Parker Hale M82/84/85/87 and C3/C3A1

[rgg_7]

Here's the case that was issued to CF Snipers. It also contained cut outs for the storage of the iron sights and the scope /rings. Small pockets on the underside of the cover was for storage of coloured filters and various size aperatures. Another rare piece of kit.

Ron (Canada)

 

[rgg_7]

The CF Snipers were also issued a tactical sling that served dual pupose - competition and carry. Nato stock number - NSN 1005-21-873-0033 Manf - Provsealed NSCM 35907. Rare as hen's teeth although I've seen a few around over the years.

Ron (Canada)

 

[AManWearingAHat]

Were the M82's ever imported into the country as full rifles?

 

[rgg_7]

C3's Canada only as they were a DND order built to their specification. M82 target rifles show up in many countries and generally are "S" or "Z" prefix serial numbers. Similarly, lots of 1200 TX imported by various counties including USA.

Ron (Canada)

 

[rgg_7]

Here's a Parker Hale M82 from a sales brochere. The closest thing to a C3.

Ron (Canada)

 

[sandwarrior]

Were the M82's ever imported into the country as full rifles?

The U.S.?

 

[rgg_7]

Yes. I believe "Navy Arms" was the original Parker Hale importer which was operated by Val Forgett. Also "Jana" in Denver". There may have been other importers as well.

Ron (Canada)

 

[rgg_7]

Here's a Parker Hale M85 imported by "Navy Arms" and marked as such.

Ron (Canada)

 

[sandwarrior]

Here's a Parker Hale M85 imported by "Navy Arms" and marked as such.

Ron (Canada)

Holy Crap! I didn't know that these were imported directly as originals to the U.S. I was under the impression that everything here was a replica. In many cases built from all or mostly all original parts.

 

[rgg_7]

We can thank Val Forgett for the import of many military rifles from the UK. One of my favourites, the L42. These came to the USA as complete kits and a few were importered by "International" Montreal Quebec via "Navy Arms" in Virginia.

Ron (Canada)

 

[Dr. Strangelove_207]

Being a UK based fan of vintage rifles, if any of you guys happen to find bits and pieces (providing they don’t need a licence!) you need for a build let me know and I’d be more than happy to send it Stateside if the seller isn’t happy to.

 

[rgg_7]

Here's something you don't see everyday. It's a 10x Unertl for the C3a1. I've obliterated the serial number however you can see the rest of the markings and details. Been a couple sold this past year on Gunbroker. Lucky Guys!

Ron (Canada)

 

[AManWearingAHat]

Being a UK based fan of vintage rifles, if any of you guys happen to find bits and pieces (providing they don’t need a licence!) you need for a build let me know and I’d be more than happy to send it Stateside if the seller isn’t happy to.

The hero we need.

 

[rgg_7]

C3 Drag Bag Nato Stock Number NSN 1005-21-873-0031 Mfr No Provsealed Patt 53-6-75 NSCM 35907. In addition to the C3 rifle it had compartments for the one piece Parker Hale cleaning rod and the plastic cleaning kit with all the goodies. These are extremely rare. One just a couple weeks ago was listed on eBay - don't know where it ended up however somebody now has a rare piece of kit.

Here's a couple pictures of mine.

Enjoy,

Ron (Canada)

 

[rgg_7]

Here's a few pictures of the Parker Hale M86 receiver. Anybody have one of these? Anyone build on one of these?

Ron (Canada)

 

[Random Guy]

Here's a project thread posted by a dedicated and talented hobbyist (a bare PH receiver is definitely not an amateur's project)

Misadventures in Amature Gunsmithery: C3A1 edition

A while back I got the bug to build a C3A1 clone from one of the PH M84 single shot receivers floating around out there. Well, that's when the search for parts started to get real interesting. At this point, all I had was the receiver in the condition you see above. After many months, I was...

www.snipershide.com

That's all I know.

 

[rgg_7]

Yes - saw the thread on the M84 build. Certainly a talented guy! Lots of quality issues with the receiver casting and bolt.
He overcame these - OMG - the frustration however he preserved - well done!

Anymore?

Ron (Canada)

 

[rgg_7]

Here's a "beauty". M85 with metal transit chest and a few extra "goodies". don't see them like this vwry often!

Ron (Canada)

 

[Simongsh]

Used to follow many many years ago. But figured id come back, and join back in on the fun. So to dig up a old en. Here is a build I did a while back. Its kind of a bastard clone.
But stick with me.
Started as a 1908 Brazilian DWM large ring.
Picked up a unfired Kulspruta 8mm barrel, and fitted it to the action.
Chopped, swung the bolt arm down, and spun up /home anodized a knob for it.
I DID kinda cheat on the threads. Picked up a .25-28un machine screw, and welded it to the arm, then threaded the knob on. So much easier than throwing the arm in a fixture.
Took a 4140 steel single piece base, and scribed center, and 1/2 base width down full length of action, then set base on the line, and tig welded it up.
I left the thumb window in the action, while most shave it, I figured it might come in handy.
Picked up a parker hale stock, and stuck a iron to her to bring out some dings.
After slight fitting, I opted to bed the action to the stock, free floating the entire length of the barrel. Which is a fat honking 8mm machine gun piece.
Installed a take off 1200 ph trigger, and milled shroud.
Happened to stumble across a old elite 3200 that looked pretty clean, for a few bucks, but fit the build pretty nice.
Milled my own bottom metal rail, and spaced out a decent number of 10-32 holes to fit attachments.
The BoBro bipod fits it nicely though.

 

[rgg_7]

Simongsh - good looking project. Proves when you don't have access nor the cash for the real parts you can clone. Very resourceful. how does it shoot?

Ron (Canada)

 

[rgg_7]

Here's a little know fact about the C3a1 program. John Unertl was unable to deliver the 10x Unertl and one piece brackets in a timely manner to meet contract milestone. DND and Parker Hale agreed to outfit the 1st batch of C3a1's with a special one piece scope mount to fix the Kahles ZF 69
6 x 42 C3 sniper scopes from the old program to get them into the field. Would not want to guess the value of one of these brackets - they all had the C3a1 serial number stamped on the left side.

Ron (Canada)

Here's the proof:

 

[Simongsh]

Simongsh - good looking project. Proves when you don't have access nor the cash for the real parts you can clone. Very resourceful. how does it shoot?

Ron (Canada)

I have only function test fired it a few times after building. Have yet to sit down, and see how it groups. I honestly just set out to build a large ring project rifle in a chamber I didn't already have. The 7mm barrel had seen better days haha.
Found the Kulspruta barrel, and figured Id look for some ammo. When I found the unopened case of m75 yugo sniper. It sealed the deal. Unsure how it will fly with the twist? Hope not too bad. Because ive got a case of 8mm haha.
When hunting for a good stock, things turned more towards PH. Honestly outside of laying a cf stock. I dont know if anyone offers something that could beat the parker hale take off?
Have other large ring builds. But hands down this one is likely my fav. Just need to invest time to take it out.
Have access to lathes, mills, everything. Just lack time to play much anymore.

 

[CabraVieja]

Hello, Gents,

I'm a noob here, so I guess I'll tell ya a little about myself. I'm a retired US Army MSG, 11Z5X. That's a Senior Infantry Sergeant for the international audience. I'll have been retired for (damn time flies when once you get out) 15 years when the ball drops in Times Square in a little over a week. I served 21-1/2, but it feels like since taking off the uniform, time has sped up, dramatically.

I've been a shooter for as long as I can remember. Hunted & shot small-bore competition during my teenage years, and had the great opportunity to shoot in the Junior National Service Rifle match at Camp Perry when I was about 12. That was before I discovered girls. Obviously.

Anyway, I chose this forum to introduce myself because I see that we have a shared interest. From 1984 to 1989, I was stationed in West Berlin. We had a great Rod & Gun club, and a fantastic shooting organisation, the Berlin American Sportsman's Association. It was the highlight of my non-military shooting career. Matches every weekend. I was also able to make a little extra cash doing some minor gunsmithing jobs for my buddies on the side, mainly trigger honing. It was a fantastic time...

While I was in Berlin, I took advantage of what we had. One of those advantages was the availability of some fine, non-semi (or full) auto long guns (it was Germany) for sale at the Rod & Gun club. In late 1985, I saw a flyer for a Parker-Hale M85, and I just had to have one. I put down a 50% down payment, and after about 3 months, it arrived, balance due on delivery. I was an E4 at the time, so I was probably making about $900 a month. The M85 cost me a little over that, but I don't regret it. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to shoot it for quite a while. More like decades. But that's another story that may be coming to an end.

So, sorry for being so long-winded, but here's some PH porn of the British girl I met in Germany & brought home with me. (Unlike the German girl I brought home who I haven't seen in years).

BTW, that POS Bushnell you see there is all I could afford at the time I was actively shooting her in Berlin. That scope later went on my M16A2 in Mogadishu, where, although it got beat up pretty bad, it functioned quite well.

