M40 Build Guide

#201
Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Parga</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a manual mill to do the clipslotting, go slow and it comes out fine. If anyone needs the drawings I have them </div></div>

Does manual mill = file?
 
#202
Re: M40 Build Guide

My Douglas barrel arrived today. It is 25" in overall length, threaded and chambered for .308. There are no stampings anywhere. The crown is wrong, but that doesn't matter, as the barrel is an inch too long and will have to be cut and re-crowned anyhow.

Measurements are as follows:

first 2.5 ins. from recoil lug forward = 1.260 ins. dia.
next 3.5 ins. in length tapers to .930 dia
then it tapers down to .835 at the 24 in. mark. (23 from recoil lug). Pretty close to the correct .830 spec at the muzzle.

Here's the order info: 308 WIN REM 700 M-40 X 25" 10 FTC CM
CM is for chromoly and 10 is for 1/10 twist. This barrel is a little bit different than their Remington 007 Varmint contour.

Let me know if you need any more info. I talked to Stan at Douglas (304) 776-1341

Douglas Barrel #1

Douglas Barrel Crown

Greg V
 
#204
Re: M40 Build Guide

Was the bdl trigger gaurd/floorplate assembly on the m40 aluminum or steel? Also, what kind of finish did it have? It looks to me that its a gloss blue finish. I'm not sure though.

 
#205
Re: M40 Build Guide

Aluminum as Remington had only started making the BDL hinged floorplate for the 700 since 62. At that time the floorplates were more of a flat black finish, not gloss until a few years later. Steel parts were parked.
 
#206
Re: M40 Build Guide

I have two aluminum butt plates that Im going to use on M40 builds but I dont have the correct screws for them. Can someone tell me where to get them at?
Thanks
 
#207
Re: M40 Build Guide

Don't know if the screws are much different than the later plastic butt plate ones or earlier 721/722 ones???

The correct aluminum butt plate for the M40 era guns is stamped 16601 on the underside. Just in case you didn't know.
 
#208
Re: M40 Build Guide

I didnt know that but I checked them and they are correct. Im trying to avoid taking one of the screws out of my Remington M40 and to go the stores to see if one matches. Wonder if you could get one from Brownells or Midway. If not then going to gun shows and see.
 
#209
Re: M40 Build Guide

I'm curious about something... and maybe this has been covered. I was looking online for pictures of original M40's when I came across one that was auctioned by the CMP. As I looked at the pictures I noticed the scope base appears to be incorrect. It has rounded corners. I don't think I'd fork out $36,000 for that. Even if I had it laying around... Which I don't! I guess the CMP gets a little wiggle room because of who they are??? It's still a very nice looking M40 but I can't help but wonder about that.
 
#210
Re: M40 Build Guide

Could have been one of the later ones with a later base. The first shipment of 700 in '66 had the 40X marked square cornered base, later ones meant for other entities besides the Corp could have almost anything. As long as it was/is a military related dept it would still be returned to Anniston I would think. The last yr any M40ish type rifles was made by Rem was 73.
 
#211
Re: M40 Build Guide

Interesting... I didn't realize they could have gone to other entities. But it makes sense that they would have used whatever Redfield sent them in later years. Bottom line is: They really weren't thinking about "correctness" for later collectors, so I guess CMP is the best provenance you're gonna get.
 
#212
Re: M40 Build Guide

The rifle auctioned by CMP was what I believed to be a USMC presentation rifle of which apparently 3 or 4 were made in the late seventies,(pages 261 & 262 of Senichs One Round War). The other pictures of these rifles that I have seen they were all 1969 era rifles, with the bases, rings and scopes added later and so marked in order for the rifle to be a representation of the issue M40. With regards to the CMP rifle sold for $36000, Martin Bordson of Badger Ordinance states that particular rifle is an Air force rifle not a Marine gun, apparently he has access to the DOD registry and had a book in the works about them.
 
#213
Re: M40 Build Guide

I hear that a lot of guys use Wichita swivels on their M40 clones. I didn't think that Wichita started making their swivels until the 70's. I've seen a picture, in Senich's book, of an original M40 with what looks like Remington 513T type swivels installed. The 513T swivels that I have are 1&1/2 ins. wide (inside). On the early M40's, were the wood screw type used on both the front and rear? Were they 1&1/4 or 1&1/2 in. ?

