M40a1 build guide

[rckendall]

I was given a couple boxes of Lake City Match ammo today by a buddy at the range. They are dated 1966 and the boxes are well worn and some of the cases are a little tarnished. I don't understand how this could be but some of the cases in one box are LC 77 (replaced the originals at a later date?). They won't chamber in my custom built 308 which has a Palma chamber I believe.

Is there any collector value in them? My REM SPS shot 10 from one box fine but didn't group as well as my handloads. I could just shoot them up for fun, but I would hate to waste them if they would be appreciated by a collector. I am not trying to make money on this, just help someone out maybe.

Richard

 

[Random Guy]

Thanks Richard, appreciate the offer to add to my small collection of vintage military Ammo.

 

[API Norway]

This is my A1 , kinda frankenstein, but she is a shooter for sure. Puts a smile on my face every range day.

 

[rckendall]

Norway, I like it and it is closer than mine will be to the real thing, but yeah, they are fun to shoot. Thanks for posting the photos.

Richard

 

[Stevo86]

You guys wanting Unertl 10x scopes, keep watch at the CMP. They are still expensive but prices seem down, one sold for 2300 w/rings, and another for $2000 last night. I gave $2800 for mine last week with rings. Might be even lower this coming Friday. Just FYI

 

[rckendall]

You guys wanting Unertl 10x scopes, keep watch at the CMP. They are still expensive but prices seem down, one sold for 2300 w/rings, and another for $2000 last night. I gave $2800 for mine last week with rings. Might be even lower this coming Friday. Just FYI

What is the USO modification that is referenced?
Thanks,
Richard

 

[mcm308]

What is the USO modification that is referenced?
Thanks,
Richard

When the scopes were sent to US Optics for refurb, They replaced the unertl leaf spring with a coil spring under that plug. Theres a few reasons out there why it was done.

 

[Rookie]

I ve been watching pretty close lately but haven't seen one with the mod sell that cheap. Havent seen one with the mod and no rings posted.

 

[Stevo86]

I wanted mine original Unertl, no USO mod.

 

[mcm308]

I wanted mine original Unertl, no USO mod.

That was my preference as well.

 

[Stevo86]

That was my preference as well.

Do you think with more time the all originals will be worth more? Just curious of others opinions

 

[Rhongman]

Just got mine from cmp yesterday. No uso mod. I paid the same amount as the mst-100 from USO i bought back around 2012 when these actual Unertl's were selling for stupid amounts of money. IIRC, people were paying close to 10,000 for an original!

 

[Stevo86]

They weren’t available back then like they are now. Wonder how many of those “ walked off” the base ?

 

[mcm308]

Do you think with more time the all originals will be worth more? Just curious of others opinions

Im not sure but I hope so. I think in time after the CMP dries up, the value of both will increase. What the difference between original and modded will be anyones guess. But Id think at the rate CMP is selling, the end has to be near. What are they doing, 4-5 a week? Seems to me the price has leveled out and they are just cashing out at this point.

 

[mcm308]

I remember the MST-100 run I got in on around 2007- or 08, we were all rejoicing like kiddies on Christmas morning! It was 2950 but I think we paid 2700 or 2750. There was a discount.

 

[Stevo86]

I was in on the last run in 2013? $2975 shipped and I was thrilled to get it.

 

[wolf13]

I remember how excited I was to get one for less than $6k... Times have changed!

 

[mcm308]

I was in on the last run in 2013? $2975 shipped and I was thrilled to get it.

Yep and the mount was 350. Again the only option at the time. When the Unertls were cut loose in 2014, did guys know ahead of time they were coming or was it a surprise? Lol

 

[mcm308]

I remember how excited I was to get one for less than $6k... Times have changed!

You never responded to my text. I assume you were upset. Shes in her original glory! And as beautiful as can be! Lol

 

[Stevo86]

Yep and the mount was 350. Again the only option at the time. When the Unertls were cut loose in 2014, did guys know ahead of time they were coming or was it a surprise? Lol

Yep I’ve purchased several from TMA, great guy to deal with

 

[mcm308]

Yep I’ve purchased several from TMA, great guy to deal with

I dont know when TMA started making them. But the USO mount was the only option when I got mine back then.

 

[wolf13]

You never responded to my text. I assume you were upset. Shes in her original glory! And as beautiful as can be! Lol

Text never got sent! Looks good, not quite a late model one. Glad you're enjoying it. Waiting to see those target pictures!

 

[Stevo86]

I dont know when TMA started making them. But the USO mount was the only option when I got mine back then.

I had a Texas brigade mount to at one time.

 

[mcm308]

I need to order a new cleaning rod. Is Dewey still the one? And what length are you guys using?

 

[deltawiskey]

I need to order a new cleaning rod. Is Dewey still the one? And what length are you guys using?

Take a look at Boretech or Montana Extreme... I find them to be nicer than Dewey.
DW

 

[deltawiskey]

Take a look at Boretech or Montana Extreme... I find them to be nicer than Dewey.
DW

Forgot to mention, I think my Montana Extreme is 44 inches...
DW

 

[Master Gunny]

A1 came out in early to mid 80’s.

