Parker-Hale M85

Lore & Background

The Parker Hale M85 was created by Parker Hale Ltd in response to shortcomings in the contemporary Lee–Enfield L42A1, following the Falklands War. It took part in a British Army trial to determine a potential sniper rifle, competing against the Accuracy International PM, Heckler & Koch PSG1, SIG Sauer SSG 2000, and Remington 700. The rifle lost by a slight margin to the Accuracy International, which was adopted by the British Army as the L96.

The rifle's range is about 600 metres, with an 85% first-round hit capability from 600 to 900 metres. It features a silent safety catch, a threaded muzzle for a flash suppressor, and an integral dovetail rail that accepts a variety of sights. The standard telescopic sight is a 6×42mm Schmidt & Bender with a bullet drop compensator from 200 to 900 metres, and emergency iron sights are also fitted. The rifle is outfitted with a bipod as standard, and its fiberglass stock is made by McMillan.

A police variant, the M87, was marketed with a cheek pad option on a timber stock. The manufacturing licence for the M85 was sold to Gibbs Rifle Co., but production has not yet resumed.

Reader's Guide

The Parker Hale M85 holds a notable place in British sniper rifle history as a direct competitor to the Accuracy International PM during a pivotal British Army trial. Although it lost by a slight margin, its development directly addressed the shortcomings of the Lee–Enfield L42A1, reflecting the lessons learned from the Falklands War. The rifle's design incorporates features such as a silent safety catch, a threaded muzzle, and an integral dovetail rail, along with a standard Schmidt & Bender scope and a McMillan fiberglass stock. Its 85% first-round hit capability from 600 to 900 metres indicates a focus on long-range accuracy. The sale of its manufacturing licence to Gibbs Rifle Co. suggests continued interest, though production has not resumed. The M85 and its police variant, the M87, have seen use by the Brazilian Navy (GRUMEC and Batalhão de Operações Especiais de Fuzileiros Navais) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (PASKAL), indicating a legacy beyond the British trial.

Did You Know?

• The Parker Hale M85 was developed after the Falklands War to address shortcomings in the Lee–Enfield L42A1.
• It lost the British Army sniper rifle trial by a slight margin to the Accuracy International PM.
• A police variant, the M87, features a cheek pad option on a timber stock.