idahoron

I have a BK 92 that is a 54 cal. I know it is much like the MK85. What I don't know is the difference between the Bighorn and the MK85. Anyone know the differences? Ron

WV Hunter

From a technical standpoint, not much I don't think. From a use standpoint, the MK balances WAY better. The bighorn stock is too short, imo...and makes the gun very top heavy. It will try to fall off your shoulder when you carry it. I think the bighorn barrel might be a tad longer also, but not for sure. I'd take an mk over a bighorn any day.

sabotloader

The three larger differences...

The Big Horn is a 26" barrel - the MK is normally 24" although there were some 22" barrels

The receiver of the Big Horn has been reshaped in the fact that it round instead flat topped.

Also the breech opening has been closed up on the left wall of the receiver where the MK was open on both sides.

This statement is not correct - the MK is closed on the left side...

Same twist in the bore 1-28, and again there is an exception in that some 45's were 1-24.

flounder33

The mk 85's had two different length barrels, the standard 24" and the carbine 20".
In my opinion the older mk 85s were superior to the newer ones. They had cut rifling instead of button rifling and had better triggers. The mk 85's had two-piece barrel/receivers, this may have changed with the newer models, I'm not sure.
The Bighorns are mostly just a lk-93 that has a different plunger so it can shoot all three ignition types. They have a one-piece barrel/receiver with a cylindrical receiver. The older Bighorns use to come with either 26" or 22" barrels.
For me, the mk 85 is a better fit. I think the Bighorns do a good job as well.
Art

Grouse45

The BK92 and the Mk85 have square receivers and are only 24 inches long. Both the BK92 and the MK85 have only 120grn max powder charge. The Bighorn has a round receiver and a 26 barrel allowing for 150grn capabilities. The Bighorn is also considered a magnum muzzleloader.

idahoron

I have been looking for a MK85 stainless 50. I want one for a loaner gun and to use on my boat. I wanted to use my paper patched bullets in it. Well I found a Bighorn 52 cal. I have been toying with the idea of paper patching 50 cal sharps bullets for it. The Sharps bullets are .515 so after patching them I would be right at .518 to .520 depending on the paper. That could be an interesting gun to play with. I am not having any luck finding a 50 MK85 that I like. Ron

flounder33

I understand they are becoming a bit harder to find. I would keep looking, they are out there. That is my opinion but I am nutz about mk 85s, they are best Knight ever made.

idahoron

See with my paper patch bullets shooting so well in the 50 and I have all the 50 cal already I am leaning to the MK85 50. I just need to find a good stainless MK85 50 cal but the 52 could be fun. Ron

flounder33

Pete, I really thought all the mk 85's were either 24" or 20" barrels until I got one in yesterday's mail with a 22" Lothar Walther barrel. Now I have the three lengths.



It is really in pretty good shape for one of the very early mk 85s



Now I am wondering if they made any with a 26" barrel......

sabotloader

flounder33

Art, I forget about those early days of the MK-85, both of the MK's that I have/had are GM barreled actions - Both are Predetors and both were 24" . Some where I read there was also a 22" model but I can not remember its name. Never thought there were 20" barrels...

I do not know for sure but I do not think there were any 26" barrels, although at the end of the Wolverine run there were a few 26" barrels show up if I remember correctly...