McMillan Model 86 M86 .308 Win. Information needed.

[ogonzalez13]

Fellow Hiders,

I just purchased this rifle and I am having a hard time finding any information about it.

What I do know is it is a McMillan Model M86 Chambered in .308 Winchester and was built in 1994. The Barrel is 24" Long and sits in a McMillan McHale Stock.

If you know any history about these rifles, please do tell.

Thanks.

 

[Papagallos]

Another new toy for me to shoot with. You are such a pal.

 

[ogonzalez13]

Any time Papa. We can shoot on Furlough days. HA!!

 

[sab9259]

One of the guys I shoot with has one of these and it was his buddys rifle. Ill get in touch with him and send him your way

 

[ogonzalez13]

Thanks Sab.

 

[Driftwood]

I was issued one back in the mid 90's. here is a link to an earlier thread with a little information on the M86. I almost bought the very rifle you did, nice catch.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/showthread.php?t=90457&p=1299104#post1299104dvd

 

[ogonzalez13]

Driftwood,

Thanks for the link, there is some good info there.

From what you recall, was the rifle you were issued a shooter! How was the action and barrel?

Keep the info coming.

Thanks.

 

[Driftwood]

I liked it enough to want to own one. My issued rifle was an easy .5 Moa rifle with match ammo. Of course my duty ammo was not match ammo. We used Remington 150 grain PSP it was still a sub Moa performer with that ammo though. They later changed to Federal 168 match. I thought the action was smooth, I love the McHale stock. It's a very solid platform. Do you know how many rounds have been down the barrel? If you want to get rid of it ever pm me. It's been a while but I would be happy to answer any questions I can. I look for them and see one once in a while. I saw one for sell when I was building my M86 inspired rifle,but was already committed, so I stayed with my build. I don't think I would have gone wrong either way. I still would like to have an original though, so I am a bit jealous.

 

[ogonzalez13]

Drift,

Thanks for the words. I do have a bit of a rifle addiction and I tend to sale rifles quickly.

I do appreciate all the info provided. I'll keep the Hide posted on how this one shoots.

The gentleman I purchased it from said it has very few rounds through it, way less than 500. He has the owners manual and factory test target shot with 168 grain Sierra handloads that measure under 1/4 moa!

 

[Marksman]

Any chance you could take a picture of the bottom metal for me? I'd like to see how flush it sits in the stock. Thanks!

 

[ogonzalez13]

Marksman,

I don't have the rifle in hand yet, but as soon as I do I would be glad to take a picture for you.

 

[Papagallos]

I do have a bit of a rifle addiction and I tend to sale rifles quickly.

You have a "bit" of a rifle addiction? That is a huge understatement.

Trust me everyone, after I shoot this beauty, and, well OG, too, this rifle will be up for sale immediately. So, if I were you I'd PM him with an I'll take it message.

 

[chariotdriver]

I had one made for me back in the late 80's. Looks just like yours except it's in 300wm. On it's second bbl and still a tack driver, just wish I'd went with a tighter twist. I think the navy used them for a while in the 90's but not sure. Bet it shoots nice, enjoy it.

 

[konabully]

That is a Wes Harris rifle that was built when he still controlled the "G.McMillan" name, before the McMillan family got their name back in the late '90's. The stock is a McHale copy that Harris Gunworks made themselves by a guy named Frank Wright. He used crushed walnut shells bonded to the stock to create the grip texture. The earlier M-86 rifles never had the aluminum 3-way position butt system. The last Navy contract M-86 rifles were built in 87 to 88 and were built by McMillan. This version would be a law enforcement or civilian model built by Harris.


Definitely an intereing piece of history during an interesing time. It's a nice collector and it probably shoots pretty good too.

 

[Oddball Six]

http://www.normanclark.com/exploded_diagram/explode_10/explode_10.gif

My goodness, that is an ungodly shitload of parts.

