Army M24 Build Thread

[eodsix]

M24 spotter deployment kit. Complete in unissued condition. View attachment 7111175View attachment 7111176View attachment 7111177View attachment 7111178

Thanks for the tip re the brushes, I'll pick those up. Its the sunshade that I really want.

Regarding my tool kit, its a Pelican 1120 and I'm pretty certain its 100% correct for a late M24. Why? Well, a buddy of mine went thru US Army sniper school in 2009 and was issued an M24. He spent time in Afghanistan with it, and retired a few years later. When he turned in his M24, he was told it was to be converted to new XM2010 variant.

When he saw my M24R in 2015, he asked me to give him first right of refusal if I ever sold it, as it reminded him of his old M24...and later offered me his original M24 tool kit as it didn’t need to be turned in, which I gladly accepted. It has basically two of all the little wrenches and items like magazine springs, firing pins, followers. The Pelican 1120 was apparently issued to him in 2009, and we talked about certain items that were updated over the 20 plus years of the M24 when in service (1988-2010).

Iron sights: Redfield (early) vs OK Weber/RPA Trakker (late)
Flash hiders: One style for Redfiield front sight block, and a later style for the OK Weber front sight block.
Scopes: M3A Ultra (most) vs basically identical Mk 4/M3 turrets (replacement scopes during the late 1990s/200Xs)
Bipods: 9-13 non-pivot vs shorter 6-9 BR models with swivel head (late issued rifles)
Optic deployment cases (gray is early) vs black ones (late)
I am probably overlooking some items, but those are the items I recall at the moment.

When I showed him my rifle with the original style Harris 9-13" non-swivel bipod (as seen in all of the 1988 pics and original manual), he told me that I should get rid of that "old school" bipod. He stated that these older models had been replaced by 2009 with the shorter 6-9" BR model with swivel heads, as it allows you get a lower prone position. So I bought one of those for it, but end up using it on my M40A5. He took a job with the Dept of State and moved overseas a couple of years ago, but his knowledge was really useful when I started collecting parts for this rifle.

Well of course you're right, the 1120 is correct for later M24s so, drive on.

 

[Random Guy]

I had a chance to buy the Litton Optics kit a couple of years ago but didn't...wish I would have.
Nice kit.

 

[njohn890]

Can confirm that the Pelican 1120 works as it fit exactly in the recess in my Hardigg case, right down to all the imprints of the case seams and lid in the foam lining. I picked mine up from an outdoor equipment store.

 

[Random Guy]

BTW, I read in the current issue of Tactical life, (Aug 2019), that Remington Defense is now offering the M24A2 variant.
I think its expensive, maybe $7k without a suppressor, but just an fyi post (see attached pics from magazine).

 

[eodsix]

BTW, I read in the current issue of Tactical life, (Aug 2019), that Remington Defense is now offering the M24A2 variant.
I think its expensive, maybe $7k without a suppressor, but just an fyi post (see attached pics from magazine).

That's awesome that they're finally gonna market this rifle but its a newer version than before if the pic is correct. Note the barrel threading. It's not threaded for the Ops Inc/AE M24 suppressor. The parent company of Remington owns AAC and I'm sure that's threaded for the Titan like the M2010 is. Speaking to someone at Remington a couple years ago, he mentioned threading barrels to the AAC Titan but didn't illude to any future offering. I know however that barrels milled at Remington for the Ops Inc/AE M24 suppressor can be had though it may be a special order or maybe, if one is lucky, an option when buying one of these.

 

[lockedandloaded]

A couple of questions were posed to me today. Instead of answering him privately, I want to post them here for general consumption.

Q1: How many years did the M24 have US marked on the receiver?

I can't honestly answer that, I don't really know. I could only make the assumption that it stopped sometime in the early 1990s, some time after the initial order of M24s was finished and issued to the Army.

Q2: Where can I find pictures of the US marked M24"s ?

That I can answer but I have to repost a picture of it since the previous photos and threads are long gone. This is a close up of my personal Sep 1988 production M24 that was delivered to the Army in Dec 1988. This was saved from the Army long before the Army/Remingtion Rebuild Program. Note the roll stamping of the Remington logo isn't as deep as more recent builds.
View attachment 7108104

Is there an explanation why Remington stopped stamping US above the serial number?

My US stamped M24 has an "E" prefix serial# with "WB" date coded barrel - assembled (W) August (B) 2004 or 2007 depending on which chart one uses to decipher the bbl stamp.

