M40 Build Guide

[gregv]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Pvt.Joker, Thanks again for getting this all straightened out! I think I will wait until yours has been done correctly and the correct profile saved, before sending mine back for a re-do!

Greg

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Well, my camera batteries are flat at the moment, so the photos will have to be added later, but the rifle came home today from Douglas and suffice it to say, they NOW have the correct barrel profile and know what to fit/sell for the M40/M700 sniper rifle!

Still have some more work to do on mine before it's done, of course, but that hurdle HAS been jumped. Just talk to Stan at Douglas Barrels and tell him it's the same profile that he did for Jay at Attic Arms.

 

[budiceale]

Re: M40 Build Guide

i want to thank all you guys that have contributed to this thread. i'm just starting to collect all the parts for my own m40 build and this thread is a wealth of information and the pictures are very helpful.

appreciate it!

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Welcome in! I *STILL* can't get my camera to upload to my computer since downloading Windows new service pack, but eventually I'll find a way to post them.

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

One question, though- does anyone think the "M40 Build Guide" thread should be moved to the new "vintage sniper rifles" forum, or just left here in this one?

 

[budiceale]

Re: M40 Build Guide

i think the word "vintage" was created for the M40!! it also needs to be "stickyed" in that forum. my .02.

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Alright; here's one quick one of my M40 with the barrel back from Douglas on it, along with my 03A4 and my XM-21 rifles on my shop wall. I'll add some better pics of the M40 later.

 

[m1sniper]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Hi Guys,FNG here.Not new to collecting,not new to sniper rifles,but am new to the M40 and will be "picking your brains" if this is OK.Hopefully I can add to this forum as well.
My 1st question is this.I saw it shown here that the correct Remmy butt plates are marked 16601- #. I assume the 16601 is the model type,then the suffix number is just a cast lot number.Do any of you feel that the cast lot number should be a specific one?? I ask because I recently won a lot of 8 Remmy plates.6 out of the 8 are 16601 marked.3 have the suffix number 3, 1 has # 2,1 has #1, and one has #4. Does it matter? Or just pick one that best fits the stock I'll be using?
Next Q is about the rings,I also found a set of Redfield rings "medium height" with the 1-66 stamp on the bottoms.Has it been 100% determined if the correct ones should be low or can medium be used for an accurate clone.My hope is to do an early M40.I am REAL anal when it comes to my sniper rifle collection,any help will be greatly appreciated.Thanks in advance.

 

[gregv]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Pvt. Joker, I can't remember, did you use one of the Numrich stocks? If so, how does it fit with that new Douglas barrel.

Thanks, Greg

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg V</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pvt. Joker, I can't remember, did you use one of the Numrich stocks? If so, how does it fit with that new Douglas barrel.

Thanks, Greg </div></div>

I did, Greg, and it fits like a glove with the new barrel. Only thing I've had to do to it so far is to round the nose, and I will probably do some more of that to match the profile in Senich's books' photos, and to eventually free-float the barrel.

And also, welcome M1Sniper. Hope we can be of some help in your project. It's been a long road with these, but you can wade through the last 7 pages and get a pretty good idea what is involved- easier than starting from scratch.

 

[m1sniper]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Thanks Pvt.Joker

 

[gregv]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Thanks Pvt.Joker, I'm going to give Stan a call tomorrow and find out what we can do with my barrel. If you get your camera working, I'd love to see some pics of the taper and the crown. I need to start working on my stock too, I guess I have been too busy the last few months, in addition to seeing what happened with the whole barrel situation.

m1sniper, I would also like to welcome you to our addiction!

Take care, Greg

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Here you are, Greg.

 

[eodcam]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Got A question for you guys, I've been working on a build for a while now, and Thanks to Joker, I believe I know where to get my Barrel. I thought about giving up and building a vintage varmint special because of the stock, well I bought a 62-67 Varmint Special Stock (Fleur D Lis checkering) Any one know how close this stock is to the Original M700 Sniper Stock? I'm willing to send it off and have it reproduced in Plain walnut and was curious if any one would have interest in buying the clones? Not from me but the reproducer. This way I can let them know to do more than one copy.

 

[gregv]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Pvt.Joker, Thanks for the pictures. Looks great and like you are almost there! BTW, what did you come up with on barrel length? Is it 24" overall ( 23" from the front of the recoil lug to muzzle )?

Thanks, Greg

 

[jtv3062]

Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Got A question for you guys, I've been working on a build for a while now, and Thanks to Joker, I believe I know where to get my Barrel. I thought about giving up and building a vintage varmint special because of the stock, well I bought a 62-67 Varmint Special Stock (Fleur D Lis checkering) Any one know how close this stock is to the Original M700 Sniper Stock? I'm willing to send it off and have it reproduced in Plain walnut and was curious if any one would have interest in buying the clones? Not from me but the reproducer. This way I can let them know to do more than one copy. </div></div>

I would buy one.

 

[m1sniper]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Is there any new info regarding the sling swivels.I understand the lower swivel was probably a Remmy off the shelf from a 40X,but what then was used for the upper prior to the Wichatas???

 

[mjh30]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Wichita never had a contract until 71 I believe, any early pictures that I have or have seen show the Remington 40x type.

 

[m1sniper]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Hummmm,,,interesting.But I have not been able to find even pictures of an upper 40x rifle swivel that looks like the lower but has machine threads and some sort of nut or escutchen.They all seem to have those adjustable target hand stops and the swivels are much different then what the lower ones look like...????? Any thoughts?

 

[mjh30]

Re: M40 Build Guide

The original contract spec for the M700 sniper rifle required 1 1/4" swivels, I am told very few or any were actually made. Most rifles had 1 1/2" swivels, on the early rifles, 66-70 these were from a Remington source, either 513t or 40x type. The rear swivel was a wood screw type, the front a machine thread, threaded into an escutcheon.

 

[gregv]

Re: M40 Build Guide

I ended yp just buying a couple of 513t/40x rear swivels with the wood screw. I'm just going to thread it in the wood on the front. Once it's in the wood it should be very hard to tell that it's not the correct swivel and I like that it looks more like the original in every other respect.

 

[m1sniper]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Can someone give me a quick rundown on how to post pics? Can I just copy paste from my desktop pic file,or have to use photobucket,,direct link,then paste here?Please advise.TIA.

 

[M855]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Ive got a numrich stock which has the stud/swivel holes already drilled,will the 513t or wichitas screw in,im wondering if the holes are to big

 

[gregv]

Re: M40 Build Guide

I always click on the "enter an image" icon, 4th from the left. Then I copy the direct link from photobucket and paste it in the bar on the window that pops up. The window seems to have http in it when it pops up, so I clear it out and paste the whole link from photobucket. I can't remember if you can just grab them from your pic file or not.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m1sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can someone give me a quick rundown on how to post pics? Can I just copy paste from my desktop pic file,or have to use photobucket,,direct link,then paste here?Please advise.TIA. </div></div>

 

[m1sniper]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Thanks MUCH Greg,I'll give it a whirl now with this post.Ok,both these swivels came from a Buddy who has numerous 40X .22 cal military trainer rifles in parts and pieces,minus receivers.He has barrels,stocks etc. The one on the left has a screw shaft that measures 1 1/8",the one on right is 3/4".Is it possible that the one on right would be used for an upper sling swivel???As a carpenter,I don't like the thought of "just a wood screw" holding the weight of a rifle.I would be afraid the weight would cause the screw hole to become oblong and eventually pull out. What say the hive??? TIA.

 

[m1sniper]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Have I missed the boat on these builds??Is anyone still working on M40s?

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m1sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have I missed the boat on these builds??Is anyone still working on M40s?

</div></div>

Oh yes; definitely still working on mine, bit by bit, piece by piece...

 

[budiceale]

Re: M40 Build Guide

ditto what joker said. i have all the pieces except those pesky swivels. just waiting for the wife to get over the money shock of buying the pieces, then start moving forward again.

 

[m1sniper]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Joker,,what are you using for the upper sling swivel?I know budiceale is wondering what to use as well from our emails.At this point,I'm thinking of using the longer one above for my lower swivel,then filing off the wood threads on the short one and taping to machine threads.???? Maybe,unless a better alternative pops up.

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

I've got the Witchita swivels on mine. There has been an ongoing question about these all through the thread, and some good points on both sides of the issue to consider. I went the way I went, but that doesn't mean that anyone else has to do the same, of course. After all, these ARE clones, albeit some very, very detailed ones in most cases, but unless I drop another $5000 on an original anodized USMC green scope, no one is going to confuse mine with an original by virtue of the scope being duracoated instead of anodized. So I figure IF the swivels I choose are the later M40 ones from Witchita, then it's not the end of the world. I'm STILL happy with how the rifle looks.

 

[m1sniper]

Re: M40 Build Guide

I hear ya,,and your right.I just figured there had to be a source untapped for some type of "off the shelf Remmy" that is the same as the 40X ones but with the machine threads.. Thanks for your replies.I hope to have my donor rifle by the end of the week and will post pics.Then have to decide on the best and most correct barrel.For me,the barrel has to be as close as possible,,not willing to accept "close enough".

 

[bignada]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Was recently looking at an issue of Guns & Ammo from January 1968 which contains an article by James D Mason on the first Remington 700 sniper rifle built to Marine specifications.

The rifle illustrated shows a plain ADL type stock, but without checkering and adapted to floorplate rather than a blind magazine. Rifle was built with 40x 27.25" barrel and standard (looks like SA) action. Stock does not have QD sling studs. Rifle shown looks nothing like the Remington commemorative stock or those many have touted with wider beavertail forend, like a plain varmint special stock. Stock does have the same raised cheekpiece with rear slope-down to rear butt area.

Article begins on page 23 also has a pic of this rifle outfitted with infra-red lamp (the metascope?) and the 9903 sniper scope which together weighed about 25lbs. The rifle is described as being used with this outfit for defensive purposes. When deployed in the field, the scope used was the Redfield 3-9x with accutrac reticle. All including scope were parkerize finished.

Been meaning to add this to the thread. Not like too many here likely have the magazine...

