The 1944 SLR
These experiments began late in the war; April 1944 was when SAL started work on the first of the line. The British government was apparently interested in a self-loading rifle chambered for the 8mm Mauser cartridge (note that they were using the Czech vz37 machine gun, aka Besa, in 8mm). In response, SAL designed a rifle with a tilting bolt action along the lines of a Bren. It was ready for trials in June of 1944 – a very impressive (or perhaps hopelessly rushed) development time of just 3 months. I have no details of the trials, except a suggestion that the gun was either too heavy or had sacrificed reliability in pursuit of a lighter weight.
Prototype Canadian SLR in 8mm, 1944. Note that the magazine appears to be a ZB-26 type. Source: MilArt photo archives
Specs:
Caliber: 7.92mm
Action: Tilting bolt
Length: 45 inches (115 cm)
Magazine capacity: 10 or 20 rounds
Bayonet: British standard No.5
Sights: Aperture
Testing the first SLR design. Source: MilArt photo archives
The SAL SLR: The Canadian .30 Cal. Self-Loader You Never Knew Existed | thefirearmblog.com
Canada’s WWII Self-Loading Rifle Experiments - Forgotten Weapons
Small Arms Ltd’s Experimental Firearms | CSMMI MILART
Small Arms Limited - The Long Branch Story 1939-1945 (Part 2)
Why well we need high level gear for Japan and Japan didn’t make it. Its less fake than the Ho-ri which gives it a leg up. it would be great to see it in the game without competing with the T-20. The UK will not get its own faction anymore then Italy or France.