 

[Random Guy]

Re barrel threading:

"The parent company of Remington owns AAC and I'm sure that's threaded for the Titan like the M2010 is. Speaking to someone at Remington a couple years ago, he mentioned threading barrels to the AAC Titan but didn't illude to any future offering."

Here's what the article states, which is a little confusing:

'The A2 variant of the M24 also comes with the barrel threaded for a suppressor, specifically an OPS Inc. model that isn't available anymore. Instead, you can opt for the AAC 7.62-SD available in the complete M24A2 kit"

Here's the link to that model: https://www.advanced-armament.com/762-SD_p_649.html

...that’s all I know.

 

[eodsix]

Re barrel threading:

"The parent company of Remington owns AAC and I'm sure that's threaded for the Titan like the M2010 is. Speaking to someone at Remington a couple years ago, he mentioned threading barrels to the AAC Titan but didn't illude to any future offering."

Here's what the article states, which is a little confusing:

'"he A2 variant of the M24 also comes with the barrel threaded for a suppressor, specifically an OPS Inc. model that isn't available anymore. Instead, you can opt for the AAC 7.62-SD available in the complete M24A2 kit"

Here's the link to that model: https://www.advanced-armament.com/762-SD_p_649.html

...that all I know.

Well it's true in that article that the Ops Inc. 3rd Model M24 Suppressor is no longer available but that's in name only. Allen Engineering made the 3rd Model M24 suppressor under the name Ops Inc. That said, the Allen Engineering website does not carry the M24 Suppressor in the line up but they can be had. Ron Allen will make the M24 suppressor on request. I have one as does a friend of mine. I have also built a Mk12 Mod H with 2 uppers, one in 5.56mm and one in 300 Blk that I can run the M24 Suppressor on, so I get more bang for the buck.

 

[eodsix]

I'm away from my source info this week but can be more specific week after next. Only the first 100 production weapon systems were delivered in December 1988 and it took a bit longer than one would expect to fill the Army's order. 1990 might be too far off but it's close. The rifles delivered in 1987 were more or less test pieces. Test pieces may not be the correct terminology but you get the jist.

As promised above, I can now address what I know about the contract deliveries of M24s to the Army.

Six Initial Product Test rifles and 19 First Article Test rifles were completed by 13 October 1987.
The first SWS prototype rifle was submitted for trials on 28 Oct 1987.
Government approval was awarded to Remington 27 Jul 1988.
The first 100 SWS Systems were delivered 25 Oct 1988.
The second 100 SWS Systems were delivered 20 Dec 1988.
US Army Contract DAAA21-87-C-0086 was for 2,510 systems.

Unfortunately, I don't have the further delivery dates as I thought I did. I do know that the US Army maintained contract exclusivity on the M24 until 1998. I read that as their exclusive contract lasted until 1998 and new weapons could have been delivered throughout that time period. In or after 1998 Egypt was sold 1, 000 and Israel got 396. Saudi Arabia bought an undisclosed number as well as the New York City Police Department.

There were two reconditioning 5 year contracts, one let in August 1992 and then later in August 1997.

 

[m1marty]

This is supposedly one of the initial test rifles

 

[eodsix]

US Army Contract DAAA21-87-C-0086 was for 2,510 systems.

I do know that the US Army maintained contract exclusivity on the M24 until 1998.

I should also say that I don't have any info on possible additional purchases of M24 made by the US Army after 1998. I do know that after 1998, the US Air Force got a number of M24 systems but not sure how many.

Another caveat, the 75th Ranger Regiment evidently converted some of their M24s to .300 Win Mag in 1992 outside of normal Army channels, as I understand it, and they got in trouble for it.

 

[Random Guy]

I get the impression from this procurement related article that the US Air Force might use the M24A2....see last paragraph:

Redirect Notice

 

[eodsix]

I get the impression from this procurement related article that the US Air Force might use the M24A2....see last paragraph:

Redirect Notice

Why does this not surprise me? The first SR-25s were made with Rem M24 barrels and KAC marketed them to the military to be issued as the spotter's weapon; same barrel, same scope,
same ammo but with large mag capacity and semi-auto to boot. Well that never really happened as intended. When the M110 came out, it was thought it was merely being added as a new tool for the sniper and for his spotter and support team; where situations dictate. But NO, Army ultimately just replaced the M24 with the M110. And to add insult to injury, the bean counters sold the brass that they could SAVE money by "converting M24s into M24E2s (M2010)" @ $13,500 ea! They scrapped everything from the M24 and kept and refitted the E2s with 25 year old receivers; the only part of the base rifle that remains. What a bargain, eh? Well considering what Reed Knight sold the M110 systems for it might be but.....

