M40 Build Guide
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Re: M40 Build Guide
Bausch & Lomb 4000 6x24. Shot pdogs with it last summer so had put that on. It is a 61 Model 40-X 22 rimfire.
Bausch & Lomb 4000 6x24. Shot pdogs with it last summer so had put that on. It is a 61 Model 40-X 22 rimfire.
Re: M40 Build Guide
Dennis, I remember seeing a picture you posted before of table full of stocks, did you do anything different when finishing the top one, it does seem to appear much better looking.
Dennis, I remember seeing a picture you posted before of table full of stocks, did you do anything different when finishing the top one, it does seem to appear much better looking.
Re: M40 Build Guide
mjh-Both were finished with 320 grit then 100% Tung Oil cut about 50-50 with mineral spirits for first coat and a bit less for subsequent coats. Think the only real difference is the darkness of the wood and a bit tighter grain structure in the bottom stock?
I decided to blacken the butt plate on the bottom the 223 and think I will do same with the rimfire one of these days when I get ambitious.
Now only need to do a 243, 260, 308 and maybe a 22/250. Don't know why or what I will do with them when done, just need something to do that I should have done 10yrs ago when I could enjoy them.
mjh-Both were finished with 320 grit then 100% Tung Oil cut about 50-50 with mineral spirits for first coat and a bit less for subsequent coats. Think the only real difference is the darkness of the wood and a bit tighter grain structure in the bottom stock?
I decided to blacken the butt plate on the bottom the 223 and think I will do same with the rimfire one of these days when I get ambitious.
Now only need to do a 243, 260, 308 and maybe a 22/250. Don't know why or what I will do with them when done, just need something to do that I should have done 10yrs ago when I could enjoy them.
Re: M40 Build Guide
What did you use to blacken the buttplate?
Also, what is the best/most correct method of blackening the bolt and was the shroud usually done the same way?
Thanks, Greg
What did you use to blacken the buttplate?
Also, what is the best/most correct method of blackening the bolt and was the shroud usually done the same way?
Thanks, Greg
Re: M40 Build Guide
I used Birchwood Casey's 'Aluminum Black' on butt plate. I suspect everything including the bolt shroud/bolt were all parked just like the receiver/barrels were then.
I used Birchwood Casey's 'Aluminum Black' on butt plate. I suspect everything including the bolt shroud/bolt were all parked just like the receiver/barrels were then.
Re: M40 Build Guide
good to see everyone's projects coming along. at long last, mine should be finished(besides "greening" the scope in the next week or week and a half. then pictures to follow.
good to see everyone's projects coming along. at long last, mine should be finished(besides "greening" the scope in the next week or week and a half. then pictures to follow.
Re: M40 Build Guide
scott or whirlwind,
Do either of you have a picture of the actual turrets(not the caps) of the 3-9x redfield. Mine doesn't have the number of each click it equals and im trying to figure out what it is
Thanks guys
scott or whirlwind,
Do either of you have a picture of the actual turrets(not the caps) of the 3-9x redfield. Mine doesn't have the number of each click it equals and im trying to figure out what it is
Thanks guys
Re: M40 Build Guide
Don't think Redfield actually ever put the 'value' per click on the turret. However they should be 1/4" per click! They used to put a red or orange sticker inside the cover with the 1/4" per click written on it but rarely ever see them intact. Glue got old and dry and owners threw them away.
Don't think Redfield actually ever put the 'value' per click on the turret. However they should be 1/4" per click! They used to put a red or orange sticker inside the cover with the 1/4" per click written on it but rarely ever see them intact. Glue got old and dry and owners threw them away.
Re: M40 Build Guide
thanks whirlwind. I thought it might be 1/4" but I wasn't sure. Im going to get some orange stickers and put them under the caps. Thats a good idea so I don't ever forget!
I didn't read it through the post here but did the redfields ever use the tall turrets on the m40s? Ive seen a few redfields with the tall turrets on them and was just curious
thanks whirlwind. I thought it might be 1/4" but I wasn't sure. Im going to get some orange stickers and put them under the caps. Thats a good idea so I don't ever forget!
