Parker Hale M85: Traditional Sniper in a Modern World

Published on February 27, 2019
Duration: 8:54

This guide provides a high-level overview of disassembling and maintaining the Parker Hale M85 sniper rifle, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers bolt removal and basic disassembly for cleaning, emphasizing safety checks throughout. The M85, known for its Mauser-style action and McMillan stock, requires careful handling during maintenance.

Quick Summary

The Parker Hale M85 is a traditional sniper rifle featuring a Mauser-style bolt action with a two-lug rotating bolt and claw extractor. It utilizes an American-made McMillan fiberglass stock and accepts M14-style magazines. The standard optic was a Schmidt & Bender 6x42 scope, and while it lost the main British trials to the AI L96A1, it was adopted by specialized units.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Historical Context
  2. 01:30Action and Magazine System
  3. 02:43Stock and Bipod Features
  4. 03:20Backup Sighting Systems
  5. 04:30Optics and Adjustments
  6. 07:02Production and Adoption

Frequently Asked Questions

What action does the Parker Hale M85 use?

The Parker Hale M85 is built upon a traditional Mauser-style bolt action. This includes a two-lug rotating bolt and a distinctive claw extractor, known for its reliability and robustness in firearm design.

What type of stock and magazine does the Parker Hale M85 feature?

The Parker Hale M85 is equipped with an American-made McMillan fiberglass stock, offering durability and various camouflage options. It utilizes detachable M14-style magazines, typically in 5 or 10-round capacities.

What optics were commonly used on the Parker Hale M85?

The standard optic featured on the Parker Hale M85 was a Schmidt & Bender 6x42 fixed-power scope. This scope often included turrets marked in Minute of Angle (MOA) for precise adjustments and a bullet drop compensator.

Did the Parker Hale M85 win the British sniper rifle trials?

No, the Parker Hale M85 did not win the primary 1985 British sniper rifle trials, losing to the Accuracy International L96A1. However, it was still adopted by specialized units such as the SAS and various police forces.

Related News

All News →

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →