Parker-Hale M85

The Parker Hale M85 is a British bolt-action .308 sniper rifle, with an effective range around 900 metres. It fires from a 10-round detachable magazine, and weighs 12 pounds, telescopic sight included. The rifle was created after the Falklands War by Parker Hale Ltd in response to shortcomings in the contemporary Lee–Enfield L42A1.[2] Although the Parker Hale M85 manufacturing licence was sold to Gibbs Rifle Co., it has not yet resumed production.

Parker Hale M85
Parker Hale M85 sniper rifle with scope mounts but no rifle scope
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Production history
ManufacturerParker Hale
VariantsParker Hale M85 Police
Specifications
Mass12.57 lbs. (with scope)
Length45.3" (overall)
Barrel length24.5"
Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
Effective firing range900 metres[1]
Maximum firing range1,200 meters[2]
Feed system10-round magazine
SightsIron sights. Can be fitted with any scope.

History

The M85 took part in a British Army trial to see if it could be used as a potential sniper rifle, along with the Accuracy International PM, Heckler & Koch PSG1, SIG Sauer SSG 2000, and Remington 700.[1] The rifle lost by a slight margin to the Accuracy International (adopted by the British Army as the L96).[3]

Design

The M85's range is about 600 metres and has an 85% first round hit capabilities from 600 – 900 metres.[1] The weapon also has a silent safety catch, a threaded muzzle for a flash suppressor, and an integral dovetail rail that accepts a variety of sights.[1] The standard telescopic sight is a 6×42mm Schmidt & Bender with a BDC from 200 – 900 meters. Emergency iron sights are also fitted. The rifle is outfitted with a bipod as standard.[2] The fiberglass stock is made by McMillan.[1]

Variants

There is a police variant of the M85, which has a cheek pad option on the rifle's timber stock.[2] This was marketed as the M87 model.

Users

References
  1. "Parker Hale M85". Archived from the original on 2010-07-04. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  2. "Parker-Hale M85" (in German). Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  3. "British L96A1". Archived from the original on 2010-06-18. Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-03-28. Retrieved 2012-10-16.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-10-09. Retrieved 2014-11-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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