I didn't read it through the post here but did the redfields ever use the tall turrets on the m40s? Ive seen a few redfields with the tall turrets on them and was just curious
Re: M40 Build Guide
From an older book I have "Gun Digest Book of Scopes and Mounts written by an old pdog hunting buddy of mine Bob Bell Redfield didn't have anything with a 'target' type turret until the 3200 Model in 68 which was similar to a Unertl in mounting etc. First conventional type with target type turrets was the 'Metallic Silhouette' which came out in 75. It had extended turrets marked from 2-500 meters for its intended purpose. A couple yrs later in 77 or 78 the 3x9 Accutrac was introduced with an exposed elevation turret.
So no there was never a Redfield with tall turrets but some claim the T series Weavers of that era were used ocassionally??? By the time Redfield had anything with tall turrets the M40A1 was being introduced and used. Have no idea if only the Redfields were still used until the Unertl contracts were accepted in the early 80's or what??
From an older book I have "Gun Digest Book of Scopes and Mounts written by an old pdog hunting buddy of mine Bob Bell Redfield didn't have anything with a 'target' type turret until the 3200 Model in 68 which was similar to a Unertl in mounting etc. First conventional type with target type turrets was the 'Metallic Silhouette' which came out in 75. It had extended turrets marked from 2-500 meters for its intended purpose. A couple yrs later in 77 or 78 the 3x9 Accutrac was introduced with an exposed elevation turret.
So no there was never a Redfield with tall turrets but some claim the T series Weavers of that era were used ocassionally??? By the time Redfield had anything with tall turrets the M40A1 was being introduced and used. Have no idea if only the Redfields were still used until the Unertl contracts were accepted in the early 80's or what??
Re: M40 Build Guide
Thanks so much scott! Pictures are def worth a thousand words for me! You seem like you have a heck of a collection
Thanks so much scott! Pictures are def worth a thousand words for me! You seem like you have a heck of a collection
Re: M40 Build Guide
Finally have all the parts! Now I just have to get to work! I was digging through my box of slings the other day and ran across the pictured, 12/69 packaged sling. I haven't opened it yet, but I'm assuming it's nylon. I haven't seen any pictures of an M40 wearing a nylon sling, but I would think that they would have been used in Vietnam. Would I be wrong to assume this?
Thanks, Greg V
Finally have all the parts! Now I just have to get to work! I was digging through my box of slings the other day and ran across the pictured, 12/69 packaged sling. I haven't opened it yet, but I'm assuming it's nylon. I haven't seen any pictures of an M40 wearing a nylon sling, but I would think that they would have been used in Vietnam. Would I be wrong to assume this?
Thanks, Greg V
Re: M40 Build Guide
Thanks m1sniper. Yea, the barrel that was original to my receiver was date coded LP, so Feb. 1967 and I am going to have that same code put on the new barrel. The closest dated cotton sling that I have is 1964, but that should work just fine. I do have a 2-62 dated leather M1907 sling as well, so that may work too.
Thanks again, Greg
Thanks m1sniper. Yea, the barrel that was original to my receiver was date coded LP, so Feb. 1967 and I am going to have that same code put on the new barrel. The closest dated cotton sling that I have is 1964, but that should work just fine. I do have a 2-62 dated leather M1907 sling as well, so that may work too.
Thanks again, Greg
Re: M40 Build Guide
Hey Buddy (only half the word) looks like you and Brian had a nice time...Thanks for the invite or not
I know you guys got to fondle more than that! Remember me next time!
Hey Buddy (only half the word) looks like you and Brian had a nice time...Thanks for the invite or not
Re: M40 Build Guide
well here's what i have so far. nowhere near the level of some of the rifles on here but i'm happy with it for now. the bolt shroud isn't the short kind. the safety isn't the tall kind. and it's in 223 instead of 308. the scope needs to be "greened". the scope base has rounded corners. low 4 screw rings. 1:8 shilen sendero(#14???) contour barrel. flat crown. trued action. numrich stock. bolt and bottom metal cerakoated "armour black". rem 513T swivels. cool aluminum buttplate. i have the leather sling and the green one not in the picture. parkerizing and all other metal work done by tip burns. stock finished by me(i'm thinking one more coat of oil) i'm still working on loads with the 75 grn amax and the winchester 64 grn bullet. but it will shoot nosler 50 grn solid bases into tiny little groups. sorry about the quality of the picture. ill try to get some better ones when i get back from the coast where i'll be busy yanking hundreds of pounds of fish out of the ocean. thanks to everybody on here for all the help.
well here's what i have so far. nowhere near the level of some of the rifles on here but i'm happy with it for now. the bolt shroud isn't the short kind. the safety isn't the tall kind. and it's in 223 instead of 308. the scope needs to be "greened". the scope base has rounded corners. low 4 screw rings. 1:8 shilen sendero(#14???) contour barrel. flat crown. trued action. numrich stock. bolt and bottom metal cerakoated "armour black". rem 513T swivels. cool aluminum buttplate. i have the leather sling and the green one not in the picture. parkerizing and all other metal work done by tip burns. stock finished by me(i'm thinking one more coat of oil) i'm still working on loads with the 75 grn amax and the winchester 64 grn bullet. but it will shoot nosler 50 grn solid bases into tiny little groups. sorry about the quality of the picture. ill try to get some better ones when i get back from the coast where i'll be busy yanking hundreds of pounds of fish out of the ocean. thanks to everybody on here for all the help.
Re: M40 Build Guide
I'm BACK!!!
OK; sorry for being out of the loop for so long. Good to see all the different projects are coming along. Mine, as of today, is at least FINALLY shootable, if not 100% finished. I still need to get the bolt body and bolt plug blued and the barrel channel opened up enough to float it, but the barrel is installed and headspaced, it has been finished (it wound up being made in Stainless instead of chrome-moly steel, so it wouldn't parkerize) in Norrell's Colt gray bake-on for a pretty close match, and everything assembled. Here's where it sits at the moment:
I wasn't that satisfied with the "U.S." engraving job I did with it, and left the other engravings off. But otherwise, I'm pretty happy with how it came out so far. The bolt being blued will look better, and in the end, it IS a clone, not a restored "original" so the next REAL issue once I get the last of it done is going to be, "How well does it shoot?" Looking forward to that myself...
I'm BACK!!!
OK; sorry for being out of the loop for so long. Good to see all the different projects are coming along. Mine, as of today, is at least FINALLY shootable, if not 100% finished. I still need to get the bolt body and bolt plug blued and the barrel channel opened up enough to float it, but the barrel is installed and headspaced, it has been finished (it wound up being made in Stainless instead of chrome-moly steel, so it wouldn't parkerize) in Norrell's Colt gray bake-on for a pretty close match, and everything assembled. Here's where it sits at the moment:
I wasn't that satisfied with the "U.S." engraving job I did with it, and left the other engravings off. But otherwise, I'm pretty happy with how it came out so far. The bolt being blued will look better, and in the end, it IS a clone, not a restored "original" so the next REAL issue once I get the last of it done is going to be, "How well does it shoot?" Looking forward to that myself...
Re: M40 Build Guide
I have a numrich stock with predrilled stud/swivel holes,
what are you guys using,I have some remmy 513 rear swivels but
the thread seems to small for the hole,also what has to be done
to make a 721 butplate fit,thanks ahead of time,pm me if needed
I have a numrich stock with predrilled stud/swivel holes,
what are you guys using,I have some remmy 513 rear swivels but
the thread seems to small for the hole,also what has to be done
to make a 721 butplate fit,thanks ahead of time,pm me if needed
Re: M40 Build Guide
m855 i have the same stock and swivels and mine screwed in nice and tight. maybe there is some variation in the stocks from numrich...don't know...
m855 i have the same stock and swivels and mine screwed in nice and tight. maybe there is some variation in the stocks from numrich...don't know...
