Viewpoint - British Army Contract for L96A1 Sniper Rifle (by Gil Boyd B.E.M)

[Peter Laidler]

I wonder exactly who proofed the UK Military M-85's. Not Enfield as 'outside interest' equipment such as the Sterling SMG's, XXX's and M-XX's and P-H L81's were proofed at the proofing Establishment at Cold Meece. Civilian proof was not acceptable to the UK Miltary at the time

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[Nigel]

I got the story from an ex 2 Para guy who was in a competition with me up at Diggle in 2012. We were shooting back to 1,000 yards in a Practical Rifle competition. That is the only time my M85 gets an outing nowadays. As soon as he spotted it he was all over it and then told me the story of how they had been issued them. He also mentioned the Gurkhas but I can't remember which regiment. I picked up some spare 10 round mags recently that were marked RGJ. Hence why I mentioned these three units.

I've got some pictures somewhere of me shooting in Wales down hill with the M85. We also went back to 1,100 yards and I was getting good hits with 175 grain ammo. However, I was most chuffed when selected to be the first to shoot at a 12" metal gong at 825 yards. No sighters. 3 shots with 30 points for a first shot hit down to 20 if with the 3rd shot. After a bit of head scratching about elevation settings - three loud clangs later I was a happy bunny.

[Nigel]

Some pics of my M85 rifle and it's user handbooks but these are just Civilian issue. Me on the right in Wales. Target is small white Pepper Popper near junction of bend about 450 yards but less elevation when aiming downhill.