Thanks, Greg V
NewImage-2.jpg
 
#214
Re: M40 Build Guide

Greg that is correct, Wichita did not get a contract with the USMC until 1970, if you check page two off this thread I have posted a few pictures from Chandlers book showing this. Those swivels pictured above off a Reminton 40X or 513T are good to go and 1 1/4 would be correct for the inside diameter. I saw a set for sale on Ebay that had both machined and wood screw and they were not Wichita.
 
#215
Re: M40 Build Guide

mjh-Have thought for a long time that the M40 did not have Wichita's. However I have never seen an original stock in hand to confirm and had no real proof other than my gut so have never mentioned my opinion. Don't post unless I am 99% sure and didn't figure the net needed more speculation and rumors. Too much BS,speculation, guesses, hunches and those just wanting to be thought right.
smile.gif
Thanks for the clarification!

Respectfully,
Dennis
 
#216
Re: M40 Build Guide

I'd like to re-visit the clip-slot issue. I thought I read in this thread that before 1966 the so called clip-slot was actually just a rectangular slot that allowed for easier loading. I have a receiver (serial number 105XXX) that has the military style clip-slot. The rifle is an M40 clone that was built on a 6 digit receiver but the clip-slot is original. Isn't that number too low to be a 1966 receiver? And if so, it kinda' shoots a hole in the clip-slot theories... Doesn't it? Or did I misunderstand something?
 
#217
Re: M40 Build Guide

Your SN number is mid to late 64. The rear bridge had a cutout in the 721/722 series recievers and that carried over into the early 700's. Best I can figure SN wise is this square machined slot(not technically a clip slot) was discontinued around SN 200,000?

Post a pic of the rear bridge and I will bet it is NOT a real clip slot like the M40 rifle and 40-X repeater actions were manufactured with. If it is it was either sent back to Remington or machined by someone other than Remington.
 
#218
Re: M40 Build Guide

I'll post the pic tomorrow when I'm not using my iPod touch... But it's definitely the military clip-slot. Not the square cut-out. I've seen pictures of both. And isn't the square cut too deep to make it look like the military cut? I could be wrong about that because I can't find the picture I saw of the square cut.
 
#219
Re: M40 Build Guide

Yea, remember reading somewhere that the early recievers with the cutout prevented a 'proper' clip slot like the 40-X used to be machined into the rear bridge. Can't remember who posted it though. Your reciever could indeed have a correct clip slot but it wasn't because of the M40 rifle project I am near positive?
 
#221
Re: M40 Build Guide

Looks like it may be correct from the view you provided. Other than information provided by the owner if they have no documentation to prove it is/was military issue I don't know how you would verify/prove if it was done by Remington or whomever??? Ya got me on this one?
 
#222
Re: M40 Build Guide

I'm sure it's not an original M40 receiver. I have an email sent to the guy I got it from to find out if he had the clip-slot done or if it came that way originally. I'm curious because of the low number. I know that the guy I got it from had the rifle put together with a mix of original and reproduction parts (at least that's what he claims). I don't know enough about the M40 to know what parts are "right" and what parts aren't but I definitely like the look of this rifle better than the SSA M40 I used to have.

The only marks on the barrel are "7.62 Nato" and a Heart (not upside-down) right next to it. The barrel is free floated but there is no glass bedding. The side of the trigger housing is marked "USMC".

It's a neat rifle and I traded into it very reasonably so anything negative I find out won't make much difference to me. I just hope it shoots well!!!
 
#224
Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oneshot onekill</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, I got an email from the original owner and the receiver was already clip-slotted when he got it. Hmmm...</div></div> There are two different clipslots i,ve seen on here,,, 1 type of clipslot is on page 1 of the m40a1 build guide, thats looks to be maybe done my remington, the other type of clipslot is on page 15 of the same m40a1 guide, that was cut by the usmc to accept the lugged unertl mount, as stated by J.rose. ya'll can take a look and see.
 