Re: M40 Build Guide
The 721/722 buttplates are not the right ones. They are a bit different from the first few years of 700's in design and lettering. You need one as pictured above with the Remington 16601 stamped on the underside.
Pvt.Joker is your base the correct 40-X marked one??
The 721/722 buttplates are not the right ones. They are a bit different from the first few years of 700's in design and lettering. You need one as pictured above with the Remington 16601 stamped on the underside.
Pvt.Joker is your base the correct 40-X marked one??
Re: M40 Build Guide
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SDWhirlwind</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 721/722 buttplates are not the right ones. They are a bit different from the first few years of 700's in design and lettering. You need one as pictured above with the Remington 16601 stamped on the underside.
Pvt.Joker is your base the correct 40-X marked one?? </div></div>
Thanks, all.
No, mine is one of the Badger non-prefix repros, but using original rings. Kind of the best of both worlds, for what I can find. An original would be nice- so would one of the original green anodized scopes, for that matter. But I am very happy with the Badger repro as well.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SDWhirlwind</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 721/722 buttplates are not the right ones. They are a bit different from the first few years of 700's in design and lettering. You need one as pictured above with the Remington 16601 stamped on the underside.
Pvt.Joker is your base the correct 40-X marked one?? </div></div>
Thanks, all.
No, mine is one of the Badger non-prefix repros, but using original rings. Kind of the best of both worlds, for what I can find. An original would be nice- so would one of the original green anodized scopes, for that matter. But I am very happy with the Badger repro as well.
Re: M40 Build Guide
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here's one for all of you that have your M40's done. The powers at be have given their blessing to hold a CMP Vintage Sniper Match at Quantico, VA with the Addition of the M40 and Win M70! The distances are going to be 300 and 600 yards. Lets see whose build and / or owner shoots the best! More to follow! </div></div>
Any more word on this? I was wondering if the CMP vintage matches would ever open up for the Vietnam-era rifles.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here's one for all of you that have your M40's done. The powers at be have given their blessing to hold a CMP Vintage Sniper Match at Quantico, VA with the Addition of the M40 and Win M70! The distances are going to be 300 and 600 yards. Lets see whose build and / or owner shoots the best! More to follow! </div></div>
Any more word on this? I was wondering if the CMP vintage matches would ever open up for the Vietnam-era rifles.
Re: M40 Build Guide
Man if you gents want to find out how to build a near perfect 'replica' of an original M40 you need to look at a listing on the big firearms auction site. I found it by searching Unertl. What a crock of shit story about a build!!!! I guess do whatever you can to jusitfy the asking price.
#1-Leupold base I am sure
#2-"Civilian barreled action" but an original barrel Huh?
#3-stock from IBA but supposedly an original, Yea right! Sure not much damage to an "authentic" M40 stock that is supposedly 45yrs old?
#4-Authentic Wichita swivels which I don't think were even made yet during the M40 beginning and am sure they used 40-X swivels
#5-"authentic scope" but not really it is glossy
#6-Brass pin through stock for strength on sniper rifles.....uh, I may be blind/ill informed but that damn brass pin has been in every 700 stock from beginning until present Duh!
#7-No Clip slot but it is still authentic and made from all original parts.....OK????
#8-Machined follower made especially for....that I don't believe came about until very late 70's or maybe even 80's
Just found the description amusing as it is supposedly "authentic" and "all original parts" but yet it isn't. Seller has a line of BS that would qualify him for a hell of a car or airplane salesman.
Man if you gents want to find out how to build a near perfect 'replica' of an original M40 you need to look at a listing on the big firearms auction site. I found it by searching Unertl. What a crock of shit story about a build!!!! I guess do whatever you can to jusitfy the asking price.
#1-Leupold base I am sure
#2-"Civilian barreled action" but an original barrel Huh?
#3-stock from IBA but supposedly an original, Yea right! Sure not much damage to an "authentic" M40 stock that is supposedly 45yrs old?
