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

[Steve1152]

Hi Gil thanks for the info its much appreciated. I would really like a copy of the contract you mention. My email is graham1411@hotmail.com. From the reply from desperatedan 00341G fell off the lorry on the journey back to Canada. I wonder if there is anymore information out there. I understand the USO 10X scope should be graduated for elevation in 100 metre increments up to 800 meters for the C3A1. The scope on 00341G appears to be in 100 yards increments to 1000 yards. This does not appear to be correct. Does anyone know if this could be correct for the rifle? Thanks Steve

[Steve1152]

Hi Gil I must be having a made moment I gave you an incorrect e-mail address it should be graham1152@hotmail.com Apologies Regards Steve

[desperatedan]

Steve, the C3A1 scopes would have originally been made by Unertl marked accordingly. The one on 00341G is marked as made by US Optics (so produced after their takeover of Unertl) and has the plug on the bottom under the serial number for the erector (coil) spring. Scopes as originally made by Unertl did not have this as they used a leaf spring.

Is the scope original to this rifle? Hard to tell as USO did apparently refurb the original Unertl made scopes for the USMC which included updating to a coil spring but it's uncertain whether the Canadians had theirs refurbished too. What can also confuse is that over the years USO have occasionally produced limited runs of MST-100 scopes which were engraved with Sniper etc and your rifle serial number to order.

[Gil Boyd]

Steve,
The answer is partially answered on page three of the contract I have sent you which clearly states:

Telescope Mounts: The exisiting telescope mounts will be replaced with a single place mount for the UNERTL 10 x sniper scope. The single piece mount will have the same serial number as the weapon.

Telescope: The exisiting KHALLES telescopes will be replaced with a UNERTL 10 inch telescope to be provided by DND.

---------- Post added at 08:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:36 AM ----------

By the way thanks to Ray and others my M85 has a proper issued alluminium case to be carried in, in the future.
Thanks for sourcing it guys............rocking horse poo!!

[Steve1152]

Gil and desperatedan many thanks for your input it's much appreciated and has given me a greater insight and understanding of the C3A1.

[Cold_Zero]

Hi Steve,

The scope is not correct as described.

[Lee Enfield]

Hi Gil thanks for the info its much appreciated. I would really like a copy of the contract you mention. My email is graham1411@hotmail.com. From the reply from desperatedan 00341G fell off the lorry on the journey back to Canada. I wonder if there is anymore information out there. I understand the USO 10X scope should be graduated for elevation in 100 metre increments up to 800 meters for the C3A1. The scope on 00341G appears to be in 100 yards increments to 1000 yards. This does not appear to be correct. Does anyone know if this could be correct for the rifle? Thanks Steve

US Optics did not build any Unertl 10x ("MST 100") scopes before 2002, when they received a contract to refurbish & supply parts for Marine Corps Unertl 10x scopes.

US Optics did not supply any complete replacement scopes to the CF as they failed (waterproofing tests according to my sources) acceptance testing. US Optics "may have" refurbished some CF Unertl 10x scopes.

Steve, the C3A1 scopes would have originally been made by Unertl marked accordingly. The one on 00341G is marked as made by US Optics (so produced after their takeover of Unertl) and has the plug on the bottom under the serial number for the erector (coil) spring. Scopes as originally made by Unertl did not have this as they used a leaf spring.

Is the scope original to this rifle? Hard to tell as USO did apparently refurb the original Unertl made scopes for the USMC which included updating to a coil spring but it's uncertain whether the Canadians had theirs refurbished too. What can also confuse is that over the years USO have occasionally produced limited runs of MST-100 scopes which were engraved with Sniper etc and your rifle serial number to order.

US Optics did not "take over" Unertl, they received a contract (2001/2002) from the Marine Corps to refurbish existing Unertl 10x Scopes.

From the 2004 US Optics catalogue:

In approx.2000, Major Tafolla of U.S.M.C. Systems Command approached Mrs. Unertl to continue to refurbish and
supply their M40 scopes. He was told she/they could no longer do the M40 scopes, as her husband had passed away
and they had no employees who could do the job satisfactorily. She said she was planning to sell the company. She
recommended us as capable of doing the job. In approx. 2001 Major Taffolla and his officers visited us, saw the
company and asked us to do the work. We won the contract for scope refurbishment, they ere extremely happy and
have been with us since then. We have made and refurbished many scopes, modified and made changes for the
corps and have a great relationship with them.

[mforow]

hy everybody
a really good and useful idea

Gil,
i was wondering if you had any info on the provenance of these rifles:
S12053
R56301
any info would be gratefully received
thanks in advance
miche

[Steve1152]

Can anyone help? I am trying to confirm the authenticity of a Parker Hale M85 serial number 00354F. Any help would be much appreciated.

[Gil Boyd]

Miche,
Sorry to say there is nothing recorded for either of those rifles on PH records that survived.


Steve1152,
Your rifle Parker Hale M85 was manufactured on the 13th of July 1989 in a GREEN NATO stock by Eddie Taff the Chief Engineer.
No scope was requested or fitted.
It shot a 19.7mm group at 100 yards with 10 rounds
It was sold to and the only word entry in the files is DAGLEISH.
Hope that helps
Gil