Bottom line is the M24's shoes were filled by both the M110 and the M24E2 but neither ever really did fit IMHO. Like the HMMWV replaced the jeep, really? I don't think so. It would seem that the Army and the Air Force are coming back around by soliciting for the M24A2, a good upgrade for the system I must say. This in light of the fact that it seems the Army wants to put 5-6,000 HK G28 Designated Marksman systems down to the squad level next year. The Army's G28 variant from what I understand is to replace the M110, correct me if I'm wrong. And they won't even be built in America at the HK plant outside of Ft Benning, they'll be built in Germany and shipped to Columbus. Why does HK even have a factory in the US if not for contracts like this?

Forgive my soapbox rant but the M2010 rebuild program really gets me steamed and hurt all our taxpayer pocketbooks. On the flip side, I'm tickled that many of you folks were able to land the M24s that Remington rebuilt and released to the public. Better that than throwing the pieces away. Pity they just couldn't have sold them off intact instead of keeping the receivers for the M2010 build. I suppose this thread should now morph into building A2s and maybe even E2s. They are M24s, just in another form.

 

[m1marty]

So...back to these then?

 

[eodsix]

So...back to these then?View attachment 7113205

Hmm, could be. Different stock, I didn't like that stock, the grip was too vertical for my liking. I wish I could find that HS-Precison DBM floor metal and the 10 round mags for it. That's first gen and they're gone now.

 

[m1marty]

Hmm, could be. Different stock, I didn't like that stock, the grip was too vertical for my liking. I wish I could find that HS-Precison DBM floor metal and the 10 round mags for it. That's first gen and they're gone now.

Looking at the pic, I see the difference in the stock now (on my phone)
What's old is apparently new again haha. Glad I have some of those rails I guess....

 

[Random Guy]

I doubt the US Air Force maintains a lot of sniper rifles in their inventory, but here’s the M24A2 on Remington Defense’s website that I presume is the current configuration re the procurement announcement:

M24A2 SWS Rifle with Optics - Remington Defense

www.remingtondefense.com

Of course the US Army, Navy and Marine Corps have all migrated to the 300 WinMag at this point...

 

[eodsix]

I doubt the US Air Force maintains a lot of sniper rifles in their inventory, but here’s the M24A2 on Remington Defenses’’ website that I presume is the current configuration re the procurement announcement:

M24A2 SWS Rifle with Optics - Remington Defense

www.remingtondefense.com

Of course the US Army, Navy and Marine Corps have all migrated to the 300 WinMag at this point...

The stock on that link is the HS PST-026 which also the one pictured in Marty's post of the guy in Afghanistan. The stock that is on the A2 featured in the Tactical Life article is the PST-013 and that's what is on my 2013 A2. I like the 13 better because it's the same contour as the standard M24 stock with the addition of the adjustable cheek rest. The 26 forearm is slightly different but the pistol grip is more vertical than standard.

 

[m1marty]

Not sure what their current set ups look like but here's a few (not so) older pics of AF sticks

 

[m1marty]

They keep multiplying. 2 more today

 

[red6actual]

I would not bet the farm on these specs listed on Remington's website, there are numerous errors on the M24 chart.

Have to wait and see what they bring to market...

 

[eodsix]

I would have to agree. Why would they steer away from a stainless barrel? Why would they outsource that barrel to Rock Creek when they make M24 barrels in house. They in fact tooled up to make M24 barrels in house because Mike Rock was unable to timely produce the barrels that were on the very early models.

 

[mjh30]

Never seen or heard off a US marked e prefix

 

[rlsmith1]

I've got a MK4 3.5-10x40mm illuminated with M3 turrets if anyone is interested. Shoot me a PM if so. By the serial number I believe it was manufactured in 2001.

 

[m1marty]

I've got a MK4 3.5-10x40mm illuminated with M3 turrets if anyone is interested. Shoot me a PM if so. By the serial number I believe it was manufactured in 2001.

Not sure I've seen the illuminated model on an M24? All the refits I've seen have been non illum.

 

[eodsix]

Here's a fella with one.