 

[ogonzalez13]

That is a Wes Harris rifle that was built when he still controlled the "G.McMillan" name, before the McMillan family got their name back in the late '90's. The stock is a McHale copy that Harris Gunworks made themselves by a guy named Frank Wright. He used crushed walnut shells bonded to the stock to create the grip texture. The earlier M-86 rifles never had the aluminum 3-way position butt system. The last Navy contract M-86 rifles were built in 87 to 88 and were built by McMillan. This version would be a law enforcement or civilian model built by Harris.


Definitely an intereing piece of history during an interesing time. It's a nice collector and it probably shoots pretty good too.

Wow, this is some great information. If you can tell me more that would be great. Looks like this will be a fine collector.

 

[ogonzalez13]

http://www.normanclark.com/exploded_diagram/explode_10/explode_10.gif

My goodness, that is an ungodly shitload of parts.

Oddball Six,

I agree that is alot of parts, but the diargam you linked to is for the Parker Hale M86 Rifle and not the McMillan Gunworks/ G. McMillan / Harris M86 Rifle I posted.

Thanks.

 

[JGorski]

Looks like a M40 contour, now get out there and shoot it pussy, no, dont shoot the pussy, haha

 

[Turk]

That is a Wes Harris rifle that was built when he still controlled the "G.McMillan" name, before the McMillan family got their name back in the late '90's. The stock is a McHale copy that Harris Gunworks made themselves by a guy named Frank Wright. He used crushed walnut shells bonded to the stock to create the grip texture. The earlier M-86 rifles never had the aluminum 3-way position butt system. The last Navy contract M-86 rifles were built in 87 to 88 and were built by McMillan. This version would be a law enforcement or civilian model built by Harris.


Definitely an intereing piece of history during an interesing time. It's a nice collector and it probably shoots pretty good too.

Not so sure about this; probably best to contact Dick Davis at Mcmillian.
In 1987, Gale sold G. McMillan and Co. to Wes Harris. Gale made a three-year commitment to work with the new company, but as time went on found he could no longer control either the quality of the product or the direction of the business. It became clear early on that the company wasn’t in keeping with the McMillan standards, so Gale officially retired in 1990.

Around this same time, Harris decided that G. McMillan and Co. was too cumbersome of a name so he began to use McMillan Gunworks. Even though he only had the right to use the “G. McMillan and Co. Inc” name, Harris disregarded any of our objections to the use of McMillan in any form other than what he was entitled to use. Shortly thereafter, Harris and McMillan became embroiled in a legal action that took four years to settle. As a result, Harris was ordered to transition away from using the McMillan name. After the transition, Harris only sold rifles under the Harris Gunwork label. Sometime around 2000, Harris Gunworks closed its doors.

 

[konabully]

Not so sure about this; probably best to contact Dick Davis at Mcmillian.
In 1987, Gale sold G. McMillan and Co. to Wes Harris. Gale made a three-year commitment to work with the new company, but as time went on found he could no longer control either the quality of the product or the direction of the business. It became clear early on that the company wasn’t in keeping with the McMillan standards, so Gale officially retired in 1990.

Around this same time, Harris decided that G. McMillan and Co. was too cumbersome of a name so he began to use McMillan Gunworks. Even though he only had the right to use the “G. McMillan and Co. Inc” name, Harris disregarded any of our objections to the use of McMillan in any form other than what he was entitled to use. Shortly thereafter, Harris and McMillan became embroiled in a legal action that took four years to settle. As a result, Harris was ordered to transition away from using the McMillan name. After the transition, Harris only sold rifles under the Harris Gunwork label. Sometime around 2000, Harris Gunworks closed its doors.

