Re: M40a1 build guide
Unknown: It seems that we had the same pleasant opportunity to deal with Gale McMillan.
Back in the early 1980’s, I became enamored by seeing a Marine aboard the aircraft carrier Enterprise with his M40A1. Being the guest of Captain Robert Kelly made the Marine available to show me his rifle at lunch. Needless to say, I was hooked.
Well, after running into numerous dead ends, it appeared that the M40A1 was just a dream. That’s until I contacted McMillan and company to inquire about his stocks. The girl who answered the phone explained that she couldn’t help me, but if I left my phone number, she would have Mr. McMillan call me. Explaining that I was working in San Fran installing new suspender ropes on the Golden Gate Bridge and wouldn’t be back to the hotel until after 5
m West Coast time. She said she would pass this on to Mr. McMillan. (Right, like he’ll call!)
Well, about 5:15, the phone rang and it was Gail. We talked about an hour on his dime. What we came up with was me getting a 700 PSS, 24” Barreled action. And he would inlet the stock. To help with the bottom metal, he had some Winchester USMC Modified trigger guards, floor plates and would supply to me. Gail explained that he was producing an order for the Marines and that he would grab one stock for me. Had the stock in three weeks! (Times have changed!) (And, he said he would include an invoice. Which he did, About $450.00 as I remember.)
My next quest was the scope. I called Unertl in PA. No, Definably No! I even went out to Mars Pa to see John Unertl, A grumpy man who saw me, but still No.
John told me to contact Jim Leatherwood in Texas maybe he could help.. That I did. Jim was more than willing to see me, so, on my next trip to Taxes, I drove out to Stephensvill(?) (I seem to remember that was the town?) Anyway, I was re-directed to his home (ranch) and we had a great lunch. Jim was tremendous to talk with. But, no help in the Unertl quest. But, he had provided several of his ART II+’s to the corps and he expected that they would place an order. Well, he was a great salesman! I bought one!
These were the ART II+, Had the same reticule set up as the old Redfield Accurange. Leupold Mark 4 one piece steel base included. ($650.00)
To wrap this up, I never had the luck to get the ART to work as described. But, even when it jammed in the power mechanism, Jim just told me to send it back and he would repair it for free. (BTW, the marines never ordered his ART II+’s. The IDF, did buy a dozen or so.)
Well, not exactly an M40A1, but Dammed Close. Still have it, although the ARTII is collecting dust in the gun room!
And again. Thanks XARMOR for Roxanne. Gutowsky