 

[eodsix]

Same gentleman here:

 

[lockedandloaded]

Never seen or heard off a US marked e prefix

Looks original, not a restamp/clone. Has all the Magnaflux proof mark's, correct trigger, bbl proofs, etc. Possible its a custom shop edition sold through a Remington LE distributor or military contractor? I mounted the L&S M3 Ultra and rings. It came equiped with a Mark 4 M3.

 

[mjh30]

Looks original, not a restamp/clone. Has all the Magnaflux proof mark's, correct trigger, bbl proofs, etc. Possible its a custom shop edition sold through a Remington LE distributor or military contractor? I mounted the L&S M3 Ultra and rings. It came equiped with a Mark 4 M3.

View attachment 7120714

100 % sure its been added on, did you ever call Remington about the serial number off the rifle.

 

[m1marty]

Remington Defense M24 7.62 NATO 24" Rifle 86715

Leverage another EuroOptic exclusive - the legendary Remington M24 will, for a limited run, be available to consumers. With each rifle purchase equating to a $100 donation to the ASA, this limited run of 500 Remington M24 rifles could be the last time thi

www.eurooptic.com

 

[mjh30]

Remington Defense M24 7.62 NATO 24" Rifle 86715

Leverage another EuroOptic exclusive - the legendary Remington M24 will, for a limited run, be available to consumers. With each rifle purchase equating to a $100 donation to the ASA, this limited run of 500 Remington M24 rifles could be the last time thi

www.eurooptic.com

[/QUOTE

Remington must be desperate for sales

 

[mjh30]

Does anyone remember or have pictures of the differences between the original Lupold one piece base and the Badger one piece base

 

[m1marty]

Does anyone remember or have pictures of the differences between the original Lupold one piece base and the Badger one piece base

I have the Leupold if someone has the Badger to compare it to

 

[mjh30]

Stick up a few pictures if you can, i have a Badger one for sure, not sure what the other one is.

 

[lockedandloaded]

100 % sure its been added on, did you ever call Remington about the serial number off the rifle.

100% sure?
All that effort and money to build a fake, but they didnt even use a C or D series LA reciever?

And yes Remington verified the serial number. They wouldnt mail me the new M24 owners manual without giving it to them

 

[mjh30]

I mean never seen an e prefix with a U.S on it, considering how many rifles they made over the years

 

[mjh30]

Original ema versus 2 or 3rd gen model

 

[mjh30]

Some sunshades, not sure the difference, but def m3a ultra ones

 

[eodsix]

Some sunshades, not sure the difference, but def m3a ultra ones

Both of these are Mark 4 M3 sunshades. The later model has threads on the muzzle end so you can screw 2 or more together. The original M3a sunshade will not have that groove you see near the breach end threads. It is smooth walled.

 

[mjh30]

Excellent thanks for the knowledge

 

[mjh30]

Should have two of those as well, smooth walled alongside the mj4 sunshade

 

[saddler]

Need to read through this thread a few times to brush up on my M24 knowledge.
Had a spell away from the site after the move to the new server some time ago, plus I've had a couple of house moves to deal with, so busy busy...
The good news, an M24 followed me home, so need to check what to start buying for it to make it more like a complete SWS

 

[mjh30]

Rare enuff in the UK

 

[saddler]

Rare enuff in the UK

Yes - and a good companion to my other Remington sniper rifle, an M1903A4 from the first production run in WW2. Had that one for about 25 years now, a nice rig.

Looks like I may be cloning an M24A3 to make it "triplets", as I have an unused Rem 700 in .338 Lap Mag which could use as donor

 

[mjh30]

Never actually seen an a3, advertised for sale thats about it on Remingtons website,

 

[saddler]

Never actually seen an a3, advertised for sale thats about it on Remingtons website,

Good to know, as my limited research was not providing a lot of data on examples in use.
I'll no doubt do what research into the A3 that I can; then add the parts I need to make a decent A3 clone, to the list of what I am missing from the 7.62 M24...

Would I be right in thinking that the intended market for the A3 is primarily Police?

 

[mjh30]

As I previously said I have never seen an A3 in 338. There are sku's rhat exist for the rifle, 27192 being one and 27189 the other, but thats 15 years ago.

 

[mjh30]

Police wouldn't get away with the 338, average engagement distance is only 70 yards, thats why they are still stuck on the 308

 

[saddler]

Police wouldn't get away with the 338, average engagement distance is only 70 yards, thats why they are still stuck on the 308

Thanks
I was wondering if some units may have chosen the 338 as an alternative to the .50-cal that I've seen issued

 

[mjh30]

Don't know of many LE units issued 50's either to be honest