^Lot 1211 HIGHLY DESIRABLE PARKER-HALE M85 BOLT ACTION

SNIPER RIFLE WITH ACCESSORIES. Cal. 7.62x51mm. S# 00353F. Bbl. 25 3/4". Designed by Parker-Hale in response to shortcomings incurred by the British military with the Lee Enfield L42A1 rifle during the Falklands War, the M85 was entered into the British 1980s sniper trials, competing against notable entries including HK's PSG1, Sig Sauer's SSG 2000, Remington's 700, as well as Accuracy Internationals PM rifle. Ultimately Accuracy International's PM was selected, with remaining M85 rifles sold off a surplus. This example is marked with a "IMPORTER-NAVY ARMS CO. RIDGEFIELD N.J." over the top of the bbl., with a British Crown/BNP nitro proof marked on the left side towards the breech (repeated on left side of receiver and on top of bolt root). Chamber face of bbl. is marked "M85". Top of the receiver is marked "P-H M85 CAL 7.62x51mm/ MADE IN ENGLAND". Metal components exhibit a black enamel type finish overall, save for on the bolt handle, shroud, cocking piece, and trigger guard, which exhibit a blue finish. Bolt body is polished in-the-white, with the extractor having acquired a plum coloration. Alloy cone shaped bolt knob exhibits a blue anodized finish. Front sight assembly exhibits a phosphate finish. 1-piece black MacMillan pattern fiber glass stock features textured panels at the forearm and pistol grip, an alloy hand stop rail on the underside of the forearm (fitted with matte gray alloy hand stop), as well as adj. butt inserts to adj. the length of pull. Tip of forearm features a steel extension rod for the bipod. Toeline of stock features a sling swivel, with an additional sling swivel present on the hand stop. Post front sight with folding peep rear sight graduated 1-9. Receiver is dovetailed and fitted with a 1-piece alloy Parker-Hale scope mount, featuring a Leopold VARI-X III 4.5x14 Tactical scope. Mag. well is currently fitted with an dull gray finished alloy cartridge block for single shot functionality. Bolt matches the receiver via an electro-penciled "00353F". MAGS: x1 phosphate finished steel 5-rd. and x4 phosphate finished steel 10-rd. mags. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: hard case containing bipod and additional buttplate extensions. Rifle is also accompanied by two manuals. CONDITION: metal components retain the vast majority of their original factory black enamel type finish, exhibiting some scattered superficial handling marks, as well as a few spots/areas of light to mild flaking (predominately on the rear right side of the receiver). Brilliant mirror bore, retaining sharp and well defined rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Stock shows scattered superficial marks from handling and storage, but otherwise remains sound and presents nicely. Scope retains a clear and sharp optic. A high condition example of a scarce and desirable Parker-Hale M85 bolt action sniper rifle. PROVENANCE: From the Buckstix Collection. (25-6507/MLW). MODERN. $5,000-8,000.