If we assume the V1.0 timeline then there is really no chance for the L85 upgrade. The first (A1) upgrade program came as a direct result of the 1st Gulf War. If that conflict had not been fought then there would be no reason to upgrade the L85 (it's problems where never really highlighted till they where taken into proper wartime conditions), the same would go for the Challenger MBT.
If we assue the (imho flawed) V2.0 timeline then the L85A1 would of been introduced but it's very unlikely that the A2 upgrade would be carried out in wartime conditions. the A2 program involved sending around two hundred thousand L85s to the factory for what was essentialy an internal rebuild.
The SLR was arguably the best firearm ever issued to the British army, I don't think i've ever heard a bad thing about it. however when you consider the vast amount of 5.56 ammo in the Uk and in NATO militaries it seems doubtful that any post-exchange choice of longterm weapon would be in any other calibre.
However the problem with the SAR-87 (British AR-18) is that the company which produced it went out of business in the 80's. By the year 2000, post-exchange, would all the required plans and such even exist? The Americans have their hands full so it's not very likely they would even consider helping the UK. It can be safely assumed that America (both mil' and civ' governments) would be adopting an "america-first" isolationist policy as they rebuild.
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Better to reign in hell, than to serve in heaven.
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