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Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

JelloStorm

JelloStorm

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 23, 2010
1,409
2
42
Northeast Pennsylvania
#1
A few months back I picked up a barely used (under 20 rounds) Remington 700 Varmint 308 barreled action from a good guy here on the Hide and was wondering what to do with it.

Then I seen this and wanted one:

m40a1001.jpg



But I can't afford anything of that caliber so I figured I would turn my barreled action into a somewhat-M40A1.

It has a 26" barrel on it and I know the M40A1 rifles had 24" barrels, and mine is also a more narrow profile being a Remmy heavy varmint barrel.

I bought used Remington BDL bottom metal from another member here on the Hide for the stock.

It now sports one of these 20moa canted dual dovetail bases:

http://snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads....135#Post2351135

I plan on getting a McMillan HTG in forest camo and have my WTB adds out on the forum since I can't quite afford a new one from JWPrecision. Being that I will use this rifle for hunting, I think I might just get the textured ones JWP has with the flush cups.

Think of this as a modernized M40A1 (aka "somewhat") LOL.

Now, should I decide to swap out the barrel at a later date to a more M40A1 build accurate barrel, I'd probably be looking at a 24" Kreiger.

That sound good??

Then I think I would have to have the HTG stock sent back to McMillan to have the barrel channel opened up more?

If the Remington BDL bottom metal works well, I might just leave it at that rather than put more $ into a Williams bottom metal when I could put that towards the Kreiger barrel or even getting the action trued and bedded.

Let me hear your opinions and advice. Money is tight so keep that in mind, else I would part with my left nut for a forest camo pattern (non-smear) take-off stock but I can't find any for under $1k.
 
#3
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

There really isn't much about your build that is in common with a M40A1.

The Remington action and the McMillan stock are about it.

I suggest you not worry about calling it an M40A1 or trying to make it look like one and just build the rifle you want.

If it's for hunting I would leave the varmint profile barrel. Cut it to 20". Put a variable in the 3-10x range on it and enjoy.

Don't worry about a heavy contour barrel. Keep the factory bottom metal unless you hunt in some seriously rugged terrain. If you are worried about dropping your rig and smashing the trigger guard, then I would upgrade it.

Don't worry about a Return Stock unless you are building a straight up clone.
 
#5
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

Is there something wrong with the barrel currently on the action? Is it not performing up to your standards or your capacity for accuracy?

I ask, because to me it's foolish to replace something just to replace it.

I suggest you forget about the M40A1 and just build an accurate rifle on a HTG stock. What you keep describing isn't anywhere close to a M40A1.

What MAKES an M40A1 the M40A1 is the specification set out by the Marine Corps. If you are just dancing around them, then its not an M40A1.

I am not trying to be a dick, really I am not. I am just not sure what your goal is here.
 
#6
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

I'm really just trying to get as close to the look and feel as I can, as I can't spring the $3400 for GAP to build me a real one yet, but maybe someday.

The barreled action is just that, a barreled action with the BDL bottom metal in the mail, so I can't really say how the accuracy is until I get the rifle built.

I'm looking down the road when I shoot out / get good use out of the factory varmint heavy barrel as far as a barrel change, as you are correct it's pointless to change something just to change it.

I know I'm not going to build a real clipslotted M40A1 but I'd just like to get as close as possible.
 
#7
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

I agree with lonewolf. Cut the barrel down, recrown, lapp the lugs and have it Pillar bedded in the Mcmillan stock and I bet it will excede your expectations on accuracy. Shoot some handloads or Gold Medal Match.
 
#8
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

Remington rifles with tailored loads can be very accurate. My Sendero today at 100 yards has a factory barreled 1-11" twist. With a 210 Berger VLD, winchester primer, and 89.0grs of Retumbo it shot a .207" 3 shot group at 100 yards!
 
#9
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: marku</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Remington rifles with tailored loads can be very accurate. My Sendero today at 100 yards has a factory barreled 1-11" twist. With a 210 Berger VLD, winchester primer, and 89.0grs of Retumbo it shot a .207" 3 shot group at 100 yards! </div></div>

Yeah I'm hoping for at least .75 moa with FGMM but I'm not sure on chopping the barrel and having it recrowned. I'll probably just leave it at 26" until I need a new barrel, then I'll just spring for a 24" Kreiger or Schnider.

Once I get the stock and get shooting I think I'll be trying to use some 165gr Hornady SST for deer hunting. I've heard a lot of good reports on SST on Whitetails.

