Really nice article, much appreciated for doing the work and submitting this.

I'm glad I got my M85. While there are certain aspects that I find not very impressive, it's a great collectors rifle. I certainly would like to collect more rifles, including the L96, but I think that just won't happen here.

What I'm not understanding is this whole idea of maintenance. I've no military experience; I'm a target shooter and occasional hunter. I've fired plenty of rounds to get a good idea of what goes on over years of weekly use, but beyond changing a barrel when it's worn out, and regular cleaning and oiling, I struggle to see what maintenance is required? If a well regulated M85 rifle leaves the factory, I can't see anything that needs to be done to it, beyond shooting and cleaning. Any parts, if they break, can easily be replaced as most of the parts are fastened on or pinned. So i find it a bit perplexing as to what could possibly be any different between the rifles.

I know that the M82 rifle which was used here in Australiaicon, hasn't got a good reputation amongst some vocal but anonymous internet personalities, but I've struggled to get anything more than the typical "it's a tomato stake" when I've tried to prod the issue.