Turk,

I appreciate the added information and for the most part you are correct about the business relationship but I do have insider info. That is the nice and friendly version of it. However, without getting into too many details, there were a lot of other things going on with Mr. Harris which involved some gun play (I know one of the guys that was in the office when this happened in early 1994) and him becoming a convicted felon. Not to mention, screwing some German investors who decided it was cheaper to just give up than to pursue legal action against him to get their money back, etc., etc. Cumbersome? Hell, Harris was a snake and an opportunist who wanted to ride on the McMillan name. Basically, the McMillan family wanted their good name back after Mr. Harris was screwing it up due to his unethical business practices. It didn't matter if it was G.McMillan or any other version of it. The Harris guns were built well as they were the same and original G.McMillan employees putting them together. After the name change(s) the McMillan stock company did not want to sell him any of their stocks (note the stock I mentioned as being a copy of the McHale). There was bad blood all around and McMillan wanted to distance themselves from Mr. Harris completely. That's another reason Rock McMillan created a whole new MCRT action (now the G30 action) and made the changes on the 50 caliber actions when McBros was created. They didn't even want their parts to interchange and that's why the current McMillan company will not work on or even touch a Harris made rifle or stock.

 

[ogonzalez13]

All Great info gents. Keep it coming. Makes for an interesting time in Firearms History. I think this gun was Built during the "Gun Play" Era.

 

[bluto51]

I'm the original owner of an M86 (see recent photo with new Swaro 5-25X50 glass). I'm looking at the original invoice dated September 1994 and it's on McMillan stationary, but the address across the bottom of the page says G. McMillan and Co. It was delivered in Sept. 1994 after a 4 month wait. Caliber .308, 2# Jewell trigger, aluminum pillar bedding IIRC. I called several barrel makers at the time and spoke to them directly. Went with Gary Schneider (very nice guy) and one of his stainless 24" 1/10 twist medium contour (.850) barrels. He sent a good one. The rifle, with scope and Harris bipod weighs 14.3 Lbs. The action is very smooth, the Jewell trigger gives great feedback, breaks fast and clean, and the rifle is extremely easy to shoot.

Here's what it looks like nearly 20 years later. That info about Frank Wright and the crushed walnut shells on the stock is news to me, but it rings true. The stock is very comfortable and grippy.

Here are some targets at 100 and 200 yards. Just average for many of the shooters here on the forums, but good for me.

And sighting in the new Swaro scope last Oct.

Haven't shot since because I was shooting with bad cataracts.
I just had surgery and my vision is now 20/20. I'll be taking it out with my spanking new, unfired GAP Crusader
for the first time in a week or two.

 

[Turk]

Konabully,
I thank you in advance for the kind words, but I just pulled that off of Mcmillian's site. I can't right that well!

 

[bluto51]

Duplicate Post.

 

[RedBull6]

I just picked up an M86. Front scope base is missing, and I would like to go to a 1 piece base. Is the McMillan M86 scope base proprietary, or will a Rem SA700 base fit?

 

[Gray]

I can tell you that a Rem 700 Base will NOT fit. Call Mcmillan to find out what base...

 

[ogonzalez13]

I just picked up an M86. Front scope base is missing, and I would like to go to a 1 piece base. Is the McMillan M86 scope base proprietary, or will a Rem SA700 base fit?

I believe that this model uses two Remington 700 Front Bases. The reason for 2 front bases is that the action is rounded both in the front and back as opposed to the 700s round front and flat back.



Hope that makes sense.

 

[Terry Cross]

Like Konabully stated above: McMillan will not even touch the G.McMillan rifles made under Harris'

I have rebarreled and rebuilt around 40+ of those for various agencies. As of this writing all users that I worked with have taken them out of service due to one major issue.
The cocking pieces seem to be either improperly heat treated or not heat treated at all. On rifles seeing a lot of use, the bottom lug of the cocking piece will wear and round. Eventually, the weapon will become unsafe due to the trigger not being able to hold back the cocking piece. I am aware of 3 A.D.s by agency issued G.McMillans due to this issue.

Note that this cocking piece is not interchangeable with other types and no spare parts/support is available.

