M40a1 build guide

#601
Re: M40a1 build guide

I may have missed this early on in this thread searching, but why do some m40a1s have a "high sit" look than others? The gas vent hole is definately higher on some m40a1s. Does the action sit higher in some stocks or are some HTG stocks made to encase the action more than others(as in bottom metal-to-action distance be the same but some stocks are actually "taller" than others?)- I've seen that with sythetic stocks on Weatherby Vanguards but didn't think this kind of variation would be found with a McMillan unless its something a customer special ordered?

One other thing, I heard a rumor that some(not all) m40a1s built with replacement actions in the 90s had smooth un-knurled ADL style bolt knobs. Is this true? During the time Remignton made smooth bolt handles for adls they still produced all bdls(except mtn rifle bdls) with standard rough bolt handles. Therefore I spec there be no reason why Marines would choose anything other than the standard knurled handle action during this time as they were still available. Again only mtn rifles and adls had the smooth handle for a period and I don't know what serial range these were but I think it was during the mid 90s, maybe earlier as well,(roughly ten years? mid80s to mid90s?). Every other 700(ADL/BDL/MTN/SPS) out of "Big Green" before and since has had the standard rough handle. And I apologize I may have missed it if stated earlier, were the '80s/'90s replacement actions 40xb rather than straight factory 700 actions? I don't recall there ever was a smooth handle 40xb action.
 
#602
Re: M40a1 build guide

The smooth knob was one of the features used on the Model 78's to cheapen production. That along with a hardwood uncheckered stock. They were made mid 80's but I don't recall when production ceased. Maybe a 5yr or so run??? They took the place of the Model 788's! But some of the smooth bolt knobs do show up in ADL's in long and short action. I have only seen 2 over the yrs for sale at gunshows etc.

My guess is Remington had some left so used them in ADL's after Model 78 production ceased. Some maybe installed for a replaced or damaged bolt etc?

As for the later A1's being 40-XB actions there is no mention in this thread or anywhere I have read or seen posted that anything other than 700's were ever used!! According to posts from George @ Gap etc approximately 100 C prefix were purchased in later 80's and E and G prefix in the 90's.

My take on the actions "setting higher" in the stocks is many were rebarreled and rebedded or just rebed at some point in their 25yr life. Instead of grinding out 100% of the old bedding they were skim bedded etc over some of the older bedding and thus a few thousandths different in height. I seen no noticeable difference in the stocks I had from early smear to later woodland, however, I never measured them either.
 
#603
Re: M40a1 build guide

Thanks for that great info. The smooth handle looked better on the mtn rifle for some reason(maybe added to the slim look of the thing) but they are probably quite rare and I think it was around'91 that I saw one at a K-mart(I was too young to buy!) Later on around '96-'97? I was in a gunstore and saw a blk synthetic ADL that actually had the flat angle tip on the forend like the wood adl stocks of the time and it also had a smooth bolt handle. It was in 280rem and seemed like a good beat-around elk rifle, I shoulda picked it up I think that style stock is rare as synthetic ADLs not long after had a rounded forend tip like the classic style stock! Anyway most M40a1 pics and actuall clones I've seen at gun shows seem to have the action sitting higher. But I've seen a few where the gas vent hole is slightly covered by the stock. The barrel free float on the hi-riders is quite a gap.
 
#607
Re: M40a1 build guide

A month ago I decided to do a spec M40A1 build, and in that time I have been able to acquire from scratch all the parts I need through The Hide, other than the proper contract barrel. So far I have a Rem700 SA action with 6-digit s/n in 189,29x range, USO MST-100 and USO mounts, USMC return stock with matching bottom metal and M1907 MRT leather sling. I hope to have my build done by Christmas, along with the matching Rem40XB .22lr rimfire trainer.

Mike Lau/TBA did my original M40A1 clone in 1995, which is all correct except for the 30mm rings and Leupold & Stevens MKIV 10x40mm M1 with Premier Reticle mil-dot reticle. I think I may have my latest one built by his former business partner, Connor McLeod/Celtic Rifles, since he's right down the road.
 
#609
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">McMillian is making a run on these to specs. Here is a link. Looks like they are going for 8500 with scope.
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010...orative-rifles/

http://mcmillanusa.com/mcmillan-rifles-commemorative-rifle-m40a1.php </div></div>

The price is actually $8541 (get it?)
smile.gif
 
#611
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pre64WINmarksman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Did Unertl ever make a version of the M40A1 scope base with 30mm rings? I know IBA makes theirs with 30mm. </div></div>
No.
 