 

[mjh30]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Bignada, have had the opportunity to read that article plus a few more from the same era. I think the articles title is misleading, the rifle pictured was part of the ongoing product improvement between Remington and the USMC. The original USMC contract rifle had no provision for mounting night vision capablity, this was an effort to fix that. Its still a great article and I must get the copy and scan it for everyone to read. Joker by the way, what lenght of barrel did you end up with, 24 from the front of the lug or slightly less?

 

[budiceale]

Re: M40 Build Guide

joker...im also interested in the exact length of your barrel from reciever front to crown. the next step is getting my barrel installed...inquiring minds want to know

 

[DrDeath]

Re: M40 Build Guide

The wood stock from Numrich gun parts shows no picture. Is this stock non checkered? What about sling swivels? Whats the correct type?

 

[mjh30]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Dr Death, I will check the part #of the stock, pretty sure its the same one that bought. Its a good representation, Monte carlo, non checkered, etc, my only problem with is the barrel channel is pretty big. As mentioned before Mike Kokolus and Joel Russo make excellent copies. As for swivels, I personally think the 513t/40x work fine. Photos I have show these swivels on actual rifles, but Wichita work, but are a little pricier. m1sniper low rings marked 1-66 or 1-64, part # 523503, base was Redfield part # 511153 marked 40x with the elusive square edged corners, medium bottom screw were used on m40a1.

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: budiceale</div><div class="ubbcode-body">joker...im also interested in the exact length of your barrel from reciever front to crown. the next step is getting my barrel installed...inquiring minds want to know

</div></div>

Sorry for the delay in answering; been a busy few days with the shop. For those that wanted to know the barrel length from the receiver face, here's a couple of photos:

Hope that helps?

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrDeath</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The wood stock from Numrich gun parts shows no picture. Is this stock non checkered? What about sling swivels? Whats the correct type? </div></div>

DrDeath, this stock is the one I ordered from Numrich. I've rounded the front off somewhat to match the original (still have some more work to do on that) and I swapped out the two-piece plastic butt plate for the correct part numbered metal one, but otherwise, here's what one looks like from what they sent me:

 

[mjh30]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Joker, your lenght should be correct, aparently the lenght is from the bolt face to the crown. Also your stock seems to fit a lot better than the one I got from Numrich, defintely looks like a smaller barrel contour.

 

[budiceale]

Re: M40 Build Guide

thanks joker. just what i needed

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Wow, MJH! You ain't kiddin!

Have you talked to Stan about getting the right barrel for yours yet? That stock looks like it was made for a heavy bull barrel rather than the varmint one. Of course, mine sat in my stock weird too until I got the right barrel for it from Douglas; maybe that might help?

 

[mjh30]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Barrel is correct, stock just didn't work. It was Numrich part #553690, slowly acquiring the parts for another. My barrel lenght was just less than 23 1/2 to the receiver (allowing .7 for tenon lenght) close enough. The barrel was a Douglas chrom moly, 007 rem varmint contour with 1/10 twist ended up 830 at the muzzle

 

[M855]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Pvt Joker looks like shes coming along,I used a rock creek rem varmint contour barrel and it fits like a glove in the numrich stock without barrel channel work,I just have to get some swivels and glass then I`ll be heading to the range

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M855</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pvt Joker looks like shes coming along,I used a rock creek rem varmint contour barrel and it fits like a glove in the numrich stock without barrel channel work,I just have to get some swivels and glass then I`ll be heading to the range </div></div>

Sounds great. part of what's holding me up at the present is waiting until I can meet up with my friend at his shop and make the template up for doing the engraving work on the various parts. I want to try and get it to look presentable with all the right markings on it, but he stays pretty busy and I have been too lately, so it is taking some time. It'll all be good when it's finished, though.

 

[DrDeath]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Why did the original M40's have the green colored scope? I never understood that ....

 

[SCOTTx88]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Here's one of the original two "Varmint Specials" that became the M40. Part of a private collection.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: M40 Build Guide

There was no "Varmint Special" until around '68. The 'Varmint Special' was the result of the M40(first batch shipped 9/'66), barrel contour and stock designed for the M40 but with the bling the commercial market was used to, checkering, gloss finish, tenite tip/grip cap etc.

(Edited to clarify that the M40 came first, Remington's heavy barrel(Varmint Special) hit the market about a year later.)

 

[SCOTTx88]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Exactly.

 

[gregv]

Re: M40 Build Guide

Still working on mine too. I just have to get off the couch and get my Douglas barrel redone. Thanks again PvtJoker for all your hard work and info!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m1sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have I missed the boat on these builds??Is anyone still working on M40s?

</div></div>

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg V</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Still working on mine too. I just have to get off the couch and get my Douglas barrel redone. Thanks again PvtJoker for all your hard work and info!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m1sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have I missed the boat on these builds??Is anyone still working on M40s?

</div></div> </div></div>

You're welcome, but I'm just doing my small part of what is a group effort by a LOT of folks on this thread, to try and find the best/most "correct" way of building these clones. At $36,000 a whack for an original one (going by that CMP auction) I know for myself, this is as close as I am ever going to get to one. I just hope at the end of the line, it shoots as good as it looks!