M40 Build Guide

Re: M40 Build Guide

Joker,
Did you ever find out where you had your scope refinished? I found a correct gen1 in gloss, now I just have to find a trustworthy place to have it coated OD.
Thanks
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Hello, I am following this topic already for a long time and had 2 M40's built.
Although I joined the Hide some time ago I was never active, but I like to change that now.

I hope you don't mind, but I like to show you my 2nd M40 replica built by GAP.
My 1st M40 was also built by GAP but got stolen during transportation.

I bought a Remington BDL short action receiver here with a correct 6 digit serial number starting with a 2.
I was a .243 Cal at GAP they rebuilt it into a .308.

PICT0392.jpg


PICT0390.jpg


The stock I ordered at Accurate Innovations, after reading Mel's M40 built spec's at Sniper Central, with a Alu bedding.

P1030233.jpg


It has a correct barrel spec's a 1:10 twist, correct length and no target crown.
The Barrel is from Bartlein

100_17551.jpg


RotationofP1020216.jpg


I found on e-bay an original Redfield scope mount and low scope rings.
I bought a Green coated refurbished Redfield accutrack scope from Ironsight.


P1020191.jpg


At GAP they added the correct markings to the receiver, U.S, and to the Barrel, 7.62 NATO.

100_18011.jpg


I am real happy with the rifle it shoots fantastic.
The only thing I still need to change is the butt plate, but since it is a custom stock I will need to make a custom butt plate as well.

Also would like a Green Anodized scope, but I am not willing to pay $7500 (currently on e-bay)
Still like to shoot it and don't want a show case rifle.

100_1798.jpg


DSC04530.jpg






 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Thanks for sharing Dutch. I called Ironsights after reading your post on another thread because I wanted to have my Redfield coated OD as well. The quote was 10 months! Oh well, i'll probably still do it unless I can find someplace that can do it quicker.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

They are very good at Ironsights, but they waiting list is huge.
which problably means lots of scope repairs and small business

Did you checked out Dura coat?
I spray painted a SIG pistol OD and it really came out well.
Dura coat is specially made for guns.

maybe a good alternative.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Dutch, I just checked out DuraCoat. Sounds like something I could do, but there are so many different shades of green. Now my dilemma is figuring out which one is closest. Which OD did you use on your Sig and does it match the scope? Thanks
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Hello Rhongman,

Looks as if they have much more Green colors at Dura Coat then a few years ago.
I had a look too and I used just plain “OD GREEN”
But looking at the other colors I like “WWII OD GREEN” too it is a bit lighter than the OD I used and comes closer to the green color of the Anodized scopes.
It is difficult to chose a color this way best would be to see how they turn out, but it is not cheap stuff.

P1010935.jpg


OD GREEN.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

I believe it was Ironsight, now that I recall, that I got mine from. Thanks for posting the pictures, Dutch. Nice rifle you have there; shame about the other one being stolen.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

I finally quit putting it off and got ahold of Stan at Douglas Barrels today. I'll be sending my barrel back next week for a re-contour. I told him about your barrel and he said that basically it's their 007 Remington Varmint Contour barrel. I hope it ends up the same as yours, as I believe that we have the same stock from Numrich. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again, Greg

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pvt.Joker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow, MJH! You ain't kiddin!
shocked.gif
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? </div></div>
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Thanks Joker, I figured it was Ironsight. I like how your scope turned out.

Dutch, I agree with you on the WWII OD. I'm going to give it a try and pray I don't mess it up.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

My parts collecting is almost complete! I'm not shooting for a 100% copy as some here have but I want it close in most area's. The barreled action is a new production Rem 700 SPR. The twist is wrong but I will live with that. It needs the barrel shortened a couple of inches and the cuts on the action. The scope is an accu-range model. I'm not sold on having it coated yet. The ADL stock still needs a lot of work but it's getting there. The bolt shroud arrived today and I got excited and took some pics.

Right now I know it's just a collection of parts but it's well on it's way to becoming a very cool rifle
cool.gif
Those of you that have done this before know what I'm feeling at this point of the build
laugh.gif


M40%20progress%20011.JPG

M40%20progress%20009.JPG

M40%20progress%20006.JPG
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Question for you guys, if I have a 6 digit receiver 345XXX do you think it would be worth using for a build? </div></div>

I don't see why not? Honestly, no matter HOW accurate we try to make them, in the end they are not going to be original Marine Corps M40/M700 sniper rifles. So if you have one from that time frame that you want to build into your own replica, then the only one you have to meet the standards of as to HOW detailed the build is, is YOU. Right? Otherwise, it is as much about learning more about the details and the history behind the originals and the men who used them, and in the process having a nice representative piece that invokes that. It's real easy in one of these projects to really get deep into it and become a bit obsessive over some of the details, but in the long run it is about having fun with the build and the rifle. So take the one you have and enjoy it for what you can make out of it. If you decide to do so, then welcome to the "club".
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Thanks Joker, I've been collecting parts for a while now. This is actually my second 6 digit. I have my primary receiver (in the middle of the original range) that's going to head out to GAP for Clip slotting and stamping when I get back from this deployment. I have 2 accu-ranges a first Gen and a second gen that I still need to send to Ironsight. I have a Badger repro base and ringset and a crap ton of Redfield bases and 4 screw rings that would make a great second gen base. The problem I'm having is the stock. I have the butt plates, Whicita Swivels and bottom metal, but I'm having a hard time finding a stock. I have a few original 700 BDL heavy barrel stocks that I plan on getting copied in plain walnut. It's almost making think about buildin an A1!
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Bumping this up with 2 Qs,,yeah,I know the info is prolly within the 9 pages,but I want this back on top so it's easier to find.Any way of getting this thread stickied??
What is the correct finish used on the bolt handle? What is the correct finish for the bolt shroud?
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