Once I get the stock I'll see if anyone here in Northeast PA can offer their experience with bedding the action to the stock as I've never done it before.

I'll probably bed the bottom metal and I've seen people bed the scope base but I'm not sure if this is needed.
 
#10
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

If it shoots though leave it alone. The problem is a krieger barrel is 330.00, recoil lug 35, truing a remington action is around 200, install and chamber, 350, and coating a barreled action is running 150-175 so it adds up really fast. Especially when cutting down and recrowning is much much less.
 
#12
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JelloStorm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah I talked to GAP about cutting and recrowning only for the time being, but they recommended a complete barreled action refinish over a touch-up of the new crown. </div></div>

Just tell them what you want them to do and I'm sure they will be glad to take care of it. Just because they recommend one way doesn't mean they wont do just what you want..
 
#13
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

Yeah I'll give them a call to see how well the crown touch up process will hold up vs. an entire ceracoat refinish.

Does anybody know if I'll have to upgrade my stock recoil lug for the McMillan stock?
 
#16
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

I think if building an M40ish rifle is what makes you happy then, by god, do it! Your life, your money, your journey. I can understand why you'd do it, though I may not agree.Many, many times I've done something that made NO sense but still yielded some satisfaction to me. No need to 'splain.....just post pictures when done. ( might not be an accurate build but it's still gun-porn)
 
#17
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Exhogflyer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think if building an M40ish rifle is what makes you happy then, by god, do it! Your life, your money, your journey. I can understand why you'd do it, though I may not agree.Many, many times I've done something that made NO sense but still yielded some satisfaction to me. No need to 'splain.....just post pictures when done. ( might not be an accurate build but it's still gun-porn) </div></div>

I just like the look of the M40A1. I just ordered my HTG stock from JWP today so I'll hopefully have some pictures soon!
 
#19
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

I know what you're getting at Jello. I love the look of the M40A1, but I didn't want an exact clone of one. I could have got together the cash to buy a replica from GAP, but I decided to build up a rifle with the feel of the M40A1 but more tailored to what I wanted to do with it.

I started with a .308 SPS tactical and stripped it pretty much. I got Badger M4 bottom metal and sent that and the barreled action to GAP. They did the M40A1 recessed crown on the barrel and parkerized the whole barreled action and bottom metal. It looks awesome. I installed a Badger 20moa base and rings when I got it back. I have an HTG on order in GAP camo with texture. Still trying to decide on a scope.

When it's done it'll have the "feel" of an M40A1 in the sense it has a heavy barrel and HTG stock, but it'll be more my rifle and design, which is what I wanted. After I shoot out the barrel, which will be awhile, I plan to send it back to GAP, have the action trued and a 22" M40A1 contour barrel installed and have the whole thing cerakoted matte black. But like I said that's a while down the road and a lot of FGMM through the tube.
 
#20
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wslowik</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know what you're getting at Jello. I love the look of the M40A1, but I didn't want an exact clone of one. I could have got together the cash to buy a replica from GAP, but I decided to build up a rifle with the feel of the M40A1 but more tailored to what I wanted to do with it.

I started with a .308 SPS tactical and stripped it pretty much. I got Badger M4 bottom metal and sent that and the barreled action to GAP. They did the M40A1 recessed crown on the barrel and parkerized the whole barreled action and bottom metal. It looks awesome. I installed a Badger 20moa base and rings when I got it back. I have an HTG on order in GAP camo with texture. Still trying to decide on a scope.

When it's done it'll have the "feel" of an M40A1 in the sense it has a heavy barrel and HTG stock, but it'll be more my rifle and design, which is what I wanted. After I shoot out the barrel, which will be awhile, I plan to send it back to GAP, have the action trued and a 22" M40A1 contour barrel installed and have the whole thing cerakoted matte black. But like I said that's a while down the road and a lot of FGMM through the tube. </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">FINALLY!! SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS!!!</span>

Definitely send me pictures when you get your stock installed. I should have my HTG early next week and bottom metal too.

I'm putting a Nikon Monarch 3-12SF on mine for deer hunting with a regular plex reticle. I wouldn't mind a mildot but I'm not sure what Nikon offers in mildot in the Monarch series.

Once I get my income tax return I'll pay off the stock and buy the scope, so I *should* be slinging FGMM here in the next two months!
 
#21
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JelloStorm</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wslowik</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know what you're getting at Jello. I love the look of the M40A1, but I didn't want an exact clone of one. I could have got together the cash to buy a replica from GAP, but I decided to build up a rifle with the feel of the M40A1 but more tailored to what I wanted to do with it.

