M40 Build Guide

#301
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.
 
#302
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???
 
#304
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?
 
#305
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.
 
#306
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.
NewImage-2.jpg
 
#307
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.
 
#309
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>
 
#310
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.
006-4.jpg
 
#312
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?
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</div></div>

Oh yes; definitely still working on mine, bit by bit, piece by piece...
 
#314
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.
 
#315
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.
 
#316
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".
 
#317
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...
 
#318
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?
 
#321
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.
 
#322
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
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</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:

001-6.jpg


003-8.jpg


002-8.jpg


Hope that helps?
 
#323
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:

004-7.jpg


005-7.jpg


007-5.jpg


006-4.jpg


 
#324
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.
M40001.jpg
 
#326
Re: M40 Build Guide

Wow, MJH! You ain't kiddin!
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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?
 
#327
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
 
#328
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
 
#329
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.
 
#332
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.)
 
#334
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?
frown.gif
</div></div>
 
#335
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?
frown.gif
</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!
smile.gif
 
#337
Re: M40 Build Guide

Well guys,I'm gonna be leaning on you all real heavy soon.My donor rifle arrived at the FFL Fri but I can't get there till Mon.I'm chewing my damn nails off.Gonna need some hard core opinions on her because the SN falls between the 2nd and 3rd known original M40 rifles according to Senichs list.Mine is 168,7xx.The original below mine is 168,346,,and the one above is 168,820.Since 168,346 is shown in Senich book,I'll be using that one as my main reference AND according to that rifle,I can save a fortune as it appears that one had a gloss black accurange scope.So,I guess I'll start with this,,who has used a barrel supplied by GAP,,and just how accurate is their barrel contour? If they parked for you,,was it green or green/gray? I'm hoping to park mine the same color you see on WW2 Remmy 1903A3s....I'm assuming that is the real and correct color???? In the pics the seller sent me,it appears it may have the clip slot cut in it,,but was partially hidden by the rear scope mount base.I'm guessing it's the plain square cut and not the type spec by the MC.Would this be right ? Barrel markings show it was made in Nov 65.Rifle is in .308,,,so I'm guessing that the 1st few original M40 rifles used receivers from about that same date??This sound correct? Please advise as this last question will help me determine what date code to stamp on a new barrel.I'm anal meticulous.
smirk.gif
 
#338
Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m1sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well guys,I'm gonna be leaning on you all real heavy soon.My donor rifle arrived at the FFL Fri but I can't get there till Mon.I'm chewing my damn nails off.Gonna need some hard core opinions on her because the SN falls between the 2nd and 3rd known original M40 rifles according to Senichs list.Mine is 168,7xx.The original below mine is 168,346,,and the one above is 168,820.Since 168,346 is shown in Senich book,I'll be using that one as my main reference AND according to that rifle,I can save a fortune as it appears that one had a gloss black accurange scope.So,I guess I'll start with this,,who has used a barrel supplied by GAP,,and just how accurate is their barrel contour? If they parked for you,,was it green or green/gray? I'm hoping to park mine the same color you see on WW2 Remmy 1903A3s....I'm assuming that is the real and correct color???? In the pics the seller sent me,it appears it may have the clip slot cut in it,,but was partially hidden by the rear scope mount base.I'm guessing it's the plain square cut and not the type spec by the MC.Would this be right ? Barrel markings show it was made in Nov 65.Rifle is in .308,,,so I'm guessing that the 1st few original M40 rifles used receivers from about that same date??This sound correct? Please advise as this last question will help me determine what date code to stamp on a new barrel.I'm anal meticulous.
smirk.gif
</div></div>

Welcome to the Rabbit Hole! Come'on down!
wink.gif
As far as what color the originals had, might I suggest going to the NRA website and watching the video on Chuck MaWhinney? There are some decent color photos showing the rifle as he had it in Vietnam. From what I could tell, it looked to me as though it was a dark Manganese park, with the bolt and bottom metal blued. The serial number would be in the correct overall range; certainly good enough for a clone IMHO, and being in .308 already will help with the bolt being right. There are some very slight differences in the early receivers compared to the later ones. The most noticeable is the receiver and bolt on the early ones do not have the anti-bind slot. Also check to see if yours comes with the short shroud on the bolt, the split sear trigger, and the correct safety. Any of these that are on it already will make the process that much easier for you. Also, the "Remington" script is slightly different on these than on the later ones. Might I suggest Mike Lau for getting the clip slot work performed? He did mine and I was very pleased with the result. (Enough so that I am planning on sending down my 1962 Winchester Model 70 .30-06 for one of his "Vietnam Sniper" conversions on it, as soon as funds allow) I didn't use the barrel supplied by GAP, so I can't attest to their product either way. Hopefully someone who has can chime in? I might also suggest contacting Stan at Douglas barrel, as mentioned earlier in this thread. In fact, wading through the 8 pages of this thread is a GREAT start to hit the ground running on the project. That, and getting two books by Peter Senich; "The one Round War" and "The Long Range War" are excellent sources of detailed info about these rifles and the context of their use in Vietnam if you don't have them already.
 