#225
Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwhite</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oneshot onekill</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, I got an email from the original owner and the receiver was already clip-slotted when he got it. Hmmm...</div></div> There are two different clipslots i,ve seen on here,,, 1 type of clipslot is on page 1 of the m40a1 build guide, thats looks to be maybe done my remington, the other type of clipslot is on page 15 of the same m40a1 guide, that was cut by the usmc to accept the lugged unertl mount, as stated by J.rose. ya'll can take a look and see. </div></div>
Yes... With all due respect, the M40 is a completely different animal than the M40A1. The clip-slot on page 1 of the M40A1 thread is the same one the M40 should have. The original question was in regard to when it was first seen on Remington Model 700's. M40 or otherwise. But thanks for weighing-in.
 
#226
Re: M40 Build Guide

I have two 6 digit Remington 700 receivers, a 266,xxx and a 321,xxx. Both trigger assemblies appear to be identical, except for the sears.

The 266, which is an ADL, has a two pieice sear and the 321, which is a BDL, has a one piece sear. I hope I am describing them correctly. Anthow, did the sear type change between Feb. and Dec. of 1967, or is it just possible that the later one was changed out at one time? I am using the date codes that were on the barrels of each rifle when I got them. I am thinking that the barrels were original to the receivers, but I don't know for sure.

Thanks, Greg V

Apr302011016.jpg
Apr302011014.jpg
Apr302011012.jpg
 
#227
Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg V</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have two 6 digit Remington 700 receivers, a 266,xxx and a 321,xxx. Both trigger assemblies appear to be identical, except for the sears.

The 266, which is an ADL, has a two pieice sear and the 321, which is a BDL, has a one piece sear. I hope I am describing them correctly. Anthow, did the sear type change between Feb. and Dec. of 1967, or is it just possible that the later one was changed out at one time? I am using the date codes that were on the barrels of each rifle when I got them. I am thinking that the barrels were original to the receivers, but I don't know for sure.

Thanks, Greg V

Apr302011016.jpg
Apr302011014.jpg
Apr302011012.jpg
</div></div>



I just want to say this and I say this out of jelousy, you are a lucky bastard to have not one but two 6 digit actions. DAMN!!
 
#229
Re: M40 Build Guide

Remington went to the single sear sometime later '67 IIRC. Not sure of exact serial number or even if Rem could/would tell you the exact SN when change occured. As they didn't build the recievers numerically you could have a bit later SN that has a several hundred number later action with 2pc sear.

Not much help I know but doubt you will get anything solid as to the change day/serial number.

Edit to make clear what I was thinking vs what I was typing.lol
 
#231
Re: M40 Build Guide

Another question came up on my build. This afternoon my barrel came in from Douglas. It looks great, except for a problem. When I screw it into my 6-digit receiver, add my Badger early pre-suffix mount and Redfield scope, the bottom of the front scope bell touches the top of the barrel. I mean, you can't even slip a piece of paper between the two. Douglas advertised this barrel as being the M40 profile, and all the other parts are correct for the M40. Am I missing something? The ONLY thing that might be doing it is I have the scope in the original correct Redfield rings on the Badger base. I am going to try swapping those around to see if it helps. But otherwise, just how much gap is there "supposed" to be between the scope and the barrel on these originally? I'd hate to complain to Douglas if the problem is on my end. But this looks like it'd shatter the front lens if I ever tried to shoot it this way. I'll try and add some pictures shortly.
 
#232
Re: M40 Build Guide

Oneshot, I was under the impression that the original clipslot had three seperate machined cuts that one could see. An unobstructed picture from the top and I could probably tell if it was a square cut modified. Pvt Joker, whats the barrel diameter at 24 inches, it shouold be 830, anything else and its not going to fit, doesn't sound like its the right contour, there was at least 1/4 inch gap between objective bell and barrel.
 
#233
Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pvt.Joker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Another question came up on my build. This afternoon my barrel came in from Douglas. It looks great, except for a problem. When I screw it into my 6-digit receiver, add my Badger early pre-suffix mount and Redfield scope, the bottom of the front scope bell touches the top of the barrel. I mean, you can't even slip a piece of paper between the two. Douglas advertised this barrel as being the M40 profile, and all the other parts are correct for the M40. Am I missing something? The ONLY thing that might be doing it is I have the scope in the original correct Redfield rings on the Badger base. I am going to try swapping those around to see if it helps. But otherwise, just how much gap is there "supposed" to be between the scope and the barrel on these originally? I'd hate to complain to Douglas if the problem is on my end. But this looks like it'd shatter the front lens if I ever tried to shoot it this way. I'll try and add some pictures shortly. </div></div>

Is Douglas referring to the M40 profile as being Remington Varmint taper for the M40 USMC rifle or M40 profile as in Remington 40-X?? Big difference! If their "M40" is same as the Remington Varmint contour then how much material/what is diameter of rear shank for how many inches? The Remington Varmint contour starts to taper immediately from 1.250" with no straigt cylinder portion. Also are your Redfield rings medium or low? Medium was correct height.
 
