Parker Hale M85 Serial Number Checks & Provenance on Manufacture (Records)

[axel]

Hello, have you more information to the serial no. 00251F? Were there also runs without thread for fire dampers? Looks at mine so, can be synonymous nothing unscrew!

Thanks

Axel

[Gil Boyd]

Hi Axel,
The rifle was manufactured and completed on the 10th March 1989 by Eddie Taff Chief Engineer at Parker Hale entry 227 in the PH Archive.

No scope was fitted or requested for the batch of 8 rifles, but it shot a 10.3mm group at 100 yards with 10 rounds.

It was supplied in a Jungle Camouflaged stock to the German Government in a batch of 8 rifles.

Other rifles were: 00260F/00149F/00317F/00298F/00215F/00168F/00110F All supplied in Jungle Camo and completed by engineer Bill Smallwoode entry Page 74 in the Register.

Hope that provides you with some history.
Gil

[axel]

Hallo Gil,
Thanks for the listing. Have you any information about muzzle fire damper at the Riffle, because I have read this? Was made the rifle with a thread for this as standard or only special option?

Axel

[Gil Boyd]

Hi Axel,
Nothing else recorded other that to which I have supplied you already I'm afraid.
Perhaps something the seller might be able to provide you with.
Gil

[axel]

Hi Gil,
first of all, thank you. I bought the rifle in 1989. The seller does not exist anymore. I actually wanted to sell the gun until I came to your side. After that I did some research and now I will not part with the good piece anymore!:clap

Axel

[Gil Boyd]

Axel,
Trust me when I tell you, that you have a piece of history in your hands. If it shoots well, which it should when you have scoped it up, enjoy what it offers. The price of these few specialist rifles is going up daily.
I bang my drum on the L96 v M85 British Army contract and why it missed out marginally to a new fresh design from Accuracy International, and thats where it ends.
The M85 will always be unique and it was a sad day when the British Army never took it on as the replacement for the L42A1.
Gil

[Gil Boyd]

Hallo Gil,
Thanks for the listing. Have you any information about muzzle fire damper at the Riffle, because I have read this? Was made the rifle with a thread for this as standard or only special option?

Axel

Axel,

Yes several customers had moderators fitted to M85's and I think Norman Clarks have one in stock, if your rifle is threaded already, if not you can send the action or the complete rifle to them to do the work.
Norman Clark Gunsmiths
19 Somers Rd, Rugby CV22 7DG UK
Hours: Open today 9am–5pm

Phone: (0044) 1788 579651

[deckerhead]

Hi Gil.
I often read most of the Parker Hale post....especially if you are involved. I have wanted a C3 Canadian Sniper for many years but are impossible to find. So I acquired the next best thing. I recently picked up a C3 Clone or so (I think). It looks pretty close......but I'm sure the serial numbers will tell of its origin . On the breach is stamped BNP (with some kind of insignia above) and serial #18093 C

[Gil Boyd]

Could you just check again the serial number as they should be preceded by a 0 four numbers and then C ie 02129C
Thanks

[deckerhead]

Here is a pic [/IMG]