Since it’s introduction back in 2009 as a replacement for the iconic L96A1, the L129A1 became an icone of its own. Selected to fulfill both the roles of a sharpshooter rifle and of the sniper support weapon (SSW). The former is what most people picture when thinking about this gun due to the massive Trijicon TA648-308 (6x48mm) scope. But today is all about the latter. Envisionned as a companion to the L115A3, the SSW kit swaps the big ACOG for the long time issued L17A1, and later on the L24A1.
The L17A1s came from the late end of life CES of the L96A1 with their Accuracy International scope mount featuring a short front SIMRAD top ring. While its a good scope, the L129A1’s own CES came with a little extra tool : the Trijicon RMR micro red dot sight. Sitting on top of the TA648 it allows for reflex shooting in close quarters and helps pin pointing a target before transitionning to the scope to engage.
This capability is even more useful when the scope the RMR is paired with can go up to x12 magnification. So the idea to attach the tiny sight to the L17A1 came out naturally. To achieve this, the Shield Sights picatinny/weaver mount (part number 794712615590) is used in conjunction with an unkown riser plate so that the RMR sits well above the top turret.
The last, only, thing I’m still pondering is if the short SIMRAD top ring was milled to accomodate the picatinny attachment type.