Wasn't sure where to ask this question so I figured here was the best option.
I would like to see a picture of the feed rails and feed ramp on the M85 actions. Want to see how they get the m14 mags to feed.
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Wasn't sure where to ask this question so I figured here was the best option.
I would like to see a picture of the feed rails and feed ramp on the M85 actions. Want to see how they get the m14 mags to feed.
Richard,
I'll have a dig around and report back soon
Thanks Gil.
Robert
I haven't had my sticky paws on an M-85 since the late 1990s; all I have is the memories and a copy of the factory manual.They appear to have been built on a "special" body that is reminiscent of a "solid-bottomed" P-H 1200 "single-shot" target rifle.
If you look at the metalwork out of the stock, it is a fair bit beefier along the side rails than your basic Mauser 98. Thus, it was not a huge challenge to machine out a "well" suitable for the M-14 magazine, (or get the Spanish investment-casting shop to do a special run).
Note also that the mag spring MAY have been "adjusted" from the standard "lift force" of the parent system. Mauser-style bolts go back and forth a LOT slower than M-14 jobs do.
Thus, you do NOT need the rather heavy "standard" spring, which. in any case, massively increases the drag forces pushing upwards against the bolt. Give any standard Mauser or Lee Enfield mag follower a prod downwards, and then try an M-14 specimen. You will get the drift.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruce_in_Oz
Thanks Bruce, Never even considered the spring pressure.
Robert,
Sadly no blue prints or flagged up issues of a possible feed problem as they are supposed to be interchangeable, but the feed rails and feed ramps are almost the same as the Mauser 98. Only issue could be as already stated would be to look at the spring comparisons on opposing mags out of their casings, could be someone has swapped them over time.
Robert,
Meant to ask you, are you using the 10 round mag in your queries?
Also rumours abound about Sabre Defence Industries who are "supposed" to have the tooling for the M85, purchased from Gibbs Rifle Co and supposed to be doing something with them in the future!!! Don't hold your breath!!
Yes a 10 rounder is what I plan on using. Anything bigger would just get in the way, in those awkward shooting positions you sometimes encounter.
Saber Defense even still in business?
I doubt the tooling matters, the casting dies and perhaps some fixtures would be useful however...Quote:
Originally Posted by Gil Boyd
Even a picture through the mag well and ejection port would be helpful.
An M87, not quite what you asked for, but you can see some major differences between the M87 and M85:Quote:
Originally Posted by Rwsgunsmithing
Attachment 63454
I'm sure you've seen this:
Parker-Hale M85 sniper rifle receiver casting : Small Rifle Parts at GunBroker.com
Viewpoint - British Army Contract for L96A1 Sniper Rifle (by Gil Boyd B.E.M)
Parker Hale M85 Serial Number Checks Provenance on Manufacture (Records)
The casting is not finished machined so I'm willing to bet the feedrails and ramp are not 100% correct. So I don't want to rely on that image, was hoping to see a image of a complete rifle or at least a finished machined receiver.
From the manual:
An "exploded" view.
The full manual is floating around the internet somewhere.
One source:
Here.
If you have anything to "upload" to Steve, as a "trade", please share it.
Cheers,
Bruce
Pretty much all of the cartridge guidance is by way of the magazine feed lips on the M14 type mags. About the only contact with the receiver body is up front. So, what you see on the raw casting is pretty much it, except maybe a bit of polishing of the short feed ramps just behind the locking recess. I've found that many M14 mags will work "as is", 5, 10, or 20 rounders. But used mags may need some minor widening of the feed lips at the rear particularly or the bolt will ride over the round without picking it up. Even "tweaked" they still wwork in M14 type rifles, so it's the M85 that's more "sensitive".
I probably have to agree with that last statement, as I to had issues with consistant feeding until I ditched using the M14 mags which I then got rid of. Wish I had kept them as I could have taken some detailed photos as a comparison for you. I am fairly sure from speaking to Bill Smallwood ex PH technician of many years standing who worked on the M85 and rest of the series, that the M14 mags work perfectly well with their rifles, and only in a few cases require tweaking at the lips, which could on inspection clearly be seen to be damaged or slightly indented through operational wear, thus causing feed issues on the pick up of the round rim!Quote:
Originally Posted by jmoore
Only photos I have currently of the areas in question. Not too helpful, methinks. But until such time as I do another pullapart, that's likely all there will be!:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff037-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff060-1.jpg
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmoore
Actually picture 2 is exactly what I need, now if it were a little brighter it would be perfect.
From what I can see , it really doesn't have much for any feed rails on the side. Because if you look at this picture of the casting for sale on GB there is a very pronounced rail section that would need to be removed for proper feeding.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...43732069-1.jpg
I kind of figured there shouldn't be much of a side feed rail with a magazine fed gun such as the M85 as it uses the feed lips of the mag for proper round retention and feeding.
Hello Robert, been into the safe tonight and dug out the M85, these may be of help to you.
ATB
Bingo!
Quote:
Originally Posted by blurrededge