Parker Hale M-85 Build

this is a bitsa build , so think of scopes , mounts , anything you would change over a STD M-85 , calbre , bipod , stock , suppressor , etc any mod you think would bring benefits .

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May I ask what parts you have acquired for your “bitsa” M85 build? If you are using an M85 receiver you are automatically limited to the odd-ball P-H M85 scope mount. Do you have an M85 stock w/ the odd-ball bipod “spigot” mounting rod for the odd-ball P-H/Versa-Pod bipod? What about the odd-ball M85 bottom metal? Those are all limiting factors re final configuration. Lots of advancements since 1985 (see M40A5 as example of progress re a modern McMillan stock and rifle configuration).

FWIW, since 2023 I have spent a few thousand $s to acquire the following P-H M85 parts, plus a front sight coming in from the UK, and a P-H handstop that I recently added. I’ll need a custom barrel made for the M85’s uniquely-long threaded tenon, but will go with 1/10 or 1/11 twist instead of the original 1/12 twist. Otherwise, I’m trying to replicate the original M85 to the extent possible in the USA, but I would certainly not go though all the trouble and huge expense of using an unfinished cast M85 receiver with the unique one-off scope mount, a custom-made M85 barrel, etc - aside from an M85 replica.


…IMO, a generic Remington M700 receiver is a much more logical and far less expensive starting point for a random “bitsa” build. (Unless you already have a M85 stock, bottom metal, etc, and live in the UK and can somehow find enough leftover M85 parts). My 2cts since you asked for opinions.

@ChrisF308

I would use a much better two stage match trigger and a M70 safety.
And a "period" S&B PM2.

I built two M85 rifles from cast receivers (and still have two more receivers), one for my oldest son and one for me. They are both chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. If doing it now, I think I would go with a 6mm Creedmoor.

Going to disagree about the scope mounts. I took steel picatinny rails, cut them to the length of the receiver then machined down the part of sides so it would fit between the ears on the receiver. I machined the bottom of the rail so would give a 20 MOA elevation. While doing this I left a tab on the bottom of the rail that shoulders against the recess in the receiver to help secure the base from moving under recoil. I then drilled and tapped the receiver to screw the base down.

Doing this lets us use any scope ring we want for height and tube diameter. While not original to the M85, it fits our needs very well. Of course it does mean drilling and tapping the receiver but this was OK for us.

I agree on the trigger, they are great. Able to adjust down to about 2 lbs and with the trigger shoe, it behaves as a two stage trigger.

Picture of the rail on the receiver of my rifle.