Authenticate M40A1

[Samuel]

I purchased an M40A1 from my local dealer around 2005. It came with what would appear to be the original manuals, including the U.S. Marine Corps Technical Manual (TM 00539-13/1) dated November 1981. Plus the user manual M40A1 Sniper Rifle 7.62 (FMFRP 0-11A). The barrel has U.S. stamped on it (no USMC) and a seven digit serial number preceded by a 'G'.

I have read a few posts here (I am new) that mainly refer to built or refurbished M40A1(s).

My question is: How can I determine if this is an original government rifle?

I am not proficient enough to disassemble the rifle. Is there a way to research the wepon with out tearing it down?

 

[Driftwood]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

If you read though the "M40A1 build guide" that is stickied in this section, you will find a lot of information about the M40A1 and how to build a nice clone, which is what I am pretty sure you bought along with the manuals the previous owner had collected. I don't think they have ever sold any "real" M40A1's
The closest thing you can get would be a clone made with a return MCM USMC HTG stock. It would have some paperwork stating that the stock was used by the Marines. The fact that your rifle is stamped "US" seems to go against what "A10XRIFLE" (aka George Gardner,owner of G.A. Precision) stated in the M40A1 build guide linked below. If you read through it and compare what you learn to what you see in your rifle you will find other differences I am certain.

The Marines have been pretty tight on their rifle, they just rework them into the next generation. The M40's that were usuable became M40A1's. When there is a new modification the old rifles are modified. They buy a few to replace rifles that are no longer usuable, but they only sell the stocks and the bottom metal back to McMillan who in turns sells them to the public.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=140283#Post140283
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">7.62 NATO” marked barrel

7.62 NATO” marked barrel

Not on M40A1's Some M-40 rifles that were re-barreled by Remington were marked this way but never an M40A1. The Early ones were marked RTE - P the P is for Proof fired and was stamped by the Test Shed. The RTE stands for "Rifle Team Equipment" After 1998 The RTE became PWS "Precision Weapon Shop"


Deep Recessed Crown - Correct 45 deg .090 deep

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #CC0000">Marked "U.S." on reciever above serial, 6 digit recievers only -

the C, E and now G are not marked U.S</span></span>
bdl box screwed on later ones - Never Ever

tac welded on all others - All of them

tapered stock lug - Correct 2 deg taper

lug tac welded on very early ones - Correct

some tac welds were even grinded away they caused problems -

Correct, they were all ground away, none were left with welded lugs by 1995

The Picture above of the Modified Trigger is wrong. They were milled not dremeled, and the dimentions were .240 from the front, .290 Heigth. Cut away.
</div></div>

 

[TWOMANATTACK]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Sure wouldnt mind seeing some pictures of the rifle regardless of who made it or when. <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BuzzardVomit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I purchased an M40A1 from my local dealer around 2005. It came with what would appear to be the original manuals, including the U.S. Marine Corps Technical Manual (TM 00539-13/1) dated November 1981. Plus the user manual M40A1 Sniper Rifle 7.62 (FMFRP 0-11A). The barrel has U.S. stamped on it (no USMC) and a seven digit serial number preceded by a 'G'.

I have read a few posts here (I am new) that mainly refer to built or refurbished M40A1(s).

My question is: How can I determine if this is an original government rifle?

I am not proficient enough to disassemble the rifle. Is there a way to research the wepon with out tearing it down? </div></div>

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Thanks for the info. I will be looking at the post you cited. I watched a McMillan video on u-tube last night on their M40A1 tribute rifles. I know mine is not one of those. Perhaps I can contact the writer of the post you refer to and see what he thinks about it. Thanks again.

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

I am not familiar with the process of adding pictures to this web site but I will give it a shot. It will probably take a week or so.

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

There used to be a stickie with info on how to do post pics. Seems to have gone now!

This might help:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=39427&nt=11&page=1

Looking forward to seeing it.

 

[jasonk]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BasraBoy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There used to be a stickie with info on how to do post pics. Seems to have gone now!
</div></div>

It's not gone, you just weren't looking in the right place.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=53705#Post53705

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Thanks, I am on it.

