The British L85 carbines (also known as SA80 after modernization) certainly have quite a reputation for their unique design. If one wants to own such a weapon, and not worry about all the problems connected with it, an interesting option has appeared , that is to buy the AKB-23 (BRN180) FULL SA80 KIT. A product of ALY & KAUFMAN LLC is designed for use with the BRN 180 rifle's gen.1 (with possible slight modifications), gen.2 and gen.2.5 receivers.

The conversion kit consists of an AKB-23 receiver made of anodized aluminum, in accordance with the MIL-A 8625 Type III standard. Inside, there is a single-stage milspec trigger and a toggle safety. On the outside, on the left, there is a magazine release and a bolt catch, an interchangeable trigger guards, an AR-15 pistol grip in the A2 variant, a polymer magazine well, a cheek pad, a Magpul SL-K stock pad or another interchangeable one.

The conversion also features QD sockets on both sides for mounting a carrying sling swivel.

The whole thing is completed by a “handguard overlay” (probably optional) simulating a characteristic L85 handguard. In this case, it is mounted directly on the M-LOK handguard and takes up 7 slots in the longer rifle variant (shown in the photos) and 6 slots in the shorter carbine variant, which is still being worked on.

To complement the kit, there are also some nice additions such as an enlarged charging handle cover styled after the L85 or a complete set of a transport grip and front sight mounted on the top rail.

The conversion itself and the add-ons are not yet available for sale. On the Aly and Kaufman LLC website, the product is listed at a price of 850 to 885 US dollars (depending on the intended receiver) for a set with a charging handle and a handguard. The announced availability in set for first or second week of January.

Photos: Aly and Kaufman LLC