Parker-Hale M85
Parker-Hale Ltd · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1985
Also known as: C3A1, Parker-Hale Model 85, PH M85
Overview
The Parker-Hale M85 is a bolt-action sniper rifle developed in Birmingham, England, as a purpose-built military sniping platform. It represented a significant improvement over the company's earlier M82 model, featuring a redesigned action, free-floating heavy barrel, detachable 10-round magazine, and a synthetic stock with adjustable cheek piece and buttplate. The M85 was adopted by several Commonwealth nations as their primary sniper rifle during the late 1980s and 1990s, with the Canadian C3A1 variant being the most widely known.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5700 g (201.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 6100 g (215.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1150 mm (45.28") |
| Barrel Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 18 N (4.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3457 J (2550 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3000 m (3281 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Synthetic |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Heavy Barrel, Adjustable Bipod, Adjustable Buttplate, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Integral Dovetail Mount, Iron Sights
Variants
- Parker-Hale M82 — Predecessor
Service history
Operators
- Australian Defence Force · adopted 1986 · as SR 98
- Canadian Armed Forces · adopted 1985 · as C3A1
- New Zealand Defence Force
- Malaysian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Rwandan Civil War (UN Peacekeeping) (1993-1994)
- Yugoslav Wars (1992-1995)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2014)
Production
Production years: 1985-2000
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. Manufactured by Parker-Hale in Birmingham, UK, with licensed production by Canadian Arsenals Limited for the Canadian military.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Discontinued: 2000
Notes
Parker-Hale was a respected Birmingham firm known for producing high-quality target rifles and rifle accessories since the Victorian era. The M85's action was designed from the ground up for military sniping rather than being adapted from a sporting action, giving it improved strength and reliability. The Canadian C3A1 variant was produced under license by Canadian Arsenals Limited and saw service from the late 1980s until being replaced by the C14 Timberwolf. After Parker-Hale ceased operations, the M85 design was sold to Gibbs Rifle Company in the United States. The rifle was capable of consistent sub-MOA accuracy with match-grade ammunition.
Background
Canadian snipers using the C3A1 variant of the Parker-Hale M85 during operations in the former Yugoslavia earned a reputation for exceptional marksmanship. The rifle also served with Canadian forces during the early phases of the War in Afghanistan before being replaced by more modern platforms. The Parker-Hale name, synonymous with British precision shooting for over a century, ceased to exist as a manufacturer shortly after the M85's production ended.