Rifle Scopes S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

[flem100]

Hello all,

I am well on my way to building up a M40a3/5 replica and have recently acquired a M8541 marked S&B, which I am super happy about. I just have to track down a barrel and SF break and it is off to the smith to start work.

Doing my research it appears that this is a version 1 scope and I would like to know if anyone could help me with how to upgrade it to a version 2 with the windowless turret as per what is issued. Is it a case of pulling off the current one and replacing or am I up for some serious surgery? I am located in Australia so if at all possible would prefer not to have to send it off for work...

Many thanks,

Ben

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[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

Why would you want to modify that scope since it's original and has some authenticity? I have the same scope, as well as the civilian version with the MTC turrets. In the later version, both turrets have MTC knobs, not just the elevation control. A couple years ago, I had a 3-12x PMII converted over to MTC controls by Premier Reticles. They may or may not still have the turret mechanisms in stock, but might decline to work on a S&B scope. I doubt that S&B would do the conversion, but that's just an opinion. You might PM someone at Premier and ask about the difficulty and tools required to change out the turrets yourself.

M8451 scope (1st generation turrets) on Eric Reid-built M40A3 with USMC return stock (recently acquired from SSG3K). This M8541 belonged to Eric Reid.

 

[Tigerbikes]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

I am with One-Eyed Jack... keep it as-is.

I had the same model scope you have, with the same turret... it worked great.

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

I can tell you right now that you cannot do the conversion on your own since there are some tools required to do the job that you can't get down at the hardware store.

All things being equal I liked the non-MTC turrets better since they were less finicky compared to some of the MTC's. I'd also like to add that there are still some M8541's in circulation with the Marine Corps that haven't been converted to MTC yet, or that is up until this past fall anyway. So you could use that scope just as it is, without parting with it for months on end, and still probably have a correct-ish M40A3/5.

 

[flem100]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

Fair enough all, point taken about keeping it as is, but thought it might be worth an ask.

 

[merlinnnn]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

I have a late version on an Eric Reid built M40A3. The advise to keep it original is correct in my book. It's you scope, your choice.

merlinn

 

[flem100]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

Thanks merlinn and all,

It looks like things are considerably in favour of keeping it the way things are, which suits me fine.

I don't suppose anyone has any pics of the current markings on a M40a5 laying around?

Ben

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

If it's the same as the M40A3 then the marking is:

There is no caliber or chambering marking and there is an armorer's symbol underneath the barrel, hidden by the forend.

 

[flem100]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

Thanks One-Eyed, so the serial number is not marked on parts as on the m40a1? And has the U.S. marking above the serial number been dropped?

b

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

No "US" markings that I've seen. The last four digits of the receiver serial number are:

* Stamped on the barrel near the armorer's symbol.
* Stamped on the bolt handle.
* Written in the barrel channel of the stock.
* Enscribed on the inside of the bottom metal.

Check this out:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...rue#Post1415356

 

[flem100]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

Cheers, that is a great post.

 

[kcshooter]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

Here are the markings on my GAP M40A5. PWS-P 05-09 is the date the rifle was made.

 

[flem100]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

kcshooter,

Cheers many thanks.

Ben

 

[SgtVan]

Re: S&B USMC M8541 turret version 1 to 2 upgrade

Hello all,
I keep hearing that these M8541's are out there, I haven't found one yet... I already have an M40A3 with the Unertl. I am looking for the S&B M8541. If someone is willing to part with one I am willing to pay a reasonable price for one.
Any and all info is appreciated guys...

Thanks