COLD WAR

Harris / McMillan M86

Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle (1986)

Infantry Small Arms / The Warfighter

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.

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.

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.

Specifications

Service Year

1986

Origin

United States

Classification

Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle

Harris Gunworks LCC / McMillan - USA

(View other Arms-Related Manufacturers)

United States

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Accuracy / Precision
Long-range accuracy / precision capable; suitable for sniping, particularly when equipped with sighting aids.

✓ Special Forces
Qualities of this weapon have shown its value to Special Forces elements requiring a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special assignments.

Overall Length

1,104 mm
43.46 in

Barrel Length

609 mm
23.98 in

Empty Wgt

11.46 lb
5.20 kg

Sights

Various including low light and night vision

Action

Manually-Actuated Bolt Action

(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)

Caliber(s)*

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

Sample Visuals**

Graphical image of a 7.62x51mm / .308 Winchester rifle cartridge

Graphical image of a .300 Winchester Magnum rifle cartridge

Graphical image of a .338 rifle cartridge

Rounds / Feed

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

*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources.
**Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.

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.

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