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

[quarryman]

I purchased an M85 back in 1987, (I believe,correct me if I'm wrong),serial number 00332F.It came with a Tasco 6x44 scope and a hard transit case.I was 23 years old at the time when I ordered it from County Sports in Haverfordwest,Pembrokeshire sometime in 1986.It was a 9 month wait.I still have this rifle and has fired around 800 rounds since new.It is the finest rifle I have ever owned. Do you have any info on this rifle?

[Gil Boyd]

Hi Quarryman,

Glad to hear you have been pleased with what I will always say "is the best sniper rifle made",
anyway, before I attract too much incoming from other members on the site, back to your request:

Your rifle left the Parker Hale factory on the 23rd January 1987, after assembly by Engineer Bill Smallwood. He shot a 15.2mm group with 10 rounds at 100 yards.
There is a note beside the entry 0.3077.
No scope was fitted or requested but the rifle was sold to a "UK Home Sale" as per the entry written, with no other information.
Hope that helps.

[quarryman]

Many thanks Gil.Using 42.0 gn of Reloader 15,155gn Sierra MatchKing,COL-2.800,I get 0.25" groups at 100 yards.That's amazing for a 30 year old rifle!

[Gil Boyd]

Absolutely............and one of the reasons why I have always been a great supporter of the system. I would describe it as well ahead of its time.

[quarryman]

This is a group I shot at 100yds just a few weeks ago.

[Gil Boyd]

Certainly still shooting how it should Quarryman.

For the information of all Parker Hale Rifle owners, I have just finished coverting all the PH manual records held, onto the computer finally, which should make searching for ANY weapon that ever passed through their hands up to 2000, easier. There are a lot of SA80's and LIA1's on the records, and a mass of every make and model you can imagine FYI
If you have a weapon you think may have strayed their way, just ask I can check.

[quarryman]

You've done sterling work Gil.It would be interesting to see where all the M85s went to and how many were actually made.I wonder how many are still in existance.

[Gil Boyd]

There are quite a few, certainly in the hundreds, still out there being enjoyed everyday.
The price is starting to creep up, but that can be said about absolutely anything, with a piece of history attached to it, as people look to invest in something which is definitely worth investing in as a sure bet!

[Nigel]

There are quite a few, certainly in the hundreds, still out there being enjoyed everyday.
The price is starting to creep up, but that can be said about absolutely anything, with a piece of history attached to it, as people look to invest in something which is definitely worth investing in as a sure bet!

Gill

Do the records indicate how many M85 rifles were built and is that something you can share? Also any idea how many Bremmer Arms AR15 .22LR were made?

Thanks

Nigel

[Gil Boyd]

Nigel,
No problems...........the "records" show 460 or should I say thats as high as the numbering goes on records, however, I would put it closer to 500 with trials and prototypes that are no doubt out there if that helps.

Bremmer feature a lot in the records with all the recorded AR15 LR .22 starting with the prefix LB000***.
Quite a few upper and lower recievers for the AR15 LR .22 were also despatched to Sabre Defence. Sadly nothing definitive on how many were made.