 

[OutlawTen5]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Post a pic of it here

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

I will do my best. I have to work the next few days (12hrs/) so it might be next monday or tuesday.

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BasraBoy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There used to be a stickie with info on how to do post pics. Seems to have gone now!
</div></div>

It's not gone, you just weren't looking in the right place.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=53705#Post53705 </div></div>

OK - it's filed under Firearms for Sale. Was looking under Site Information and The Photo Gallery..... Thanks Jason.

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

 

[OutlawTen5]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Email the pic to me and I'll post it on here. I cannot open that link..

 

[kft101]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BuzzardVomit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii522/BuzzardVomit/f09b251a.jpg
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii522/BuzzardVomit/7fd7ced2.jpg
</div></div>

Fixed the links for you. It's two links, so you have to split them up using a space or new line to get them to work.

It's not a "real" M40A1. It looks to be a repro build.

It has a McMillan HTG stock in forest camo with the texture molding on the pistol grip and fore-end. Plus it has a bipod installed in the front. Real issued M40A1 stocks don't have those.

Also, it looks like your scope is a Unertl 10X, correct? Does the serial number start with a "T"? If so, it's one of the commercial scopes made when Unertl was bought out and they released these scopes to be available to the public, but couldn't officially use the "USMC Sniper" markings anymore.

Good looking rifle, and depending on who built it, looks to be a quality piece. But it's not an "authentic" A1.

 

[dbateman]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Here are his pics.

 

[Action Guy]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

kft101 tells it like it is. Also, how long is the barrel? That looks too long for an M-40A1.

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Thanks, I tried to separate them but I couldn't get my cursor to appear in the box for some reason. It can shoot. The last time I had it out (a couple of years ago) with TTI 175gr. (the older better quality stuff) A three shot group at 200 yards could have been covered with a nickle.

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

26 in. from the muzzle to the bolt.

 

[longrange223]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

nice gun regardless...

 

[mackdrvr]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

It may not be the real deal, but it sure is a badass rig. I cant stop looking at it. M40A1 is my favorite.

 

[jordan0317]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Definitely still a sick ass rifle. It's on my short list of guns I want built

 

[Driftwood]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Its a beautiful rifle. I am trying to collect the parts together to build something similar. I choke everytime I look at the price of that scope. I will get the rifle built first, then work on the scope. I can't believe you haven't shot that rifle in two years, that alone should bring the "ban hammer". Seriously, though its a very nice rifle, you should shoot it more.

 

[Terry Cross]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

If it is a G model 700, it is definitely not a USMC built rifle.

Looks an awful lot like the recent McMillan reproduction run.

McMillan Commemorative
But McMillan supposedly used the non-textured mold on these.

A call to McMillan with the SN would quickly bless or kill my theory.

Very nice either way and worth having but not Gov't Issue or 2012 built.

 

[Terry Cross]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kft101</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Plus it has a bipod installed in the front. Real issued M40A1 stocks don't have those.

Also, it looks like your scope is a Unertl 10X, correct?

</div></div>

Agreed that is is not a Marine rifle but plenty of M40A1s went around with Harris bipods. We were shooting against NOMAD and other sniper team members in 1998 and 1999 that had issue Harris on their rifles. They were some of the first Harris "S" models.

Scope is not a Unertl. It is a U.S.Optics MST-100 10X, which is a legal, licensed and correct copy of the Unertl. I have had a couple of these MST-100s and they are tanks.

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

I watched the McMillan video on the commemorative rifle and this doesn't appear to be one of them. There are several differences.

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

The McMillans came w/ a return stock (in a separate box)... no texture on the new production stock and didn't ship until last year

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

I'd call Geoff Corn, give him the serial #, and ask if he built it

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

The scope appears to be a T-series Unertl. It doesn't have any of the U.S. Optics markings on it. The rifle was displayed on the shelf at my dealer's shop with out the scope or bi-pod. I had him order the scope separate and the bi-pod was on a shelf.

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Thanks. I really enjoy shooting it, but fell on hard times recently. My job of 19yrs went away when the factory closed. I recently renewed my range membership and purchased 500 rounds of M118LR last night. I can smell the gun powder already.

