Parker-Hale Model 85 (M85)

History of the Parker-Hale Model 85 (M85)

The British Army still used the old Lee-Enfield service rifle as their primary sniper weapon system during the Falklands War between Great Britain and Argentina (detailed elsewhere on this site). This bolt-action rifle has been around since 1895 and has accumulated considerable combat experience throughout the 20th century, including two world wars.

In service with the British Army, the dedicated sniper version, known as the "L42A1", accommodates 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges while being telescopically equipped. Modification work was done in the 1970s to support newer Western calibers, and the L42A1 remained the standard British sniper platform until 1993.

Britain's Parker-Hale is trying to replace the long-running Lee-Enfield series in the same battlefield role. This led the British Army to test the Type 85 or M85 with several other global competitors from the US, West Germany and Switzerland. Additionally, Accuracy International has moved into their L96 platform, and it's the design that has won others over.

The M85 was adopted by only a few countries - Brazil (Marine Corps) and Malaysia (Navy Special Forces).

The design layout of the M85 is very traditional, suitable for driving on a sniper platform. The stock is a one-piece McMillan fiberglass mold that encapsulates the interior and part of the barrel. The pistol grip and padded shoulder rest are also integrated. The front end comes with a bipod assembly. All the usual accessories are present - manually operated bolt action handles, rear view mirrors and mounts for various optics mounted above the receiver.

The nose accepts a flash suppressor for covert operation. The weapon is fed from a detachable 10-round magazine that is deployed in front of the trigger group. The overall weight is 12.5 lbs and the overall length is 45.3" (24.5" barrel).

Like Lee-Enfield, the M85 continues to support the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. The range is 1,200 meters (maximum effective range is 900 meters). The rifle is equipped with a 6x42mm Schmidt and Bender scope.

Also saw a police model, which differs by including a cheek pad for added operator comfort. The PASKAL Special Forces of the Royal Malaysian Navy is a well-known operator of the M85 series.

The production license for the M85 - and the entire Parker-Hale rifle division - was obtained from the Gibbs Rifle Company (founded in 1991). The group specializes in "rebuilds" of the Springfield M1903 and Lee-Enfield bolt-action rifles.

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