I am looking for a square cornered 40X base for my build, anyone have any suggestions, besides praying. I know they are like hen's teeth, and I haven't expected to find one easily, that's why I have been looking for some time now. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

M1sniper, black oxide finish, flat black on trigger guard and floorplate. Col Kurtz been looking for years for aa 40x base, never did find one, got a Gen 2 satin accurange though. As for Marty's bases not sure if the current run will fit the 6 digit actions.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Badger makes two different versions of the M40 repro base/ring set: the version for no letter prefix actions (i.e. 6-digit actions and maybe some early A's) and the version for the current production style letter prefix actions.

I just got one of the versions for the no letter actions, so they should have some more in stock right now. Just send 'em an email and they'll hook ya up with an order.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Does anyone know how the original M40 was transported and deployed?

Did it ever have a case? If you look around you can find the replica cases for the Garand, but they are too short. The Galati cover/mat might look period correct http://www.galatigear.com/store/product.php?productid=16225&cat=277&page=1, but I have never seen or heard of the original case or what to .
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Perfect for a six digit (early) receiver. Your repo as well as all receivers after the “A” prefix have a higher rear bridge. I.e., the cant.
Great time to do a spec. build.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Fellow M40 Enthusiasts, just wanted to pass on that CRS "Custom Rifle Stocks" http://www.gunstockduplicating.com/ formally Michael Kokolus Gun Stock Duplicating will be offering M40 reproduction stocks here in the next month or two. I spoke with Jesse this Morning and he went through his list and he has a pattern for the stock. The Late Mike Kokolus had an M40 stock and the pattern was taken directly from it. Feel free to hit him up for further info!
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jtv3062</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I thought its stamped. </div></div>

I believe the originals were roll stamped.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Rare, yes! Why, apparently because of guys LIKE YOU! LOL.
You got the market cornered. Sort of like the Hunt Bros with silver.
Am I jealous? Yep!
Really a Nice Collection.
Now get that M40A1 return lying there finished.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Thats a nice collection of scope mount bases, u got a lot of stuff,u be interested in maybe saleing one of them lugged scope bases, that unertle or uso would be nice on my rifle.
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Did you have the barreled action parkerized? If so, who did it for you? When I talked to GAP about doing my M40, they said that they don't do parkerizing.

Thanks, Greg V

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dutch Gunny</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hello, I am following this topic already for a long time and had 2 M40's built.
Although I joined the Hide some time ago I was never active, but I like to change that now.

I hope you don't mind, but I like to show you my 2nd M40 replica built by GAP.
My 1st M40 was also built by GAP but got stolen during transportation.

I bought a Remington BDL short action receiver here with a correct 6 digit serial number starting with a 2.
I was a .243 Cal at GAP they rebuilt it into a .308.

PICT0392.jpg


PICT0390.jpg


The stock I ordered at Accurate Innovations, after reading Mel's M40 built spec's at Sniper Central, with a Alu bedding.

P1030233.jpg


It has a correct barrel spec's a 1:10 twist, correct length and no target crown.
The Barrel is from Bartlein

100_17551.jpg


RotationofP1020216.jpg


I found on e-bay an original Redfield scope mount and low scope rings.
I bought a Green coated refurbished Redfield accutrack scope from Ironsight.


P1020191.jpg


At GAP they added the correct markings to the receiver, U.S, and to the Barrel, 7.62 NATO.

100_18011.jpg


I am real happy with the rifle it shoots fantastic.
The only thing I still need to change is the butt plate, but since it is a custom stock I will need to make a custom butt plate as well.

Also would like a Green Anodized scope, but I am not willing to pay $7500 (currently on e-bay)
Still like to shoot it and don't want a show case rifle.

100_1798.jpg


DSC04530.jpg






</div></div>
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

Eodcam, been looking for years and have never seen one, I know a few others that have been looking a lot longer than folks have had interest in these rifles and still ain't seen one, but I guess that what happens when you live in the Mid-west or Northwest. I do have plenty of the correct rings and a nice original Satin anodized accurange, but the base has always eluded me. Glad to hear someone is taking over Mike's business as he was always very good option for a M40 stock at a reasonable price. Thats a nice collection you have got going there, heres a few I have stashed away.
Marty
Rings and bases
Redfieldrings002.jpg

Scopes
Redfield3x9021.jpg

more bases
PICT0104.jpg

The correct swivel
M40swivel004.jpg

Another donor to the cause
PICT0066-1.jpg

Is this odyssey ever going to end
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

I've got a question for you guys! I came across a 70s-80s adl stock with checkering. Does anyone have any idea on how to get the channel for the barrel to be fit with my heavy barrel?

Is it just sanding and sanding? I don't want to weaken the stock to much. Thanks guys!

Also MJH, those are awesome rings and bases! I don't know where yall get these parts!
 
Re: M40 Build Guide

fish2keel, a lot easier to remove the checkering if its pressed rather than cut, use wood dowels of increasing diamter, I started at about 5/8 i think and worked up, heres some pictures of an older pressed fit stock I had worked on.
IMG_1567.jpg

IMG_1565.jpg

IMG_1566.jpg