In case anyone decides to have someone make them an M40 of any era, stay away from C&H Precision. Buck is a lying piece. Screwed a few on this forum. Be very careful. PM me for details.

 

[mcm308]

There use to be a list with most of the return stock numbers and names of who had them years ago. Cant seem to find it. Does anyone have it?

 

[API Norway]

There use to be a list with most of the return stock numbers and names of who had them years ago. Cant seem to find it. Does anyone have it?

My return stock, one resting on dragbag,2007 soldt it( stupid)
And my new’r build now, A1 allong side Norwegian NM149.

 

[API Norway]

Last time, my scope mount did broke of rings, but not now. After a good tig weld, evering is working. Hit steel plate to 600m, before weather turned to worse. Sure is sweet to shoot.

 

[Rookie]

this Unertl auction closed without the usual last minute run up and I was able to snag it for only 2500. Lowest I've seen for one in what looks like good condition. This was the last piece I needed for the build. How quick does CMP ship?

 

[ODCMP]

Good buy! They are fast on auction items as long as your paperwork is complete, usually less than a week. They ship using overnight fedex. Make sure you write ATTN: Auction Sales on the envelope.

 

[Rookie]

Surprised they require CMP club membership to buy a scope

 

[ODCMP]

Yea, I think that is in their charter that requires that on everything. That doesn't have to cost much and can be a state rifle organization like TSRA which is $25 or $30 per year. I use the Garand Collectors Association for $25 which comes with 4 issues of the GCA Journal.

 

[blcouch]

A1 came out in early to mid 80’s.

In case anyone decides to have someone make them an M40 of any era, stay away from C&H Precision. Buck is a lying piece. Screwed a few on this forum. Be very careful. PM me for details.

Mark Williams/Raven Rifles does a damn fine job. I have an A1 clone built by him.

 

[mjh30]

I know the serial number range for the 6 and 7 digit rifles and the c prefix rifles. Is there a known serial number range for the later e prefix rifles?

 

[Rookie]

So I watched the Unertls from CMP for years. I buy one and the next week they post one with a serial # that matches my return stock. Whatha?

 

[NavyshooterM40]

Any one have a M40a1 built by Texas Brigade Armory? Have a friend with one with a low round count that sits in his safe he bought back in 2000. Thanking about seeing if he will sell it. I shot it years ago and it shot 1/2 MOA out to 500 yards. Which was the max where we were at.

 

[ODCMP]

So I watched the Unertls from CMP for years. I buy one and the next week they post one with a serial # that matches my return stock. Whatha?

Ouch, I think I would have bought it and sold the first one!

Seriously though, if anyone has a specific number that they want I would try an email to CMP customer service. I believe that they will sometimes sell a specific rifle serial number to someone who asks.

 

[Redmanss]

Any one have a M40a1 built by Texas Brigade Armory? Have a friend with one with a low round count that sits in his safe he bought back in 2000. Thanking about seeing if he will sell it. I shot it years ago and it shot 1/2 MOA out to 500 yards. Which was the max where we were at.

TBA always built some of the finest clones money could buy.

 

[NavyshooterM40]

TBA always built some of the finest clones money could buy.

Thanks for the feedback

 

[Skunk]

I know the serial number range for the 6 and 7 digit rifles and the c prefix rifles. Is there a known serial number range for the later e prefix rifles?

I've seen pics of A1's beginning with E637XXXX and E654XXXX. I'm not sure if there was an actual "block" of receivers purchased with sequential numbers like the original 6-digit guns or the C-prefix. Many of the early A3's were E676XXXX numbers.

 

[mjh30]

I've seen pics of A1's beginning with E637XXXX and E654XXXX. I'm not sure if there was an actual "block" of receivers purchased with sequential numbers like the original 6-digit guns or the C-prefix. Many of the early A3's were E676XXXX numbers.

Thanks Skunk, thats a starting place anyways, thanks for the assist.

 

[Skunk]

 

[ArmedGinger]

Here in Canada, the USO scopes were going for between $3,000 - $4,000 CDN. ($2290 - $3053 USD). Trying to find an original Unertl is almost impossible up here.

 

[Travelor]

I do not believe the Unertl USMC Sniper scopes were serial numbered to the guns. (Ref: Death from Afar Volume 11)

 

[Rookie]

From what I've read they were not

 

[Sgt. Brumbaugh]

Pretty neat piece of history, I carried one for several years- too bad we were stuck with the .308 for so long. Great to see the Marine Corps going to much better rounds.

 

[bildoe308]

View attachment 7399321View attachment 7399323View attachment 7399324

Nice Pictures

 

[Nate87]

Came across this old thing at the local consignment rack. Barrel code indicates assembly in June of 1967 and the SN is within range of the original USMC M40. Didn't plan on building one but I just might have to if I can get a decent deal on it. Has the short nose shroud and tombstone safety. Not the prettiest rifle, but it might just do. I'll research a bit to see if it'll be correct for an A1 build.