The EM-85 Collector Series
Bringing an iconic British Bullpup to life. A remanufactured SA80.
Limited edition. Now available to pre-order.
EM85 / L85A1
1990 Operation Granby
EM85A2 / L85A2
2008 Operation Herrick
Pre-Production EM85
EM85 Parts ready for assembly.
Semi-Auto Remanufactured L85
EM85a1 - SA80 / L85a1
EM85a2 - L85a2
L85 - EM85
The story of the SA80 family began in 1947 when the British wanted a bullpup design. This lead to the EM-2, a very good rifle for the time, but T’was not ever thus. The EM-2 never saw mass production even though it was officially adapted for six months in 1951.
A fitting name for our semi-auto improved SA80 is the EM-85 paying homage to the original successful British “EM” bullpup concept.
EM-85 Upper Receiver Stamping
Seen complete with, recoil rod assembly, bolt carrier group, rail, chamber and front trunion.
EM-85 Bolt carrier “In the White” with an original A1 cocking handle.
The EM85 is compatible with a range of original SA80 Items such as this.
Perfecting the Sa80
It is no secret that the SA80 family had a rough start. The L85A1 was a result of underfunding, deindustrialization, rushed quotas and messy internal Ministry of Defense (MOD) politics. The result was a less than ideal rifle and one that to this day cannot seem to shake its early reputation.
Here at Murdoch and Co. we fully understand this poor reputation and every problem of the early SA80 family.
And so, we refuse to sell or manufacture a product that is truly to SA80 specification. We have spent many hours with real SA80 rifles and understand some things do not make sense from a firearm engineering stand point. We can do better and you deserve better.
Another reason we have decided to do this is there are a number of Semi-auto L85a1s in Switzerland. These rifles have no replacement parts and all have worn out barrels. This is a problem we have resolved in the EM-85 by designing it like a modern firearm with serviceable components.
Thus the EM-85 will be a remanufactured SA80 but with improved engineering, use of modern springs, barrels and more to create a reliable, enjoyable rifle with longevity and ease of maintenance paramount to to this new design.
EM-85 Fire Control Group.
With front take down pin and selector.
EM-85 Specifications and Features
Features and Improvements:
-Built from parts and plans for the original SA80.
-Field strips exactly the same as SA80 family.
– Engineering improvements for strength, reliability and longevity.
-Use of modern common springs for maintenance.
-Original barrel contour perfected for modern manufacturing, improved accuracy and ease of repair / replacement.
-Improved trigger group for a better shooting experience, use of AR Springs means your choice of trigger spring weight and ease of maintenance.
-Accepts modern AR Hammer and Trigger Springs.
-Correct Markings and MOD style serial.
-Correct paint and coatings.
-Ships with original MOD NOS Handguard.
-Compatible with original L85 Handguards and rails.
-Murdoch and Co. has Original ACOG Dovetail mount and RIS Adapter which will be available at time of shipment for mounting of modern optics.
-Improved rail mounting method. (Original top rail design would come loose and not keep zero).
– Any many more.
Technical:
Length – 30.9 Inch
Weight W/Magazine and Irons – 9.5Lb
Barrel length – 20.4 inch
Precision Nitride Barrel – 8,000 – 10,000 round life.
Caliber – 5.56
Twist – 1/7
Correct 18mm NATO Rail.
Normal, Excess and off gas settings.
Limited Parts - Limited Edition
The EM-85 uses real MOD parts. Mainly Every EM85 uses a real issue L85 Hand guard, Mainspring, and much more.
These rifles also have original Enfield factory parts such as the magazine-well welded into them. No other SA80 but the EM85 or UK rifles have these Enfield parts.
Due to these major original components being in limited supply and current parts being destroyed in the UK only a hand full of EM-85s can be made.
If you have a genuine SA80/ L85 handguard or any other original parts you can now complete your rifle. Please contact us to place an order.
EM-85 Lower Stamping.
An Original, New-Old stock A1 hand guard from Murdoch and Co’s. Collection.
EM-85a1 and EM-85a2
Just like the SA80 family the L85a1 became the L85a2. Murdoch and Co thus offered two models reflecting the changes between the L85a1 and L85a2.
Notes: Both Rifles feature the same improved and reliable internals unlike the unreliable internals on the L85a1.
EM-85 A1
– Ships with a real MOD A1 Fore end.
– Correct A1 Markings
– Ships with Real A1 Iron Sights.
-Features no Magazine Catch Cover.
– A1 Chrome Gas Piston
– Gray Springs.
EM-85 A2
-Ships with NOS A2 handguard
-MOD DD Rail handguard available for additional cost.
-Correct a2 magazine catch and guard.
-Your choice of ACOG Riser or 20mm RIS Adapter for additional cost.
-Black Nitride Bolt, Gas Piston and Gas Regulator.
-Correct “A2” Laser markings on multiple components.
-A2 Green marked firing pin
-A2 Red “Upgraded” Springs
Complete EM-85 Recoil Rod Assembly.
This set of multiple precision ground parts work together to guide the bolt into the chamber.
A core part to the rifle and one many British troops have field stripped from their L85s.
Deactivated EM-85
We understand and have gotten many requests from collectors, museums and reenactors in restrictive states and countries that wish to own an EM-85. To ensure these customers can also enjoy our products Murdoch and Co. will offer a deactivated rifle.
This version will be externally identical, have all basic functioning parts and field stripping capability.
This rifle is deactivated and will not be able to accept, be modified to or discharge any ammunition.
Please contact us if you would like to reserve yours.
EM-85 Package 'Deployment Kit"
Field Stripped EM85
The EM85 field strips identical to the SA80.
Our EM-85 Ships as a Deployment kit. Included is a full package to ensure the most enjoyment out of your collectors item.
Included:
- Pelican Case featuring British flag and NATO markings.
- A detailed owners manual including: Round count, logbook and more.
- H&K High Reliability Magazine.
- H&K SA80 Cleaning Tool.
- SA80 Cleaning kit Case.
- British ration pack issue brew kit.
Excerpt from the EM85 Manual.
Note the lack of magazine well and Butt pad – This is due to these being original parts on your EM85 and so there was no reason to make CAD models.
Current Stage of Development
Currently a 1st concept EM-85 has been completed and we are on to perfecting our production rifle. We have all parts complete and ready for manufacture.
Follow our “In the White” Series over @murdochandco on Instagram to appreciate and see every part without coating as we discus the challenges to manufacture and perfect each part in this rifle.
Upper and lower stamping dies are currently being finished.
In summary, we are 95% complete with the all main work finished. We are now perfecting all these parts to assemble and test one final time before production.
As we near completion we would like to offer an opportunity for those who wish to support this project. To reserve yours and place pre-order please submit your request below.
Reserve Yours
This opportunity is reserved for 30 rifles.
With the use of real MOD parts the production of the rifle will be limited due to the finite nature of these components.
This pre order opportunity guarantees you receive an extremely rare and sought after rifle.
Future rifles will enter the market when parts can be acquired and in a standard fashion.
Because the EM-85 uses original sights, NOS handguards and other items we cannot guarantee the exact ship time of the remaining rifles after the first run of 30 we currently have allocated parts for.
By reserving yours you are also reserving these rare components from our stock.
Pre-Order opportunity will close anytime as we near launch.