#612
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pre64WINmarksman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Did Unertl ever make a version of the M40A1 scope base with 30mm rings? I know IBA makes theirs with 30mm. So many of USO scopes are 30mm I figured they may have made that redfield style base to fit. </div></div>

Those mounts are for people wanting to run normal, more modern scopes.
 
#615
Re: M40a1 build guide

I was debating on whether to ask this but Im going to anyway. Im sure that JR Carter can help me out with this question. I know that the M40a1 used the Simrad mount. Is there anyone out there that knows how to make one? I know that I will never own an actual Simrad, but I would like one. If anyone has info about it please let me know.
 
#617
Re: M40a1 build guide

there are several Vietnam era USMC scout/snipers still alive and happy to talk about what they used for rifles etc. -

that may be a good route for actual 'hey this is what my rifle had on it , this was this way, etc., '\


versus just wondering or guessing or worse
 
#618
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Parga</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Duane at Strider Knives made some for the A1 rifles. I've seen a few of his </div></div>

Does anyone have pics of them?
 
#619
Re: M40a1 build guide

mcmillan family group is now offering a M40a1 clone rifle -

this is what their description says - and one would assume that they know what they're talking about and have seen several of these rifles

****(5) SERIAL NUMBERS on all sub assemblies reflect the high level of attention to detail. The last 4 digits of the serial number are stamped into the bolt handle, bottom metal including both the door and trigger bow, scope base, and barrel. RTE-P, the proof mark of the dedicated USMC creators of the original M40A1 has been reproduced and placed along side the serial number on the barrel.************

link to the whole project - http://www.mcmfamily.com/mcmillan-rifles-commemorative-rifle-m40a1.php
 
#620
Re: M40a1 build guide

My rifle is getting close to being done, it's not a spec clone but fairly close. I didn't use a 6 digit reciever or have it clip sloted but everything else will be close. My question is I can't find a scope mount and was thinking about going with the IBA mount or badger rail and rings. What do you think. I think the IBA mount would look correct but I don't know the quality of it, I know what I'm getting when I buy badger. Gona stick a nightforce on it for now. opinions?
 
#624
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SDWhirlwind</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Post '64 long action. </div></div> Thanks,, thats trigger guards too, also can a remington 700 reciever even if its not chamber in 308, be used to rebuild or rebarrel to 308. say a 243 remington 700.
 
#625
Re: M40a1 build guide

Yes, the TG also. Yes to your second question as long as it is standard bolt face calibers such as 22/250, 243, 6mm, 308. The feed rails are different on the 222/223 short actions so just switching bolts may still involve feed issues! Been down that road and won't do it again. Best to get the right receiver to start with.
 
#626
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SDWhirlwind</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes, the TG also. Yes to your second question as long as it is standard bolt face calibers such as 22/250, 243, 6mm, 308. The feed rails are different on the 222/223 short actions so just switching bolts may still involve feed issues! Been down that road and won't do it again. Best to get the right receiver to start with. </div></div> Thanks, information was alot of help.
 
#629
Re: M40a1 build guide

Does the win model 70 have the center feeding on them,,, are do they have the same feeding that the remington do from the factory, looks like the center feeding would be the best.
 
#630
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwhite</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does the win model 70 have the center feeding on them,,, are do they have the same feeding that the remington do from the factory, looks like the center feeding would be the best. </div></div>

Why does this matter? Are you going to build a M40A1 with a Winchester action?
 
#631
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JRose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwhite</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does the win model 70 have the center feeding on them,,, are do they have the same feeding that the remington do from the factory, looks like the center feeding would be the best. </div></div>

Why does this matter? Are you going to build a M40A1 with a Winchester action? </div></div> No im not. The m40a1 had modified model 70 winchester TG and floorplates on them i believe,, i was just wondering if they had center feeding like a box mag, in stead of the factory remington setup are was they the same, thats what i was trying to ask.
 
#633
Re: M40a1 build guide

Can you use the current production Williams bottom metal(1-piece) for M40A1 builds? If not, where do I need to start looking for the correct product?

If this is covered elsewhere in the thread, I apologize. I tried sifting through all the info and started getting dizzy.
 
#634
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nashlaw</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can you use the current production Williams bottom metal(1-piece) for M40A1 builds? If not, where do I need to start looking for the correct product?

