Made the MK-85 PR look better so it would Shoot Better

Joined
Nov 30, 2012
Messages
1,267
Location
Northern Idaho
Some of you will remember that I picked a 'Project Rifle' - a used SS MK-85 that I got in trade for one of my Renegades. The rifle looked great on the outside but the bore is/was slightly pitted top to bottom. Just drives me nutz! but, anyway I am determined to make it into a shooter! I have already experimented with a bit shooting 50 cal bullets -sabotless.

The experiment continues - this is what it looked like when I got it...



And the other day I decided to work on it a little more. I changed the sights on it - removed the WGRS peep and installed a Williams FP peep. I really really like the 1/4" clicks of the FP versus the slide and glide of the WGRS. Then to make it really shoot better I put on of my thumbhole stocks. Now it had to be a good shooter. After my upgrading, on Monday I ran it out to the farm and sighted it in at 25 yards. My range at the farm was still clogged a bit with farm machines and I did not really have time to shoot the hundred anyway.

I went Tuesday to finish the job and I'll be darned Marty had move the tractor so the range was mostly open... Set my target out at 100, well 101 according to the laser, loaded up and commenced shooting.

I decided to shoot the Barnes .500x325 gr. bullets first as they really load easier than do the 275's, actually almost to easy... Took the first shot and thought I was in pretty good shape, especially shooting a squeaky clean barrel, which I truly dislike. But I know the second shot would tell the real story so loaded up the second touched it off. The POI of the second shot really did not surprise me that much. So loaded up the third and shot it. Looked through the bi-nocks but could not find the 3 shot on the target anywhere. Really bugged me, because I know I heard it punch the target and the plywood of the target. It makes a very distinctive sound. Looked again with the glasses but COULD not find it. So - I walked out through the stubble to the target. When I got close enough to see the target - there was only TWO holes. I almost turned around in disgust and walked back but then upon further review - it appears that I got blind-dumb lucky - they were touching each other. I really do not know which one is 2 and which one is 3 - but I really do not care... :)

I adjusted the sight up 8 clicks and shot the next 3... This time I shot the Barnes .500x275 gr. XPB's which is the bullet I really want to shoot for hunting deer. While I know other can shoot better - this was good enough for me. I walked out picked up the target and while out there places 4 clay pigeons - took me 5 shots but got them all and it is a heck of a lot more fun than shooting paper.

I now believe the gun to be hunt ready!

 
OP
sabotloader
Joined
Nov 30, 2012
Messages
1,267
Location
Northern Idaho
Nice shooting! Could you post up a couple pics of the sites?

Sure... The front sight was only slightly changed. I pushed out the non-fiber optic front sight and installed a Williams Fiber Optic sight a .343N.

You can see the old front sight in this picture...



The rear sight that came with the rifle was a Williams WRGS peep sight. It is what I call a slide and glide adjustable sight. For me these type sights are very difficult to be precise with, although they do work...



Since the old front sight had a Williams streamlined ramp already installed - I was able to push the sight out of the ramp and install a Williams Fire Sight. Then I also put a Fire Sight Hood on the ramp. I really like the hood, when looking through the peep it gives you the illusion that you might be looking through the tube of a scope.

You can see the new sight up in this picture...



This is a closer picture of the front sight, with ramp, sight blade, and hood



This is a close up of the rear Williams FP Peep sight...



Hope this helps...
 
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