#235
Re: M40 Build Guide

025.jpg

026.jpg

027.jpg

031.jpg

029.jpg


OK; I've got a couple of more pictures, but this gives a pretty good view of what is going on with it. I'm not sure, but to me it looks like a barrel maybe for an M40A1 version? I told them what I was doing with it and which version I needed, and this is what they sent me. Too late to call them back tonight, but I will give them a call in the morning and see what they can/will do about it. But I wanted to post here first and ask if I was just missing something on my end first. Thanks.
 
#236
Re: M40 Build Guide

Also, the rings were the originals.
030.jpg

003-2.jpg

The base is one of the Badger replicas that was made for the pre-letter early receivers, so it *should* be the correct height. (The Badger rings were the same height; I pulled both and compared)
 
#237
Re: M40 Build Guide

Your Douglas barrel is a 40-XB contour barrel very close in dimensions to the M40A1 barrel and a good bit heavier than the contour the M40 was issued with. The 40-XB came with 2 different contours. Heaviest was roughly .9" @ 27.5" finish length. M40 contour is rougly .830" at the muzzle @ 24" total length(a bit over 23" from lug to muzzle).

Also your comment on Redfield rings being "original", original in reference to what? Many of the early Redfield rings are stamped on bottom with the same number as in your pic. Don't really know exactly what it means but have seen some with 1-68 also and IIRC seen a set at a gunshow with 1-69???

HTH
 
#238
Re: M40 Build Guide

Thanks. I will call Douglas in the morning and see what they can do to help me out on this.

As for the rings; I was under the impression that the rings that had those numbers stamped on them were on the original M40 rifles? I certainly could be wrong; that's why I ask so many questions on here. Still learning a LOT as I go along with this project.
 
#239
Re: M40 Build Guide

The numbers on the Redfield rings may well be same as on rings used by the Corp but are not exclusive to the Corp. Don't know if numbers were different from low to medium to high etc. Think I have several sets laying around, guess I could dig them out and measure to see if all with same numbers are the same height? With the old Redfield being out of business for years only perhaps an old exemployee might know?
 
#240
Re: M40 Build Guide

Pvt Joker, the barrel as you surmise is not for the M40, as Dennis states thats a pretty thick barrel contour, really thick, also theres no contour to it. As for the rings, as stated in both Senichs books and Chandlers books, the rings issued on the M40 had rings marked 1-64 or 1-66, was this exclusive to the M40, no not at all, but I have a few sets of four screw low rings that have no markings whatsoever. Hope that Douglas sorts that out for you, my Smith got my barrel from Douglas, I know when he ordered it he simply ordered the Remington varmint contour.
 
#241
Re: M40 Build Guide

Is that the barrel that you just got from Douglas? It doesn't look like the one that I got from them. I can't remember if I sent you pictures and dimensions of mine. I think I posted them on the forum here somewhere to.

Greg

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pvt.Joker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks. I will call Douglas in the morning and see what they can do to help me out on this.

As for the rings; I was under the impression that the rings that had those numbers stamped on them were on the original M40 rifles? I certainly could be wrong; that's why I ask so many questions on here. Still learning a LOT as I go along with this project. </div></div>
 
#242
Re: M40 Build Guide

This is what I got from Douglas. It looks different than yours, at least in the pictures. The also make what they call a Rem. #7 varmint contour barrel. I just got a stock from Numrich that is suppossed to be for a Rem. SA varmint rifle. It looks great, but my Douglas barrel doesn't drop right in. The thicker chamber area seems to run out a little too long before tapering down. I'm wondering now if the #7 contour wouildn't be a better fit, but I still don't know which is closer to the early spec. My original post is on page 5, near the bottom and there are pictures.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg V</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My Douglas barrel arrived today. It is 25" in overall length, threaded and chambered for .308. There are no stampings anywhere. The crown is wrong, but that doesn't matter, as the barrel is an inch too long and will have to be cut and re-crowned anyhow.

