Is there a correct scope for the PH M85?

[Nigel]

A picture of the M85 6x44 Tasco scope as fitted on the rifle that was allocated for an article by Guns Review. Also a page from the User Handbook. You can see that it is the same scope as in Simon's pictures. If anyone knows of a spare Transit Chest - I'd be interested. Norman Clark Gunsmiths in Rugby has lots of spare parts - I don't know if he has any barrels. Sabre Defence did but their boss is "in a bit of trouble" and I don't know who took over the stockof the business.

[Gil Boyd]

Nigel,
The scopes were solely a choice made by the buyer and therefore, several were available much on par which each other.
Norman Clark I know have several barrels available.
The transit chests are available at an overinflated cost of £485 but like Rocking Horse poo as the current company are ceasing making them, and their foam inerds are cut for the L96 ironically and available from Sporting Services - Accuracy International Rifle Sales Agents, Accu-Shot Agents, Small Arms & Ammunition Suppliers and Ballistic Consultants. so by the time you rip out and replace with the proper plastifoam its an expensive case.
Easier to get a PELI CASE in green which is what I did.
Hope that helps
Gil

[rgg_7]

Does any body know when Parker Hale moved the M85 assembly to the USA. Was told Val Forget (sp?) Virginia was the importer and did some receiver machining/assembly? Don't know who purchased all his equipment/components when he ceased operations. Saw one of these M85 for sale by a Texas dealer last fall...impressive rifle with a S&B scope, PH sling, composite stock, no box. Like to know more about the USA assembled M85's. Ron(Canada)

[Gil Boyd]

Ron,
As written in my piece about the M85 losing the contract to the L96:

In 1991 Gibbs Rifle Company in the USA, finally acquired the Parker Hale M85 manufacturing licence on a 10 year lease, but did not take up the mantel to continue to produce the rifle there.

The interesting piece which I didn't include which perhaps is the right time to put it on record is, that Val Forjett of Navy Arms did in fact buy "numbered" actions from Roger Hale and put them together for customers States side.

These numbers are all recorded which I have, but sadly as I found out recently much of the historic rifles detailed records were destroyed by Modular Industries who burnt the lot...............criminal in my view but history has once again disappeared due to ignorance on retaining such valuable records.

[rgg_7]

Gil9713,

Where can I find your article?

Occasionally see M85 parts surface in the USA. I'd like to know if barrels/receivers were British proofed? Would think so however if straight assembly it's possible...the barrel on the Texas dealers M85 was marker "Parker Hale ?????????"

Ron(Canada)

[Gil Boyd]

Ron,
This should take you to it.........enjoy

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