Parker hale m85

[Maple_Leaf_Eh]

Mmmmmmmm! Should have won the Army contract over the AI L96?? I'm not to sure about that. The L96 shoots like a demon and is the only rifle I have ever taken out of its cover and shot a V bull at 1000 yds first round cold. This thread alone has already criticised the M85 build quality. However it is a beautiful looking gun and has its place in British sniper rifle history, I fully intend getting one.

My dad had a cold barrel V-bull with his Long Branch No.4T and the No.32 REL Mk II scope. I've told this story before; he was enroute to a vintage rifle match but wasn't sure of his zero. There was another match the week before, and when he arrived they were already at 1000yds. So, out of the chest with a single swab pass to dry the bore, and choose a good looking round of DA Mk VII ammunition. Look at the tables and screw up the elevation knob. Take a good aim. Bang. The target goes down, and comes up V! No sense arguing with perfection, and he retired the rifle to the chest.

[sd4f]

BTW, I found the P-H M85 manual the other day, there may be a brochure in that area as well. Don't have a good way to scan them, though.

If you look at the case pic I put up, that's, as far as I know, what comes with M85's (Apart from the test group print out, which I've seen of other rifles, but I don't have). There should be an 'Operating Information' manual, 'Repair Instructions' and the colour brochure. I haven't got a scanner, the best I could do is take photos of the brochure if you want them.

[jmoore]

If you look at the case pic I put up, that's, as far as I know, what comes with M85's (Apart from the test group print out, which I've seen of other rifles, but I don't have). There should be an 'Operating Information' manual, 'Repair Instructions' and the colour brochure.

Those documents look the same as my examples. The color brochure doesn't appear to be in my possession, but it seems familiar.

[sd4f]

Here's pics of the brochure. If you want PM me your email details and I can email you higher resolution pictures. They won't be brilliant because they're being done on my phone, so photo quality isn't that good.

[Gil Boyd]

Yes great brochure which I was recently sent by an ex employee of Parker Hale when he cleared his loft out. Be worth something one day just like the rifle which is creeping up in price daily, and about time too.
Gil

[Gil Boyd]

On the case apparently someone in Portsmouth manufactured the aluminium cases.....anybody got anymore info than that who lives near by?

[DanL96a1]

I have a Parker Hale M85 with a green McMillian stock, and parker hale bipod with a new parker hale barrel, fitted by G.E. Fulton’s and son a VERY tight barrel. It has a parker hale 26mm all in one mount, with a Kahles ZF84 6x42 telescopic sight. It also has its original battle sights front and rear.

It is a very accurate rifle and when used in conjunction with a L96A1, shooting side by side at 600 yards at Huns Heads, there is not a lot of difference between the two. The sling attached to the M85 is the Seynex Small Arms Sling 2005 production, which is a webbing sling and similar to the L8/L42 sling. I understand these are available from Brian Dick website. This sling is seen on the L96 and L118, which seems to fit the M85 perfectly, as a carrying sling and single point if required. Mine looks the same as rifle in post #18, and is in the same serial number range. As mine is S/N 00408F.

I have been looking for information on this rifle for some years, and I become hooked on them as a young man in the 1990’s, when a Gurkha showed me how to use it properly, demonstrated its reliability and accuracy. I have found that Norman Clark has some of the Drawings and some parts, for this rifle shown on his website (see attached), but I have found it almost impossible to get user manuals, or technical information on this rifle especially after 2003. I would love to know more about this rifle, and the M85’s. It is an excellent rifle, which packs a punch on the range.

I have attached links of the drawings and of other items found…
Parker Hale Repair Instructions.PDF
Attachment 47225Attachment 47226Attachment 47227Attachment 47228

Pictures of my Parker Hale M85

DanL96a1

[Gil Boyd]

Dan,
Just finishing an article on why I, and others believe the M85 lost the MOD contract to the L96 in 1986. Should be done soon and will be posted on the site for comments.
Needless to say, like you I am an avid user and owner of the M85

[DanL96a1]

Gil9713 I look forward to reading this article, I’m a big fan of the PH M85 and have used and learnt to love the L96. I would love to see the ins and outs of the trails, and why they came to this conclusion.

Danl96a1

[Robert303]

I have just been handed a folder of firearms manuals to dispose of. One of them is a 'Parker Hale 7.62 x 51mm sniper Rifle M. 85 REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS' it is dated Nov 1985 on the back page and is 18 pages long. Will try to put a photo up later. Any idea of value? Anyone interested?