I started with a .308 SPS tactical and stripped it pretty much. I got Badger M4 bottom metal and sent that and the barreled action to GAP. They did the M40A1 recessed crown on the barrel and parkerized the whole barreled action and bottom metal. It looks awesome. I installed a Badger 20moa base and rings when I got it back. I have an HTG on order in GAP camo with texture. Still trying to decide on a scope.

When it's done it'll have the "feel" of an M40A1 in the sense it has a heavy barrel and HTG stock, but it'll be more my rifle and design, which is what I wanted. After I shoot out the barrel, which will be awhile, I plan to send it back to GAP, have the action trued and a 22" M40A1 contour barrel installed and have the whole thing cerakoted matte black. But like I said that's a while down the road and a lot of FGMM through the tube. </div></div>

<span style="font-weight: bold">FINALLY!! SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS!!!</span>

Definitely send me pictures when you get your stock installed. I should have my HTG early next week and bottom metal too.

I'm putting a Nikon Monarch 3-12SF on mine for deer hunting with a regular plex reticle. I wouldn't mind a mildot but I'm not sure what Nikon offers in mildot in the Monarch series.

Once I get my income tax return I'll pay off the stock and buy the scope, so I *should* be slinging FGMM here in the next two months! </div></div>

I'll definitely post some pics when I have it done. Not sure when the stock is going to get here, I ordered it a few weeks ago and they're running, well, in the months scale so who knows. In the meantime, here's some pics I used for inspiration. I was initially going to go with forest camo, but after seeing a pic of the GAP Rock rifle they have on their site, I decided to go with the GAP camo. I'll save the forest camo for the spec M40A1 build that I'll (never) do.
wink.gif


m40ish1.jpg


m40ish2.jpg


m40ish3.jpg


m40ish4.jpg


m40ish5.jpg
 
#22
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

OP - if you just want pics of "inspirational" heavy barrelled REM700 SA precision rifles in McM HTG stocks (I find it better to describe it this way to save on hassle
wink.gif
)....try this:

DSCF0249.jpg


Basically started out with the intention of being a GAP M40A1 spec build but ended up making some changes to GAP's normal "spec build" to meet my personal requirements (more of a "M40A1 tribute" than a spec clone):

Badger M4 Bottom Metal
Badger Heavy recoil lug
GAP Left side bolt release
HTG ADJ stock
Flush cups
Kasey's 3" foreend rail
Atlas in ADM QD mount
 
#23
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BasraBoy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OP - if you just want pics of "inspirational" heavy barrelled REM700 SA precision rifles in McM HTG stocks (I find it better to describe it this way to save on hassle
wink.gif
)....try this:

DSCF0249.jpg


Basically started out with the intention of being a GAP M40A1 spec build but ended up making some changes to GAP's normal "spec build" to meet my personal requirements (more of a "M40A1 tribute" than a spec clone):

Badger M4 Bottom Metal
Badger Heavy recoil lug
GAP Left side bolt release
HTG ADJ stock
Flush cups
Kasey's 3" foreend rail
Atlas in ADM QD mount </div></div>

Awesome rifle. I wish USO would make a variable MST-100. I love the scope but my rifle is doing double-duty as a hunting rifle and fixed 10x just won't work around here.
 
#24
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BasraBoy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OP - if you just want pics of "inspirational" heavy barrelled REM700 SA precision rifles in McM HTG stocks (I find it better to describe it this way to save on hassle
wink.gif
)....try this:

DSCF0249.jpg


Basically started out with the intention of being a GAP M40A1 spec build but ended up making some changes to GAP's normal "spec build" to meet my personal requirements (more of a "M40A1 tribute" than a spec clone):

Badger M4 Bottom Metal
Badger Heavy recoil lug
GAP Left side bolt release
HTG ADJ stock
Flush cups
Kasey's 3" foreend rail
Atlas in ADM QD mount </div></div>

DAMN that is a fine rifle!!

What is the barrel dimensions?
 
#25
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

Thanks guys - it IS a great rifle - George and the boys did a fine job!

The barrel is the one GAP offer on their spec build.

It is a Schneider 1 in 12 stainless 24" - Marine contour #7 and 6 groove
 
#28
Re: Critique my somewhat-M40A1 build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pre64WINmarksman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Love the adj-HTG BasraBoy!
I personally think you should remake that rig up as a "full blown A1 clone" see-ins how you're one of very few folks who have that A1 essential peice of gear, the Unertl/USO mst!</div></div>

If I could find a reasonably priced return stock....that could happen.
 
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