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Navy bolt rifles(McMillan m86 & m89)

9.1K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  300WinmagWindbag  
#1 ·
I am curious about the Navy SEALs using McMillan rifles speciffically M86 and possibly the M89? When where these McMillan(or Harris?) guns used and for how long before switching to custom Remington based bolt guns. Were either the m86 or m89 also used in 300Win besides 308?

I understand that the M89 suppressed was a good gun, is the suppressed m89 the only m89 the navy may have used or did they also use the unsuppressed m89? If I'm way off the mark let me know.

I've always been fond of the old McMillan/Harris actions-never owned one but used to see some in gun stores before Harris went away. I'm not sure if they were that much better than a standard Remington brand 700 action from a custom builder, but any thoughts on this if you have them as well. Again I couldn't say either way not having any shooting experiance with them myself.
 
#2 ·
These rifles were used during the 80's and early 90's. They did indeed have 300 Win Mag versions, as I have a box of the original A191 ammo here (the one with the original 185gr bullet) that has markings on the box the specifically says "For use in M86 rifles only" as the ammo was over pressure (one of the things that made the original ammo legendary). This ammo was loaded specifically for those SEAL M86 rifles

MEL
 
#3 ·
Beauty!

Thanks Mel!

And for the M89? Was that also used by SEALS in 300winmag or were they just 308? I think Harris sold a three barrel/caliber change rifle in the M89 platform.
 
#4 ·
As far as I can tell , the M-89 was made on McMillan action , in 308 ( uses M14 mags ) & 300WM ( internal mag w/floor plate ) .

In a A2 stock modied to take a PH bipod , using a Mcmillan/Harris polygonal barrel , both versions used a 17.5 inche barrel .

Barrel was set up with a o-ring on rear section of barrel for the over barrel ( telescoping ) suppressor .

Suppressor is a large Qual-A-tec model , dia 1.65 x 17.24 long , all SS , weighs 58.5 oz , extends back 6.6 inches from muzzle .

Photos of the M-89 , I have seen , all have the Old Mil , B&L 10x scopes .

The polygonal rifling was claimed to give the rifles a longer than normal service life , before needing to re-barrel .
 
#5 ·
Thanks Chris!

Sounds like a great rifle especially for suppresed.