Speaking of which, do any of you know where I can get a 34mm scope mount/rings that fit the M85's peculiar set-up. Alternatively, a short Picatinny rail that will mount to the PH dovetails?

Thanks.

CabraVieja (Old Goat)

 

[rgg_7]

Great introduction. The good old days! What is the barrel length on your M85? Did you have the stock cameo'd? I'll do some checking on a 34mm mount/rings as this question has been asked before..

Ron (Canada)

 

[Simongsh]

CabraVieja (Old Goat)

[/QUOTE]
Now that is a killer story! Damn cool rifle, and thank you for your service!

 

[rgg_7]

Found the 34mm rings info thanks to a good gun buddy in the UK - Available in the UK for GBP 120 from a company called "Sporting Services. Detail is in the pix.

Ron (Canada)

 

[CabraVieja]

Thanks for the welcome, guys.

To answer your questions, Ron, it has a 24.5 in barrel. It came with the standard OD green McMillan stock, but I put the tiger stripe camo tape on back around 1987, when I was still a wet-behind-the-ears 22 yr old. It's held up pretty well, but then again, it has rarely come out of the case since I left Germany in '89. That pattern is pretty functional in the thick pine forests of Europe; not so much in the high desert where I live now.

And thanks for the info on the rings. £120 seems a little steep. Looking at the photo it appears that the company that manufactures these, Badger Ordanance, is located less than 1000 miles from me, just outside Kansas City. That's a whole lot closer than the UK. You would think they'd be a bit cheaper without the costs associated with export/re-import, UK VAT, customs fees, etc. They don't have them listed on their website, but I believe I might just give them a call to see what they can do for me.

What I'd really like is a short Picatinny rail that mounts up to the PH dovetails. (I really need to get me a mill. One of these days.....)

Anyway, take care guys, and Happy Holidays!

Glen

 

[rgg_7]

Always liked the M85. Anybody have one with a barrel greater than the std 24.50" length?
I believe the Badger Ordnance made a special run of 34 mm rings for UK Police Forces. Worth a try to see if any are available state side.

Ron (Canada)

 

[Sinned]

Does the M85 use standard M14 magazines or a modified follower? Curious if any work was required....

 

[CabraVieja]

I have several standard Army-issue M14 mags that were left over from when the M21's were replaced by M24's in the late '80s. In my experience, they work just fine in the M85 with no mods.

 

[sandwarrior]

Does the M85 use standard M14 magazines or a modified follower? Curious if any work was required....

It seems like what I read in the past it takes M-14 Mags.

For some reason one of the criteria seemed to be "U.S. Compatible"? Which is again strange why the AI was selected over the M85 because it's totally proprietary. Maybe that criteria was a suggestion or a hope that that particular criteria was an edge over the competition?

 

[rgg_7]

This got me into C3 builds and restorations early 2008. Wish I had kept the before pictures - it was like the story of turning a "pig's ear into a silk purse".

Ron (Canada)

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Just thinking, ITAR can be restrictive; but can photos (annotated with dimensions) and drawngs be EMailed?

 

[Sinned]

Was curious about the m14 magazine because of robars use of m14 magazines about the same time frame too! Found it interesting but I suppose at the time it made sense as that was available and accuracy international was a newish company.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Being a UK based fan of vintage rifles, if any of you guys happen to find bits and pieces (providing they don’t need a licence!) you need for a build let me know and I’d be more than happy to send it Stateside if the seller isn’t happy to.

Ever come across One across the old (1970s) Parker Hale yellow plastic coated cleaning rods? Need a couple to complete my IDF Mauser build.

Thanks and thanks for all for the good Parker Hale info.

I do lust after one!

Sirhr

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Hello, Gents,

I'm a noob here, so I guess I'll tell ya a little about myself. I'm a retired US Army MSG, 11Z5X. That's a Senior Infantry Sergeant for the international audience. I'll have been retired for (damn time flies when once you get out) 15 years when the ball drops in Times Square in a little over a week. I served 21-1/2, but it feels like since taking off the uniform, time has sped up, dramatically.

I've been a shooter for as long as I can remember. Hunted & shot small-bore competition during my teenage years, and had the great opportunity to shoot in the Junior National Service Rifle match at Camp Perry when I was about 12. That was before I discovered girls. Obviously.

Anyway, I chose this forum to introduce myself because I see that we have a shared interest. From 1984 to 1989, I was stationed in West Berlin. We had a great Rod & Gun club, and a fantastic shooting organisation, the Berlin American Sportsman's Association. It was the highlight of my non-military shooting career. Matches every weekend. I was also able to make a little extra cash doing some minor gunsmithing jobs for my buddies on the side, mainly trigger honing. It was a fantastic time...