In addition, the side bolt stop design on this particular action places all of the shock of left bolt lug impact directly into the bolt stop retaining pin. Vigorous bolt cycling hard against the stop will shear these pins on a fairly regular basis. Agencies that had these rifles in use kept an ample supply of extra pins to repair in a timely manner.

Shame was that these rifles shot very, very well with the factory barrels and continued to serve very, very accurately with the Krieger replacements I installed. They just slowly worked their selves to the grave through use.

Any of these rifles with low mileage will likely offer good service. I would just keep an eye out on the two issues I listed above.

Pretty rifle. Good luck with it and regardless of my experiences above, it still has a unique history and story about its makers.
Be safe.

Terry

 

[ogonzalez13]

Like Konabully stated above: McMillan will not even touch the G.McMillan rifles made under Harris'

I have rebarreled and rebuilt around 40+ of those for various agencies. As of this writing all users that I worked with have taken them out of service due to one major issue.
The cocking pieces seem to be either improperly heat treated or not heat treated at all. On rifles seeing a lot of use, the bottom lug of the cocking piece will wear and round. Eventually, the weapon will become unsafe due to the trigger not being able to hold back the cocking piece. I am aware of 3 A.D.s by agency issued G.McMillans due to this issue.

Note that this cocking piece is not interchangeable with other types and no spare parts/support is available.

In addition, the side bolt stop design on this particular action places all of the shock of left bolt lug impact directly into the bolt stop retaining pin. Vigorous bolt cycling hard against the stop will shear these pins on a fairly regular basis. Agencies that had these rifles in use kept an ample supply of extra pins to repair in a timely manner.

Shame was that these rifles shot very, very well with the factory barrels and continued to serve very, very accurately with the Krieger replacements I installed. They just slowly worked their selves to the grave through use.

Any of these rifles with low mileage will likely offer good service. I would just keep an eye out on the two issues I listed above.

Pretty rifle. Good luck with it and regardless of my experiences above, it still has a unique history and story about its makers.
Be safe.

Terry

Could a custom bolt be built to work with this rifle say by a company like PTG that uses a Remington 700 cocking piece?

 

[Action Guy]

Terry,

That is very valuable and yet disappointing information. I have an M-86 and I also had issue with the bolt stop pin. Never had an issue with the cocking piece. However, I burned the barrel out long before it could be considered to be heavily used like an LE agency would. Before the barrel went south, it did shoot very good.

Good news for this M-86 is it is planned for a rebuild into a hunting-weight .257 Wby. It will not get heavy use either. Hell, I barely have time to shoot my high-use rifles anymore.

 

[bluto51]

Thanks for the great info on the M86 Terry. Although mine has less than 1000 rounds through it, I'll be sure and watch for the
issues you mentioned.

 

[API Norway]

Here is mine,I did have barrel repaced With a Krieger 5R ,love it !!

 

[ogonzalez13]

My my 86 is still all factory but has not been abused. My rifle is scary accurate. Very impressive.

 

[pa_jeep]

I just received an M86 in 300WM that I won a couple years ago in the Interservice 1000yd Matches at Quantico. It is missing the follower/spring for the magwell. Any idea where I can source one?

 

[NukeMMC]

I just received an M86 in 300WM that I won a couple years ago in the Interservice 1000yd Matches at Quantico. It is missing the follower/spring for the magwell. Any idea where I can source one?

May be able to use a 700ADL if it's one of the blind magazine rifles (no floorplate)
If it's a SECNAV Trophy rifle, call Mitternight

 

[DogSoldier1]

New member here. Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask this, but I came across this rifle that from my research looks like it could be a McMillan m86, but the guy that has it says it’s a Weatherby MK V action chambered in 300 weatherby. Has G McMillan & Co Phoenix Arizona stamped on the barrel and supposedly was built for a navy contract. Was curious if anyone has some insight on this.