#339
Re: M40 Build Guide

Tnks Joker,pics forthcoming.We just got power back,out since early Sun morn.Irene was a bitch
smirk.gif
.Cam charging,will post pics asap.
She has the short shroud,tall safety,and split sear.Also has the factory type clip slot.No eyebrows,just "square" cut.And no eyebrow on the front receiver ring.
Yes,tons of great info in the past 8 pages,but also gets confusing at some points.But I have read thru a few times,and 2 friends with those books have sent me copies of the chapters re.M40s.But like cloning anything,for every answer,up pops more questions
shocked.gif
.
 
#341
Re: M40 Build Guide

M1Sniper, that should make a really nice one. You could still send it to Mike Lau to have the Marine type of clip-slotting done to it if you wanted to, but most of the rest of the parts are there that are hard to find. The Badger replica M40 scope base for the early pre-prefix receiver will probably be the hardest to come across, since as I understand it, they were a limited run and I think he sold out of them already. I will look and see if I still have the box for mine, and if so I will post the part number for you. The stock from Numrich should give you the wood part covered (if they send you one with the right barrel profile) and Stan at Douglas knows which barrel to send out on it (the one like Jay's from Attic Arms). The butt plate may or may not be right; depends on which part number it is. If you don't have any luck with the base and rings set, I have a later Redfield base and the Badger rings from my project that would fit it. It isn't the square cornered version, but it would give you a Redfield base and the 4-screw rings until you could find one of the others? Anyway, the rifle should make a great clone.

And by the way; love that one above it as well!
 
#342
Re: M40 Build Guide

Thanks for the offers Joker,I'm covered on rings and base.I have 1 set medium stamped 1-66,and 1 set <span style="text-decoration: underline">low</span> stamped 1-66 too.The butt plate is marked 16601-1.Also have a Buddy whose father is a stock maker making me a stock and using my Buddys M40 clone with original Remmy varmint barrel to fit it all,,my Bud has also welded up the corners on an early Redfield 700SA base and is blueing it today.So,really I'm down to the barrel (I'll call Stan),,scope,and getting the U.S. and barrel markings done,,then the finish park job.
I need to decide IF I want to modify the existing clip slot,or leave it as Senich mentions it,,BUT again,his book shows on rifle 168,346 it has the square clip slot BUT also has the cut on the front receiver ring.So,I may only add that but leave the square slot alone. <span style="color: #009900">Opinions welcome on that</span>
crazy.gif
I also have a correct matte finish floorplate assembly here.
The winny is sn 59,xxx.Rules book does not give an actual manufacture date as it must have been a receiver made during war time,but assembled later.Best I can date it is between Oct 1945 and Feb 1946.Has ALL pre war features and original Winny medium heavy barrel .790 muzzle,flat crown.Barrel IIRC is early 1950s.Unertl rings are original early(blackened),and scope is a 1" 10 power. Scope went in for a tune up with A. Davis who now owns the optical division of Unertl after they closed down. 1940s sn on the scope.10,0xx but I also have another,same model sn 8,48x
 
#345
Re: M40 Build Guide

Scottx88, that is a rare treasure indeed, heres a picture of mines, yours is the third that have actually seen owned by HIde members including my own. Notice the difference in the turret markings compared with the gloss accurange, these were the same Redfield scopes that were actually used for the original ART 1, and obviously bought by the USMC to replace the Gen 1 scopes.
Redfield3x9017.jpg

Redfield3x9021.jpg

m1sniper heres a picture of a modified square cut receiver, obviously not the best in the world, but it does function, there was at least three different variations of the clip slot. I think at least having the scallop cut is necessary, even if you didn't cut the actually clip slot.
M40008.jpg
 
#346
Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mjh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">m1sniper heres a picture of a modified square cut receiver, obviously not the best in the world, but it does function, there was at least three different variations of the clip slot. I think at least having the scallop cut is necessary, even if you didn't cut the actually clip slot.</div></div>

Also, remember that once the scope mount base is installed, that the only parts of the clip slotting that actually show are going to be the rounded part at the rear side and maybe part of the front scallop cut; the rest is covered by the base anyway. Still nice to have it "right" if possible, but not something that anyone is going to pick up the rifle and go "Hey! What's THIS?!?!?" over, IMHO.
 
#350
Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does any one have the Clip Slot Machinist schematics I can have? Please PM me so we can exchange contact info. Thanks! </div></div>

Here; is this the one you are looking for?

M40Clipslotspecs.jpg
 
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