While I was in Berlin, I took advantage of what we had. One of those advantages was the availability of some fine, non-semi (or full) auto long guns (it was Germany) for sale at the Rod & Gun club. In late 1985, I saw a flyer for a Parker-Hale M85, and I just had to have one. I put down a 50% down payment, and after about 3 months, it arrived, balance due on delivery. I was an E4 at the time, so I was probably making about $900 a month. The M85 cost me a little over that, but I don't regret it. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to shoot it for quite a while. More like decades. But that's another story that may be coming to an end.

So, sorry for being so long-winded, but here's some PH porn of the British girl I met in Germany & brought home with me. (Unlike the German girl I brought home who I haven't seen in years).

BTW, that POS Bushnell you see there is all I could afford at the time I was actively shooting her in Berlin. That scope later went on my M16A2 in Mogadishu, where, although it got beat up pretty bad, it functioned quite well.

Speaking of which, do any of you know where I can get a 34mm scope mount/rings that fit the M85's peculiar set-up. Alternatively, a short Picatinny rail that will mount to the PH dovetails?

Thanks.

CabraVieja (Old Goat)
View attachment 7509456View attachment 7509457View attachment 7509458

Welcome aboard... you picked the best possible spot to introduce yourself and one of the classiest first posts in memory!

Beautiful rifle and great history! Thanks for sharing! The case and presentation are just gorgeous!

Got my Parker Hale lust going again.

Sirhr

 

[MarinePMI]

Just thinking, ITAR can be restrictive; but can photos (annotated with dimensions) and drawngs be EMailed?

Depends on the tech, but yes, detailed technical information, conveyed electronically, is considered an export.

 

[Lapuapalooza]

Thanks for the welcome, guys.

To answer your questions, Ron, it has a 24.5 in barrel. It came with the standard OD green McMillan stock, but I put the tiger stripe camo tape on back around 1987, when I was still a wet-behind-the-ears 22 yr old. It's held up pretty well, but then again, it has rarely come out of the case since I left Germany in '89. That pattern is pretty functional in the thick pine forests of Europe; not so much in the high desert where I live now.

And thanks for the info on the rings. £120 seems a little steep. Looking at the photo it appears that the company that manufactures these, Badger Ordanance, is located less than 1000 miles from me, just outside Kansas City. That's a whole lot closer than the UK. You would think they'd be a bit cheaper without the costs associated with export/re-import, UK VAT, customs fees, etc. They don't have them listed on their website, but I believe I might just give them a call to see what they can do for me.

What I'd really like is a short Picatinny rail that mounts up to the PH dovetails. (I really need to get me a mill. One of these days.....)

Anyway, take care guys, and Happy Holidays!

Glen

There are a lot of guys on here with mills that would help out if you needed it.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

Hello, Gents,

I'm a noob here, so I guess I'll tell ya a little about myself. I'm a retired US Army MSG, 11Z5X. That's a Senior Infantry Sergeant for the international audience. I'll have been retired for (damn time flies when once you get out) 15 years when the ball drops in Times Square in a little over a week. I served 21-1/2, but it feels like since taking off the uniform, time has sped up, dramatically.

I've been a shooter for as long as I can remember. Hunted & shot small-bore competition during my teenage years, and had the great opportunity to shoot in the Junior National Service Rifle match at Camp Perry when I was about 12. That was before I discovered girls. Obviously.

Anyway, I chose this forum to introduce myself because I see that we have a shared interest. From 1984 to 1989, I was stationed in West Berlin. We had a great Rod & Gun club, and a fantastic shooting organisation, the Berlin American Sportsman's Association. It was the highlight of my non-military shooting career. Matches every weekend. I was also able to make a little extra cash doing some minor gunsmithing jobs for my buddies on the side, mainly trigger honing. It was a fantastic time...

While I was in Berlin, I took advantage of what we had. One of those advantages was the availability of some fine, non-semi (or full) auto long guns (it was Germany) for sale at the Rod & Gun club. In late 1985, I saw a flyer for a Parker-Hale M85, and I just had to have one. I put down a 50% down payment, and after about 3 months, it arrived, balance due on delivery. I was an E4 at the time, so I was probably making about $900 a month. The M85 cost me a little over that, but I don't regret it. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to shoot it for quite a while. More like decades. But that's another story that may be coming to an end.

