What makes a real M40?
- Thread starter Ferris
- Start date
- Location
- calgary alberta
There are several versions of the M40, ie A1, A2, A3, so to have more specifics would make advice easier.
I build several M40 clones every year, the only difference is that mine are not marked USMC or Property of the US Government
The USMC 2112's do all sorts of odd things that it is not likely to see on a civilian one unless you specifically request it. Some of them are pretty well known, like the clip slot and the uberheavy scope mount/floor plate and the deep crown, but some I don't really know why they did them(welded mag box).
Like ATR says though, a good smith can build as close to an M40 as you/your pocketbook want. The 3 I have shot from ATR were really nice rifles.
- Location
- calgary alberta
Rather than spending big$$ on a 700P just for the action, as the M40A3 stock is totally different, why not start with an SPS, then add the Rock Creek M40 barrel, the M40A3 stock, the precision recoil lug, DD Ross or Badger bottom metal etc.
About the only thing I don't bother to do as I see no reason to do it is the stripper clip slot on the top of the action. This has always eluded me, why they do it. To be of use means removing your primary sighting device (scope) which is why many of the current 1s are sporting Badger bottom metal with AI mags. The back up sights in todays age of scope reliability is also a waste of $$ unless you plan to go to war with someone, Check with Mr. bush maybe he is planning something we don't know about and you could get in on the ground floor.
Steve David
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Oshawa, Ontario
Rather than spending big$$ on a 700P just for the action, as the M40A3 stock is totally different, why not start with an SPS, then add the Rock Creek M40 barrel, the M40A3 stock, the precision recoil lug, DD Ross or Badger bottom metal etc.
About the only thing I don't bother to do as I see no reason to do it is the stripper clip slot on the top of the action. This has always eluded me, why they do it. To be of use means removing your primary sighting device (scope) which is why many of the current 1s are sporting Badger bottom metal with AI mags. The back up sights in todays age of scope reliability is also a waste of $$ unless you plan to go to war with someone, Check with Mr. bush maybe he is planning something we don't know about and you could get in on the ground floor.
I have seen a few M40's that Rick has built they are perfect, but he is right, there is no need for the clip slot, the only reason the actions are clips slotted is because the original M40's used actions that were slotted for stripper clips for target shooting, and it escalated from there. Also, the new generation M40A3 now has the Badger detachable magazine system.
- Location
- In the clock tower!!
If you thinking a true spec M40A3 build better bring your wallet
Its not that all the parts are any more or less expensive than any other (some will be), however, some of the work involved in the build is more extensive than a standard custom build.
- McMillan A4 sniper fill stock with flush cup mounts and saddle cheek piece.
- Rem 700 action, slotted for the DD Ross 30MOA rail (which will only fit the action after the correct cuts have been made to the action. The M40A3 receivers were only slotted to accept the DD Ross rail, they were not clip slotted like the earlier versions). The actual USMC rifles were said to have been built on "G" prefix Reminton 700 receivers if your into hunting for one (if they were ever availble to the public, that I don't know).
- I can't remember what the spec on the recoil lug was, perhaps someone could chime in (I think it was also DD Ross).
- Barrel: Schneider barrel, contour #7, 6 grove, 1:12 twist, Length 24" from recoil/ 25" from thread to muzzle
Start at 1.250" and muzzle end at .920" ***(The Schneider USMC contract barrel may be very hard to locate, a Rock Creek from ATRS would be a good substitute).
- Crown: 45 degree recess with .090" depth
- DD Ross bottom metal, Badger M5 on the newer builds.
-DD Ross 30MOA rail spec'd for the slotting.
- Badger contract scope rings
- Unertl fixed 10x scope for older spec build, S&B contract 3-12 scope with Gen II mil-dot reticle for newer spec build.
- The trigger is said to be the Remington M24 trigger which is different than their standard one, (not available to the public).
Some of the above parts can be near to impossible to find and thus rather expensive when you do find them.
Rick from Alberta Tactical has build some great relica M40 series rifles that anyone would be proud to own, and shoot just as good! If your heart is set on as near to spec or true spec, I would talk to Rick about locating and importing some of the items you will need. He'll have the low down on finding them, importing them for the build.
Here are a few pics I found of a receiver slotted for the DD Ross rail and the spec crown.
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usmc/us army
When the m40's first started out, they used rem 40xb repeater barrelled actions in 308. But they cost to much and they came with the clip slot. They also had the redfield/realist 3x9 ART rifle scopes. I have this original setup with the 3x9 realist ART rifle scope. They also used winchester steel trigger guards. I also have the isreali leatherwood 3x9 ART m14 scope and the us military leatherwood 3x9 ART 2 for m14. The isreali mount is made out of alumium and coated with a weatherproof coating. The us mount is steel/park.
When the m40's first started out, they used rem 40xb repeater barrelled actions in 308. But they cost to much and they came with the clip slot. They also had the redfield/realist 3x9 ART rifle scopes. I have this original setup with the 3x9 realist ART rifle scope. They also used winchester steel trigger guards. I also have the isreali leatherwood 3x9 ART m14 scope and the us military leatherwood 3x9 ART 2 for m14. The isreali mount is made out of alumium and coated with a weatherproof coating. The us mount is steel/park.
- Location
- In the clock tower!!
Rather than spending big$$ on a 700P just for the action, as the M40A3 stock is totally different, why not start with an SPS, then add the Rock Creek M40 barrel, the M40A3 stock, the precision recoil lug, DD Ross or Badger bottom metal etc.
About the only thing I don't bother to do as I see no reason to do it is the stripper clip slot on the top of the action. This has always eluded me, why they do it. To be of use means removing your primary sighting device (scope) which is why many of the current 1s are sporting Badger bottom metal with AI mags. The back up sights in todays age of scope reliability is also a waste of $$ unless you plan to go to war with someone, Check with Mr. bush maybe he is planning something we don't know about and you could get in on the ground floor.
The clipslotting does seem a wee bit old school but who am I to judge
