The SA80 is famed for its disastrous introduction into British Army service, even inspiring unofficial t-shirts to be worn by soldiers stating it was, " Designed by the Incompetent; Issued by the Uncaring; Carried by the Unfortunate."

During development, the British Army gave serious consideration to manufacturing a left-handed version for up to 10% of the total weapons produced. Jonathan explains what happened to these plans and this early version of the rifle.