So, sorry for being so long-winded, but here's some PH porn of the British girl I met in Germany & brought home with me. (Unlike the German girl I brought home who I haven't seen in years).

BTW, that POS Bushnell you see there is all I could afford at the time I was actively shooting her in Berlin. That scope later went on my M16A2 in Mogadishu, where, although it got beat up pretty bad, it functioned quite well.

Speaking of which, do any of you know where I can get a 34mm scope mount/rings that fit the M85's peculiar set-up. Alternatively, a short Picatinny rail that will mount to the PH dovetails?

Thanks.

CabraVieja (Old Goat)
View attachment 7509456View attachment 7509457View attachment 7509458

Excellent!! I'm in Roswell.

 

[rgg_7]

Parker Hale "yellow" coat rod can sometimes be found on eBay out of the UK. Very expensive to ship. Have seen mops and jags as well. Canadian issue C3 kit is comprised of a pull thru, jag, bore brush, mop, 2pc cleaning brush all housed in a plastic case with an oiler. Now try finding one of these.

Ron (Canada)

 

[CabraVieja]

Welcome aboard... you picked the best possible spot to introduce yourself and one of the classiest first posts in memory!

Beautiful rifle and great history! Thanks for sharing! The case and presentation are just gorgeous!

Got my Parker Hale lust going again.

Sirhr

Sirhr,

Many thanks! I hope once the COVID restrictions die down I can get out & shoot her again.

Take care & Happy New Year!

Hopefully 2021 will better than the last,which should be forgotten sooner rather than later. I think maybe we should just skip it going forward, like some buildings skip the 13th floor.

Glen

 

[CabraVieja]

There are a lot of guys on here with mills that would help out if you needed it.

Thanks. If there are any somewhat local, I'd definitely be interested.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

CGS Group in Artesia has a full blown machine shop and they are all military.

575-736-2474

Gun Suppressor Manufacturer / Rifle Manufacturer / CGS

Obsessing over every detail we have produced top of the line gun suppressors and tactical rifles rigorously designed and tested by seasoned professionals.

cgsgroup.com

Firearm Suppressor and Rifle Engineers, Machinists and Military Veterans

CGS's team members work as a unit to build the best expertly-tested firearm suppressors and made to order rifles available that guarantee satisfaction.

cgsgroup.com

 

[ChrisF308]

I would not go 34mm scope on the M85 , as it will look wrong , ie too big , go 30mm , and the prefect would be a March 3-24xx42mm or similar scope size .
A Brit company called I think Sportsmatch , make alloy rings for airguns , also make rings of PH dovetail in 30mm , as its what I have used , and have worked perfectly for me.

Later Chris

 

[ArmedGinger]

This rifle here was what started me into precision shooting. Shot it in an "Inter Agency Match" against RCMP, Conservation, Prison Guards, etc. Sadly I got rid of it years ago to move onto different things. Eventually I went almost full circle from New age guns back down to "old school" and now use an M40A1.

 

[njohn890]

Ever come across One across the old (1970s) Parker Hale yellow plastic coated cleaning rods? Need a couple to complete my IDF Mauser build.

Thanks and thanks for all for the good Parker Hale info.

I do lust after one!

Sirhr

Sirh,

Have you tried EBay.uk? I’ve seen a few on there just using “Parker Hale” in the search box.....

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Sirh,

Have you tried EBay.uk? I’ve seen a few on there just using “Parker Hale” in the search box.....

I figured they show up now and then... just haven't hit at the right time. But thanks! I will renew my search!

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[Dr. Strangelove_207]

I figured they show up now and then... just haven't hit at the right time. But thanks! I will renew my search!

Cheers,

Sirhr

The yellow cleaning rods are fairly common over here. I don't think they're 1970s vintage but they look the part! Not sure if I'm due over to the US any time soon but I'm sure I'll know someone who is at some point and who wouldn't mind taking a couple and sending them on to you when they arrive!

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Awesome! Yeah, shipping would be a killer. I should be over when the world opens up again. So I'll see what I can do to find some that I can carry home. I'll pretend they're fly rods.

Thanks and cheers!

Sirhr

 

[CabraVieja]

I would not go 34mm scope on the M85 , as it will look wrong , ie too big , go 30mm , and the prefect would be a March 3-24xx42mm or similar scope size .
A Brit company called I think Sportsmatch , make alloy rings for airguns , also make rings of PH dovetail in 30mm , as its what I have used , and have worked perfectly for me.

Later Chris

Chris,

Thanks for the input. That's definitely food for thought.

Take care.

Glen