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Posted: 9/27/2012 9:26:01 PM EDT
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Got my M85 today from Copes and I have to say, very happy with what I got.
Some quick points: - Receiver is 1.5mm thick with bulged trunnion - Barrel is chrome-lined (I'm 99.9% sure it's also cold hammer forged) with lots of proof marks - Has bullet guide on the trunnion - Total barrel length is 10" or so. Muzzle is recessed behind the FSB threads unlike the M92s which are flush with the FSB threads. - Bolt stem is skinnier on the M85 than the M92 - Magazine that came with the M85 is all plastic. No steel reinforcements of any kind. Follower resembles USGI followers. Kinda crappy compared to regular steel mags. Fit and finish is just like the M92s. I was lucky enough to get a couple with straight sights. This one is no exception. Here are some pictures: 
Muzzle area [ 
Gas block 
Chrome-lined Chamber 
Large billboards 
Magazine Notice the different floor plate. This one reminds of a glock magazine plate where I have to pinch the sides of the mag body in order to slide the plate out. 
Side by side with 2 other mags. Left is a Brownell's USGI mag with tan follower, middle is the M85 plastic mag, right is a Bulgarian smoke circle 10 waffle. Notice the follower of the M85 having the 2 grooves similar to the AR follower. Also note the cuts on the feed lips. The bulgy waffle does not fit the M85 unless I make a relief cut on the feed lips similar to the M85 mag. 
On a side note, I read on another report that Galil 5.56 surplus mags feed well on these. I haven't tried one for myself but bought a few from APEX to test out. If the Galil mags are good to go, no need to buy the more expensive M85 mags for me :small_gri |
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- Barrel is chrome-lined (I'm 99.9% sure it's also cold hammer forged) with lots of proof marks They are. Contrary to what many believe the Russians (and almost every other AK producing nation) didn't start cold hammer forging their barrels until the introduction of the AK-74. Yugoslavia, however, was doing it from the get go, and that leads people to believe that's the reason they never bothered to chrome line their barrels (before their 5.56 variants) because they felt they were superior and didn't require them. That last bit may very well be myth but it came from a few solid sources in Europe. |
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Looks like you have a winner there!
If I get one (leaning heavily toward doing so after reading your report), I'd want to make a SBR out of it. Would a Yugo underfolder have to be utilized due to the thicker 1.6mm receiver or will any East Bloc folder fit? Just doing a little quick homework. 
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How exactly to they have a chrome lined barrel when all accounts differ from your report  I don't know for sure why the M85s are different. I am told the chrome lining is a NATO-required spec. Prior to these M85 PAP showing up, I've never seen one available with the original barrel. Even the M85 virgin kits comes with a US made barrel. The chrome lining on the barrel pictured is unmistakeable. Its not the polished steel like the M92s and it's actually more matte grey than shiny. |
| I have read "accounts" on other sites that they have called distributors and they are indeed chrome lined. I have read that the M85 rifles have chrome lined barrels. 7.62, of course, is not chrome lined. Plus, as stated it appears to be chrome lined by the images provided. But, as my wife always reminds me, I have been wrong before. Very nice pistol - thanks for posting the pics. Tell us how it shoots!! |
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Sweet! Nice pics and info. I just ordered one.... Quoted:
Thanks for the info, I will be ordering one. You're welcome. I don't think these have the same demand level like the M92s but I do think it's a great pistol and something I had hoped the SLR-106U pistol was. Serial number location is a bummer and the lack of a rear sling mount. I believe these are temporary issues. I do plan to shoot it tomorrow. I'll report back on the results :) |
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I will too. I heard they take galil mags. I read about that too. I went ahead and bought some from Apex. They are selling 6 for $60. The bulgarian waffle 5.56 mags also work but needs some trimming on one side of the feed lips (one below the extractor). I've already modified one of my 5 rounder mag and fits and feed perfect. |
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I will too. I heard they take galil mags. I read about that too. I went ahead and bought some from Apex. They are selling 6 for $60. The bulgarian waffle 5.56 mags also work but needs some trimming on one side of the feed lips (one below the extractor). I've already modified one of my 5 rounder mag and fits and feed perfect. I bought one today, along with a Galil mag. The Galil mag has a lot of play in every direction but ran fine. I'd love to try the Tapco Galil mag too. |
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I will too. I heard they take galil mags. I read about that too. I went ahead and bought some from Apex. They are selling 6 for $60. The bulgarian waffle 5.56 mags also work but needs some trimming on one side of the feed lips (one below the extractor). I've already modified one of my 5 rounder mag and fits and feed perfect. I bought one today, along with a Galil mag. The Galil mag has a lot of play in every direction but ran fine. I'd love to try the Tapco Galil mag too. That's good to know because I bought 12 of them 
I now wonder if one of those 50 round Galil mags would also work. Short barreled krink pistol with a magazine longer than the pistol (exaggerating) would be pure joy! |
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