M40A1 Build

[Schmidtj87]

Hey guys,

looking for a builder for a m40a1 smear rifle. The situation is that this is a project of my dads he had wanted to do and hes been collecting the parts for a few years. Unfortunately hes very ill and not able to do much anymore. Hes told me that there is someone on here by the name of raven something who’s a well known builder. If anyone has any information id appreciate it so that i can get this process going and have my dads last rifle built. (If no one knows who this is, feel free to point me to other builders).

Much respect,

Jacob.

 

[RemCustom6]

Very sorry to hear about your dad man. If you cannot find the gent you are looking for I recommend G.A. Precision for this type of build.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

Unfortunately Raven doesn't build rifles anymore. At least for now. You can try calling. He has a website Raven Rifles.

Bill Corley at Outback also builds some clones so you may want to google him.

 

[Schmidtj87]

I really appreciate your replies, it means alot to me. He seemed to have his heart on raven for the build ill reach out and see if we can get lucky if not i am familiar with GAP as well. As long as they do a good job thats all that matters.

 

[pmclaine]

I have a couple @Raven 6 rifles.

He is a great student of the M40 series details and builds great shooting rifles.

He has taken a semi retirement, might be worth a try contacting him maybe he has a slot to do a smear M40A1.

Lots of people sing the praises of Bil Corley and he builds the rifles to the correct details.

GAP is often mentioned but they dont do black oxide. If Dad is working on this that long you will want to get the details right.

Try some research over at www.m40rifle.com

 

[Schmidtj87]

I know he wants it hot tanked for sure. So that and ravens reputation is likely why my dad wants it done with him. The details matter, as it will not only be an amazing rifle but also a family keepsake.

 

[pmclaine]

Is Dad USMC sniper/USMC?

 

[Schmidtj87]

Army veteran and long time lover/lurker of this site.

 

[sandwarrior]

Hey guys,

looking for a builder for a m40a1 smear rifle. The situation is that this is a project of my dads he had wanted to do and hes been collecting the parts for a few years. Unfortunately hes very ill and not able to do much anymore. Hes told me that there is someone on here by the name of raven something who’s a well known builder. If anyone has any information id appreciate it so that i can get this process going and have my dads last rifle built. (If no one knows who this is, feel free to point me to other builders).

Much respect,

Jacob.

I think @pmclaine might know who you are talking about.

 

[Schmidtj87]

Thanks for all of the replies and well wishes. Looks like the build is going to happen!

 

[19Scout77]

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/m40a1-for-sale.6991253/

 

[reese3303]

I’m going to send you Marks cell over at Raven rifles. Got a smear build he did will also PM you some pictures of it to know what to expect. Hopefully he can slip you in. I have to try and make that rifle not shoot 5 in one hole absolute tack driver.

I’ve had A1s built by C&H, Texas Brigade and Ravens. Marks build is overall the nicest and the small details will blow you away. All of the above builders produced shooters though.

Corley is also a great second. He went above and beyond my detail request on a recent build I know his wait times are getting up there.

 

[Schmidtj87]

I’m going to send you Marks cell over at Raven rifles. Got a smear build he did will also PM you some pictures of it to know what to expect. Hopefully he can slip you in. I have to try and make that rifle not shoot 5 in one hole absolute tack driver.

I’ve had A1s built by C&H, Texas Brigade and Ravens. Marks build is by far the best. The small details will blow you away.

Corley is also a great second. He went above and beyond my detail request on a recent build I know his wait times are getting up there.

I Appreciate everyone helping me out with this. Ive contacted raven and am preparing to get the build going! Ill post pics ect when I'm not trapped at work.

 

[D_TROS]

PICS!!!


and GL with build
DT

 

[Random Guy]

While we wait on Schmidtj87 to post pics of his project, here's my M40A1 replica build from 2019. Here’s a few before and after pics.

Before pic (donor action was a C-prefix M700). Return-stock shows woodland camo from where an improvised cheek rest was on the stock when painted. Barrel is a Schneider 1:12 twist. Vintage green case is a little bigger than original M40A1 cases, but it was only $50.

After pic with various accessories:

Here's my 'restored' improvised cheek rest on USMC 'return-off' stock that retains most of its original camo job.
(It also has the odd-ball black buttpad that PWS accidentally ordered in the 1990s, instead of the typical brown pad):

I had a budget in mind, and used a "T" prefix (commercial) Unertl scope instead of a CMP USMC marked auction scope.
Here's the C-prefix Receiver with correct lug slots, and a Repo Scope mount with SIMRAD. Barrel stamped 'RTE-P'.

...it took a while to find a return-off stock and then have a retired Marine MOS 2112 put it together, but its definitely a keeper.

 

[Schmidtj87]

Okay guys, so I've gathered up some of the parts so i wont keep you waiting. Theres some duplicate parts in the pics but we have excess stuff ( what a problem to have lol).

The return smear stock is a later stock around 2001. With a Schneider barrel waiting to find its new home. Not pictured is the correct MRT dated sling as well as a unertl usmc sniper scope.

My fathers the more experienced Person with the build ect but I'm researching and learning as we go. I look forward to learning from you guys and hope you enjoy our build too.

 

[Random Guy]

Those look like some very nice parts, esp the return stock and original scope mount. (Technically I'd consider that more a woodland camo pattern than a smear pattern as seen on the early stocks, but anyhow, thanks for the pics). The 'Super Grade' bottom metal is seen on some original M40A1s, and it makes me laugh knowing that the bottom metal once resided on a fancy Winchester M70 wood stock...but somehow made its way onto a USMC sniper rifle.... Good luck with your dad and the M40A1 build. Keep us posted.