Leader Dynamics T2MK5

The Leader T2 MK5 Series weapons were designed to fit the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge. They were manufactured by Leader Dynamics of Smithfield, NSW, Australia (1978-1982/1983). The Leader was designed by Charles St. George. It was originally a contender for a 5.56 mm Australian military service rifle to replace the Lithgow L1A1-F1 SLR and Colt M16A1 rifles. What was unique about this was that Australia had never designed or manufactured its own commercial gas-operated semi-automatic rifle. The rifle was abandoned when the Steyr AUG was adopted for use by the Australian military.

The T2 used a triangular bolt-face that was similar to the Winchester Model 100. This was adopted because the original bolt-face was too complex and expensive to manufacture. Barrett Firearms uses a similar design for the M82A1 and its bolt action guns. St. George worked for Barrett at around this time but was not involved in design or engineering duties.