If this is covered elsewhere in the thread, I apologize. I tried sifting through all the info and started getting dizzy. </div></div>

Don't know the exact hole spacing for the current 1pc Williams but the 2pc for a long action is the 'correct' parts. The front of trigger guard has to be shortened and a new countersunk hole drilled to align with the molded in escutcheon nut to hold front of TG. On the floorplate it has to be shortened I think near 3/4", all of the thinner part that catches under the release button and a bit more IIRC. To get it right you would need the stock, a Rem SA and the parts as there is a smidgen difference in how the stocks were bedded. This all just to get a good fit! HTH
 
#635
Re: M40a1 build guide

I need to take a closer look at the BM Williams makes to know for sure on this, but it seems to me safest to go with the standard Win70 units Williams makes and have'em modified the way Marines do(did). Probably the only thing I don't like about the M40a1 is the bottom metal in that it might be punched open against something. A lot of users taped the bottom metal cloesed as a fail safe. I'm kinda suprised the Marines didn't switch out the unit in the late eighties or so, though I'm also supprised that stocks were never pillar bedded the entire time m40a1 was issued, even though pillar bedding the McMillan was available to civie sportsman for a long time.

Was there a specific reason against 2112s not using pillar bedding that you're allowed to divulge JR Carter?
 
#637
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wslowik</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's the advantage of having the mag box tack welded to the receiver? I was thinking of having it done when I put my SPS tactical into a McMillan HTG stock. I like the idea of it being one unit. </div></div>

The only advantage is when it comes time to reassemble the barreled action into the stock. The huge disadvantage is trying to adjust your trigger after it's done. I wouldn't recommend it.
 
#638
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: long-shot</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wslowik</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's the advantage of having the mag box tack welded to the receiver? I was thinking of having it done when I put my SPS tactical into a McMillan HTG stock. I like the idea of it being one unit. </div></div>

The only advantage is when it comes time to reassemble the barreled action into the stock. The huge disadvantage is trying to adjust your trigger after it's done. I wouldn't recommend it. </div></div>

Didn't think about that, good point. Did they do this modification so as not to lose the mag box in the field?
 
#639
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wslowik</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Didn't think about that, good point. Did they do this modification so as not to lose the mag box in the field? </div></div>

Yes, the Winchester bottom metal doesn't capture and hold mag box in position like the factory Remington does. Kept it from rattling also I suspect.
 
#640
Re: M40a1 build guide

The wichita sling swivels, used on the m40a1 do they still make them any more, or are they discontinue,, Ive looked around here and there but no one seems to have them.
 
#641
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwhite</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The wichita sling swivels, used on the m40a1 do they still make them any more, or are they discontinue,, Ive looked around here and there but no one seems to have them. </div></div>

Iron Brigade Armory (www.deathfromafar.com) has them in stock, as well as the correct 1/2" Pachmayr brown recoil pads, if you're looking to do a correct build. They're good people.
 
#643
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: justintimesc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My rifle is getting close to being done, it's not a spec clone but fairly close. I didn't use a 6 digit reciever or have it clip sloted but everything else will be close. My question is I can't find a scope mount and was thinking about going with the IBA mount or badger rail and rings. What do you think. I think the IBA mount would look correct but I don't know the quality of it, I know what I'm getting when I buy badger. Gona stick a nightforce on it for now. opinions? </div></div>
Iron Brigade rings and bases are great no glued in shit!
 
#645
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M_E_</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why not just buy a McMillan package? A brand new gun with an original take off stock to boot!! 100% correct including the scope! </div></div>

Does M_E_ = McMillan Employee?
smile.gif


For the gents with the 8k or whatever and don't want any hands on experiences with building their rifle and just want and can write a check that is probably the way to go despite the cost. Also big M didn't offer their version until recently and these stocks have been floating around for over 4yrs. With McM's limited run not 'everyone' can purchase a complete ready made rig.

For those who already have a stock and possibly some of the parts in hand and want something to their spec or want to choose a smith themselves and don't have 8K+ in hand then McM's option is not for them I am thinking. Different strokes for different folks!
 
#648
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChrisF</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I am after a clipslotted mount to use on a Rem 700 action , and a USO MST-100 scope , any make something simlar ?

Cheers Chris </div></div>

From Badger Ord. Lugged Scope Rail, Remington Short Action, for Slotted Actions Only

P/N 306-06UX – Lugged Scope Rail, Remington Short Action, for Round Rear Bridge Only, 5.1 Oz.

Can't help on a MST-100....
 
#649
Re: M40a1 build guide

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChrisF</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I am after a clipslotted mount to use on a Rem 700 action , and a USO MST-100 scope , any make something simlar ?

Cheers Chris </div></div>

I've got a couple of the CDi M40A3 spec lugged optics bases left. PM sent if you're interested.
 
#650
Re: M40a1 build guide

What is the correct clipslotts on the m40a1, i've seen pictures of two dirrerence kinds. Is the picture on page 1 the correct clipslott, are did they have difference ones on m40s. trying to learn alittle bit.
 
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