Parker Hale M85

Parker Hale M85

Parker Hale M85 sniper rifle with scope mounts but no rifle scope
Place of origin  United Kingdom
Production history
Manufacturer Parker Hale
Variants Parker Hale M85 Police
Specifications
Weight 12.57 lbs. (with scope)
Length 45.3" (overall)
Barrel length 24.5"
Cartridge 7.62×51mm NATO
Effective firing range 900 metres[1]
Maximum firing range 1,200 meters[2]
Feed system 10-round magazine
Sights Iron sights. Can be fitted with any scope.

The Parker Hale M85 is a British .308 sniper rifle, with an effective range around 900 metres. It fires from a 10-round detachable magazine, and weighs 12 pounds, telescopic sight included. The rifle was created after the Falklands War by Parker Hale Ltd in response to shortcomings in the contemporary Lee–Enfield L42A1.[2] Although the Parker Hale M85 manufacturing licence was sold to Gibbs Rifle Co., it has not yet resumed production.

History

The M85 took part in a British Army trial to see if it could be used as a potential sniper rifle, along with the Accuracy International PM, Heckler & Koch PSG1, SIG Sauer SSG 2000, and Remington 700.[1] The rifle lost by a slight margin to the Accuracy International (adopted by the British Army as the L96).[3]

Design

The M85's range is about 600 metres and has an 85% first round hit capabilities from 600 – 900 metres.[1] The weapon also has a silent safety catch, a threaded muzzle for a flash suppressor, and an integral dovetail mount that accepts a variety of sights.[1] The standard scope is a 6x42mm Schmidt & Bender with a BDC from 200 – 900 meters. Emergency iron sights are also fitted. The rifle is outfitted with a bipod as standard.[2] The fiberglass stock is made by McMillan.[1]

Variants

There is a police variant of the M85, which has a cheek pad on the rifle's stock.[2]

Users

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Parker Hale M85". Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Parker-Hale M85" (in German). Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  3. ↑ "British L96A1". Retrieved 2010-06-29.
  4. ↑ http://www.tropasdeelite.xpg.com.br/BRASIL_GRUMEC.htm
  5. ↑ http://www.malaysiandefence.com/?p=3987
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