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Update on the M40A1. I called my dealer and his recollection was that the rifle was built by Iron Brigade Armory. I exchanged emails with Neil Chandler, the owner of IBA and he was very helpful. He researched his records but could not confirm the rifle was built in his shop. He suggested the rifle may have been built by Texas Brigade Armory. I have been viewing their web site and this seems a very real probability. Their email is down so I have to call and speak to them personally. This is Saturday night, so it will be a couple of days before I will know. Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[Driftwood]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Mike Lau of Texas Brigade Armory builds a very nice rifle. When I have my M40A1 clone rifle built, he is the one that will build it. I will be sending him my 3006 this fall to have him build a M24 clone. He has always been very helpful when I have spoken to him on the phone.

 

[Kruger21]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Driftwood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mike Lau of Texas Brigade Armory builds a very nice rifle. When I have my M40A1 clone rifle built, he is the one that will build it. I will be sending him my 3006 this fall to have him build a M24 clone. He has always been very helpful when I have spoken to him on the phone. </div></div>

Mike Lau of TBA built my M40A1 and M40A3, He did a fantastic job on both builds and was very accommodating and great to deal with. I had complete confidence even from this side of the pond!!! Oh and they shoot too

 

[scc8541]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Well Driftwood...when you decide to get yours built you let me know..I'll order one too.

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

I actually found the receipt today. It mentions TBA. Since it wasn't built at Quantico (a fact I reasoned was likely after the first few responses) I don't have to worry about historical correctness. My plan is to return it to Mr. Lau and ask him to thread and cap the barrel for a suppressor. I think you will be happy with any rifle he builds. I am very pleased with mine, and look forward to doing business with him in the future. I haven't hunted in years (I no longer like to kill things) but I am entertaining the idea of using this rifle to hunt wild hogs here in Tennessee. I have never tasted wild hog, but I have had farm raised (no preservatives) roasted over an open pit and I can say I have NEVER tasted meat so good.

 

[Turk]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

Recoil lug belongs on an A3; very nice looking rifle.

 

[Turk]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

It is your rifle; do what you want, but a rifle like that deserves a second thought before you send it off to get threaded!

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It is your rifle; do what you want, but a rifle like that deserves a second thought before you send it off to get threaded!</div></div>


why... have a thread protector made right and you'll be hard pressed to tell w/o the can being on it... and it's just a barrel... it's gonna wear out eventually anyway

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

It just struck me after reading the recent posts, that the barrel does have a crown that I believe is supposed to enhance accuracy. I looked at a suppressor today that seemed to have a similar type of crown configuration. Does anyone know if a suppressor (with or without a crown) will degrade the accuracy of a crowned barrel like this? After all...accuracy is the whole purpose of a rifle like this...isn't it? Maybe I should consider another rifle for hunting and leave the barrel the way it was designed. Opinions?

Also, (being new)am I allowed to get off topic like this in this thread or should I start another?

 

[Pinmaster]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Force_Multiplier</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It is your rifle; do what you want, but a rifle like that deserves a second thought before you send it off to get threaded!</div></div>


why... have a thread protector made right and you'll be hard pressed to tell w/o the can being on it... and it's just a barrel... it's gonna wear out eventually anyway </div></div>

My M40A1 clone is threaded but looks spec when the cap is on. The cap crown looks like the M40A1 crown.

If you ever want to sell or trade in TN just let me know... I need an action/scope like yours to drop into my Woodland Return Stock. I have some nice .308 700's for hogging


9 by rmw1971, on Flickr



1 by rmw1971, on Flickr

 

[Samuel]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

I can't imagine (or don't want to) the circumstances under which I might sell the A1. But I do have more Kimber 45s than I can shoot and a stainless S&W 357 magnum (2.5in) that hasn't been fired in years.

Did your rifle shoot as well after it was threaded as it did before?

 

[Pinmaster]

Re: Authenticate M40A1

It is very accurate with or without the break... there is no difference in accuracy. It does recoil a bit less with the break on. The action (serial number correct era), US Stamp, RTE-P barrel stamp, bolt stamp and threaded barrel were all done at the same time. It is a sub MOA gun but is not my "shooter" since I have other .308 builds.

Happy shooting!