#4-Authentic Wichita swivels which I don't think were even made yet during the M40 beginning and am sure they used 40-X swivels
#5-"authentic scope" but not really it is glossy
#6-Brass pin through stock for strength on sniper rifles.....uh, I may be blind/ill informed but that damn brass pin has been in every 700 stock from beginning until present Duh!
#7-No Clip slot but it is still authentic and made from all original parts.....OK????
#8-Machined follower made especially for....that I don't believe came about until very late 70's or maybe even 80's
Just found the description amusing as it is supposedly "authentic" and "all original parts" but yet it isn't. Seller has a line of BS that would qualify him for a hell of a car or airplane salesman.
Re: M40 Build Guide
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pvt.Joker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here's one for all of you that have your M40's done. The powers at be have given their blessing to hold a CMP Vintage Sniper Match at Quantico, VA with the Addition of the M40 and Win M70! The distances are going to be 300 and 600 yards. Lets see whose build and / or owner shoots the best! More to follow! </div></div>
Any more word on this? I was wondering if the CMP vintage matches would ever open up for the Vietnam-era rifles. </div></div>
Just asked about it today, looks like September time frame
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pvt.Joker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here's one for all of you that have your M40's done. The powers at be have given their blessing to hold a CMP Vintage Sniper Match at Quantico, VA with the Addition of the M40 and Win M70! The distances are going to be 300 and 600 yards. Lets see whose build and / or owner shoots the best! More to follow! </div></div>
Any more word on this? I was wondering if the CMP vintage matches would ever open up for the Vietnam-era rifles. </div></div>
Just asked about it today, looks like September time frame
Re: M40 Build Guide
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just asked about it today, looks like September time frame </div></div>
Thanks! Don't if I'll be able to make it or not. Been a LONG time since I last tried my hand at shooting competition, and that was a small local match or two, shooting off a benchrest. Nothing on this scale. Still, it WOULD be fun to give it a try.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just asked about it today, looks like September time frame </div></div>
Thanks! Don't if I'll be able to make it or not. Been a LONG time since I last tried my hand at shooting competition, and that was a small local match or two, shooting off a benchrest. Nothing on this scale. Still, it WOULD be fun to give it a try.
Re: M40 Build Guide
Dennis I saw that listing, I don't theres much more to your posting I could add except a whole lot of smoke and mirrors though.
Dennis I saw that listing, I don't theres much more to your posting I could add except a whole lot of smoke and mirrors though.
Re: M40 Build Guide
Not an M40 but pretty Damn Sexy. Here's what those Numrich stocks came off of.
Not an M40 but pretty Damn Sexy. Here's what those Numrich stocks came off of.
Re: M40 Build Guide
Very nice TK! I'll have to post pics of my 308 whe I get back. I did make an exciting find down here, I found a protecto kaddy rifle case in a pawnshop!
Very nice TK! I'll have to post pics of my 308 whe I get back. I did make an exciting find down here, I found a protecto kaddy rifle case in a pawnshop!
Re: M40 Build Guide
Had to fit my buttplate. What do you guys think?
It's a good start I think. Hope no one minds me keeping this thread up towards the top until my build is done.
Had to fit my buttplate. What do you guys think?
It's a good start I think. Hope no one minds me keeping this thread up towards the top until my build is done.
Re: M40 Build Guide
Sweet! I don't go to enough pawn shops and gun shows to find the good stuff
Sweet! I don't go to enough pawn shops and gun shows to find the good stuff
Re: M40 Build Guide
Here is my stock all done up nice waiting for my 6 digit remmy to come in...it looks lonely.
Here is my stock all done up nice waiting for my 6 digit remmy to come in...it looks lonely.
Re: M40 Build Guide
Got a question about the 2006 SSA Commemoratives, anyone know if the first 100 serial numbers were reserved for significant people?
Got a question about the 2006 SSA Commemoratives, anyone know if the first 100 serial numbers were reserved for significant people?
