Parker Hale M85 replica - Mission Impossible?

[Random Guy]

Before I begin, here’s what my latest rifle project reminds of….a series of highly improbable events that may be considered…Mission Impossible.



My Mission: collect enough M85 parts to turn this….

….Into something reasonably close to this:

It would help greatly if I were a machinest (or even a gunsmith), but I’m clearly not, so there’s that. The guy who sold me the receiver and various parts did include these 3 custom taps for the barrel threading, which was helpful.

But this will require real machining expertise…

Probably use parts from unit on left to complete the M85 trigger parts on the right.

Unfortunately there are still 4 parts that I am searching for:
1. Bottom metal with mag latch (possibly requiring fabrication - need technical info).
2. Front sight (GP240 machine gun sight)
3. Sling swivels.
4. Barrel (this will have to be custom made, just not sure who might make an M85 barrel).
(Rear sight is a unicorn, so I’m not going to worry about that one part, and fortunately it’s hidden under the scope mount).

So lots of machining to do by someone talented, heat treatment of the cast receiver, a custom barrel fitted to this old bolt, and a lot of metal refinishing…plus whatever comes along the way.

Why an M85 replica? Well, I do not have any British sniper rifles in my collection and since an L42 and L96A1 “Green Meanie” are not available (or affordable), I’ve decided to piece together P-H M85. I’m 18 months into the project, but a long ways to go. Any build tips re this ridiculous sniper rifle project are appreciated…

I also blame this Mission Impossible project on this video:

 

[Stevo86]

Very cool, please keep us updated!

 

[jwSubMOA]

I think we spoke in DM previously. I had the entire set up, with that unfinished reciever. The taps are useless for doing the barrel threads in the reciever. It will need to be set up.in a lathe, the bolt way reamed, locking lug abutments faced and the threads single point cut. Barrel is relatively easy, does have a longer thread shank than other models. Ejector box is different but looks like you have it. Search PH parts in UK, lots of stuff available over there. The machine work is not difficult for a competent gunsmith with actual machinist experience. Have the action salt bath heat treated when done. Search the internet, there is a document that gave the material composition of the steel used, so you know what to tell the heat treater. It's definitely doable.

 

[Random Guy]

The machine work is not difficult for a competent gunsmith with actual machinist experience. Have the action salt bath heat treated when done. Search the internet, there is a document that gave the material composition of the steel used, so you know what to tell the heat treater. It's definitely doable.

Thanks for the detailed response. I appreciate the details - and your optimism that this project is doable. I could not find info re M85 receiver metal composition, but apparently 17 years ago it was on a website called ‘mausercentral.com’ which is long gone. I was able to find this one nugget of info from a 2010 post that referred to that old thread on the defunct website - which I hope is correct re steel type.

I’m going to write a letter to Norman Clark in the UK as I don’t know if an email will get read, and see is he has a drawing re barrel tenon/threads or maybe some old parts. I think he retired years ago, so we’ll see. The bottom metal latching mechanism (or enough details for fabrication) is what I need as far as parts needed to proceed.

This rifle project is a huge challenge…but I’ve invested $2900 at this point with all the M85 parts and optic system, and hoping I can somehow finish it 2026…maybe.

 

[USMCsean]

I wish you luck. One day I will make an L42A1 clone. Think it would be a fun project.

 

[jwSubMOA]

EN9/1055 is correct. Norman Clark is who i got lots of small parts from. My entire M85 set up was bought here. The barrel shank is nothing special. If you aren't already aware, the PH action are just modified Mausers. The threads are the same, and the shanks are the same in all except the M85. It is longer, but that is easily measured by whomever does your machine work. I'll see if I have any info about.