Harris / McMillan M86

Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle

United States | 1986

"The impressive Harris M86 sniper rifle has been fielded with the United States Navy SEALs and Delta Force special forces groups."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 02/26/2018 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The McMillan M86 (now Harris) was designed with military and security forces in mind, allowing for the ability to reliably and consistently deliver lethal firepower at long ranges in any climate or environmental working conditions. The M86 went on serve with both the Untied States Navy SEALs and Delta Force special forces groups with the first 460 or so of these systems being earmarked as such. Harris Gunworks purchased McMillan in 1995, changing the formal designation of the M86 to reflect this move.

The M86 utilizes McMillan engineering throughout, including the McMillan-based action, McMillan McHale adjustable fiberglass composite stock with recoil pad and the McMillan match grade heavy contour precision barrel. The rifle was eventually available in a variety of calibers that included 7mm Remington Magnum, 7.62x51mm NATO, .300 Winchester Magnum, .30-06 Springfield and .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges. Depending on the selected caliber, magazine counts differed from 3- (.300 Win Mag), 4- (.308 and .30-06), 5- and 10-round detachable magazines. Magazine types offered were either an internal magazine or a conventional detachable box. Optic options proved plentiful and included flashlights, low-light and night vision scopes. Despite its size, the M86 enjoyed a relatively light operating weight thanks to its fiberglass composite stock. An adjustable bipod (featuring full tilt and swivel control) was optional as was a detachable buttstock. Interestingly enough, no iron sights were afforded to the base weapon.

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Externally, the M86 sported a simple and clean design. The near-vertical pistol grip was integrated into the stock and body. The bolt-action lever was set to the right side of the body with the segregated trigger group located just underneath. The barrel was seemingly featureless and extended forwards from the squared-off body while optics of virtually any type could be fitted onto the gun. The optional bipod could be folded backwards and up against the gun body for increased portability.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the Harris / McMillan M86. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,104 mm
43.46 in
O/A Length

609 mm
23.98 in
Barrel Length

11.46 lb
5.20 kg
Weight

Manually-Actuated Bolt Action
Action

7.62x51mm NATO; .30-06 Springfield; .300 Winchester Magnum; .338 Lapua Magnum; 7mm Remington Magnum
Caliber(s)

3-, 4-, 5- or 10-round magazine
Feed

Various including low light and night vision
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Harris / McMillan M86 Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle family line.

M86 - Base Series Designation; chambered to fire the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge.

M86 (.300 Winchester Magnum) - Chambered to fire the .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge.

M86 (.338 Lapua Magnum) - Chambered to fire the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Harris / McMillan M86. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Harris Gunworks LCC / McMillan - USA

[ United States ]

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

ACCURACY/PRECISION

SPECIAL FORCES

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon representing special forces

Going Further...
The Harris / McMillan M86 Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle appears in the following collections:

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