This is a very scarce original Parker Hale M85 sniper rifle. This is one of approximately 200 rifles manufactured in the late 1970s early 80s for field testing by the Canadian Army. These rifles were fully tested; however, they lost out on the competition to the Accuracy International L96A1 rifles and were all sold as surplus through Navy Arms. They were all manufactured by the Parker Hale Company in England with all being numbered subsequently 1-200 with this example being serial number "186". They used a new updated and reinforced Mauser type bolt action with a increased receiver side rail thickness and fully enclosed top area of the receiver. The receiver redesign was intended to strengthen the action while providing a new integral scope mounting rail directly on top of the receiver, very similar to the Steyr SSG-69 rifles. The actions were also redesigned with a new target type trigger assembly and a detachable box magazine. All the rifles were with a fitted newly designed one-piece scope mount made specifically for this rifle. This example is currently equipped with an excellent Austrian made Swarovski ZFM 10X scope. The receivers were fitted with a 25 inch long medium weight target type barrel also manufactured in England. The left side of the barrel and receiver are stamped with a small "Crown/BNP" factory proof. They were fitted with a MacMillian type, fiberglass camouflage stock with a heavier target type forend, one-piece rail and handstop on the underside, with an enlarged pistol grip area, higher comb and a fully adjustable butt inserts. It is complete with an original Parker Hale folding bipod, lens covers and one magazine. It is roll marked on top of the barrel with "IMPORTER NAVY ARMS CO".

Very fine with 98% plus of the British black type metal finish overall with edge and high spot wear. The stock is in excellent condition showing only minor handling marks on the sides. The scope and mount are also both in excellent condition with 98% of their original finish and the scope has clear sharp optics. A scarce and desirable British sniper rifle.