
  • Manta Very Low Profile Rail Covers as used on the L119A2 here
  • UKSF Newcastle raid pics part 1
  • UKSF Newcastle raid pics part 2
  • UKSF Nairobi Kenya incident L119A2 parts breakdown here
  • UKSF Belize ‘Jungle Set-up’ L119A2 parts breakdown here
  • Confirmation bias (and the HSP Thorntail offset light mount) here
  • UKSF Ecosystem: S&S Precision Sling Clip – Old Gen – here
  • Inforce WML-type lights in use here

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Obi Wan Nairobi patch from Platatac