Measurements are as follows:

first 2.5 ins. from recoil lug forward = 1.260 ins. dia.
next 3.5 ins. in length tapers to .930 dia
then it tapers down to .835 at the 24 in. mark. (23 from recoil lug). Pretty close to the correct .830 spec at the muzzle.

Here's the order info: 308 WIN REM 700 M-40 X 25" 10 FTC CM
CM is for chromoly and 10 is for 1/10 twist. This barrel is a little bit different than their Remington 007 Varmint contour.

Let me know if you need any more info. I talked to Stan at Douglas (304) 776-1341

Douglas Barrel #1

Douglas Barrel Crown

Greg V </div></div>
 
#243
Re: M40 Build Guide

OK; I spoke to Stan today at Douglas. Great folks to deal with. He said to send my barrel back in and they could just turn it down to the right profile, and put the right crown on it if I sent him some photos of what I am wanting. So I am going to copy the pages out of "The One-Round War" and see if I can get any more specs on exactly what it needs to be at, and send it all back in and get what I have turned into what I need.

 
#244
Re: M40 Build Guide

Greg V your barrel when its cut to 24 should be 830 and a flat crown is the way to go, although a good smith can do 11 degrees and you couldn't honestly tell the difference.
 
#245
Re: M40 Build Guide

Does a spec barrel start to taper immediately from 1.250" with no straight cylinder portion, like a Rem. varmint contour? The barrel That I have runs straight out at 1.250" for 2.5 ins. then tapers.

I think one has to be very specific with Douglas. I had told them that I wanted a flat crown, but they ended up putting a recessed crown on it. That's not a big deal though, as the barrel is an inch to long anyway. I was just going to have mike Lau put the proper crown on it. Now I'm just concerned about getting the proper taper on the barrel.
 
#246
Re: M40 Build Guide

From what I understand and Dennis would know even better than me is that the barrel contour is the same as the original Remington varmint contour. I know that in past years Remington has made their varmint contour 26 inches, but the rest remained correct. 1.250 for 2 inches, tapering from .940 at 4.5 inches to .830 at 24 inches
 
#247
Re: M40 Build Guide

Shilen makes a barrel that looks to meet those specs. It's their "17 Remington Varmint(Sendero)" 1.250 for 2" then tapers to .940 at 4.5" and is .830 at 24".

I read somewhere that their barrels aren't as good as some of the others, but I'm more into making an M40 clone than I am a tack driver. I might have to get one of theirs or see if I can return my barrel to Douglas and see if they will re-contour it to those specs. I thought that my Douglas was the right one, but again, it's a bit off.

link to the site: http://www.shilen.com/contours.html
 
#248
Re: M40 Build Guide

Here's a few pictures of my Douglas "USMC M40" barrel resting in my Numrich, "Short Action, BDL, Heavy Barrel Varmint, Satin Finished Walnut Stock" Product No. 553690

In order for my barrel to fit properly in the channel on this stock, the taper would have to start 1&5/8" farther back than where it does now, which means it would only run out at 1.250 for about an inch before tapering down.

019.jpg
020.jpg
 
#250
Re: M40 Build Guide

Greg, I think I may have this one figured out. The previous page link you posted shows the barrel profile measurements at 1.260 for the first 2.5 inches starting from the recoil lug and then the next 3.5 inches tapered to .930 inches. IF that moves back to starting at the end of the threaded chamber instead, then that would move the thicker portion in the barrel channel forward to about where it *should* be to fit, right? Where did the measurements for the barrel profile in that picture come from? I am going to give Stan at Douglas a call and ask him to take a look at both pictures, and will post what I find.

*ETA OK; I spoke to Stan again at Douglas and went over the specs with him as the barrel got back there this morning. What we are going to do is go with the Remington Varmint profile but with the 23 inch barrel and flat crown with the outer lip. That *SHOULD* fit everything correctly. The photo above has one other problem in the measurements; I measured my scope on the base on my receiver and the wide part of the front bell starts at right about 3 inches out from the recoil lug, so even if the 1.260 part only comes out 1 inch from the lug, it would need the taper to .930 to be down by 3 inches out to clear the scope.

It's being a challenge, which usually means we must be getting close to correct!
laugh.gif
 
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