USMC XM-3 clone

[TurdFerguson]

Thinking of selling a couple guns to fund an XM3 build. I've been going back and forth on a M40a1 build. I think the XM3 might be a little more exciting. Wanted to start the long haul for finding a good builder/parts. I think suppressor/flash hider will be the bitch of the build. But wanted to see about a builder. I know with m40's there are preferred guys and they seem to be disappearing... Is there a specific smith recomendation for the XM3 build?

 

[jzerfoss]

Long rifles inc. Would be who I'd talk to for something like this. Excellent smith and former Marine so he'll probably care about getting the specifics right more than most.

@LongRifles Inc.

 

[TurdFerguson]

Is there a defacto parts list? A few that Ive looked at are not the best

 

[nn8734]

Bill at Outback Custom Guns in NC builds them. I believe he actually built them when with IBA at the time.

Is there a defacto parts list? A few that Ive looked at are not the best

Here’s the parts that i can recall off the top of my head:

R700 SS s/a receiver, “S” prefix (clip slotted, black oxide finish)
Hart bbl xm3 contour (6gr, 10 twist, 18.5” finished length) - these are still available
McMillan A1-3 stock, XM3 spec - these are still available
Colorado Microprecision EFR (were IBA marked, iirc) - out of production
IBA scope base (would need to confirm cant, 20 or 30 moa) - out of production, BO may be a viable substitute
M24 trigger (double check this) Walker, adjusted
Badger M4 trigger guard (double check this)
Surefire CA762SSAL/RE otb flash hider (out of production, available used on secondary market)
Surefire FA762SS suppressesor (out of production)

Others can add to or correct me if im wrong on any of the above.

 

[Coejro]

Trigger was a regular Walker trigger, tuned by IBA.

Remington SA receivers were stainless with S prefix serial.

Muzzle device is CA762SSAL/RE

nn8734 is correct to my knowledge on the rest.

 

[Coejro]

Also Nightforce rings, 30mm, with the NF engraving (can’t remeber the height) and an NXS 3.5-15 zerostop with mil dot reticle (MOA turrets)

Good thread on M40rifle on them.

XM-3 build guide - M40rifle.com

...........

www.m40rifle.com

 

[Lazlo]

Here's a guy selling a parts kit. It passes my sniff test:

Firearms - SOLD - DARPA XM-3 Build Kit

For sale is a build kit for a DARPA XM-3. Included is the following (Note - I’m only planning to sell this as a package): - McMillan A1-3. I measured the placement of the inlet for the front rail and studs / swivels according to my XM-3 from the CMP, and had McMillan follow this (beleive it...

www.snipershide.com

Norm went completely dark a few years ago and shut his IBA website down, and didn't even bother notifying any owners. That said, most competent smiths can do the assembly work, and some even employ the 2112's that were USMC trained. I'd start with GAP since they offer M-series clones, but that's a personal opinion.

I'm pretty sure I can find the original .pdf's Norm published on his website back c.2008. Send me a PM if it's that important to you.

FYI - the NF scopes were F1 series if I recall, but some were swapped in theater with S&B's... depending on how accurate you want to be with your build.

Edit - link provided says it's been sold. Still good for part numbers and pictures.

 

[Coejro]

Here’s one of the CMP ones just cause the pictures are too good to not hook you.

 

[TurdFerguson]

Pm sent

 

[5RWill]

Hart still sells the XM3 profiled barrel. Just had mine recently completed. Truthfully the suppressor can still be found will just take some looking. The bitch of the build will be the flash hider and the CMP NV mount. I got lucky and got a flash hider last year albeit during covid pricing. Not sure what they cost now. I paid $365 i think for mine lol. The amount of money I dumped into what is just a custom 700 is stupid, but I'd be lying through my teeth if I didn't absolutely love the rifle. It is unequivocally one of the most aesthetically pleasing looking rifles to my eye, extremely accurate, and balances nicely. My receiver is currently at LRI getting notched so I can run the 168gr TMK long. I opted for Badger M5 per the one DARPA test rifle that had it. Just couldn't do the M4.

 

[jzerfoss]

Thinking of selling a couple guns to fund an XM3 build. I've been going back and forth on a M40a1 build. I think the XM3 might be a little more exciting. Wanted to start the long haul for finding a good builder/parts. I think suppressor/flash hider will be the bitch of the build. But wanted to see about a builder. I know with m40's there are preferred guys and they seem to be disappearing... Is there a specific smith recomendation for the XM3 build?

Just out of curiosity why do you want to build a clone XM3?

 

[TurdFerguson]

Just out of curiosity why do you want to build a clone XM3?

Something different. Less clones, most of the parts are available ect.

 

[Lazlo]

Here's my IBA "almost XM-3" I had built into a McM A5. Ignore the top rifle.

I think it was spec'd out for XM-3 components with the exception of the stock and NV mount.

 

[TurdFerguson]

Random question, were the exposed portions of the firing pins parked/coated like an m24?

 

[Coejro]

Coated with the IBA Man O’ War finish from what I can see. I don’t know about the pin itself.

 

[nn8734]

Something different. Less clones, most of the parts are available ect.

You’re going to have to really hunt for the EFR as they are extremely hard to find. All the other parts are either available retail or can be located with some searching. I tried to put one together, searched for that part for a few years but could never find it.

Do you have the legacy SF 762SS can?

 

[jzerfoss]

If you aren't worried about it being totally clone correct the Badger EFRs and the Griffin Armament PSR7 suppressor would be good replacements and much cheaper and easier to find.

 

[ubettcha]

I met the man that cut the first chamber for that project and found out why 18" over 20" was use. He told me with a smile it was supposed to be 20 but he cut it at 18 and that was that. This was at Riley's GS one of my favorite places to go for a long time. Big difference talking with that crew vs going to the shop that helped make the decision to close the doors.

 

[narndt_625]

Anyone know what particular specs to ask McMillan regarding the A1-3 stock?

 

[nn8734]

Anyone know what particular specs to ask McMillan regarding the A1-3 stock?

You simply call them and tell them you want an XM3 spec stock and they’ll build it for you.

 

[narndt_625]

You simply call them and tell them you want an XM3 spec stock and they’ll build it for you.

Gotchya, thanks!

 

[Coejro]

@narndt_625 this is what they sent me when I asked for the XM-3 spec stock:

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

Scope base and recoil lug were both made of titanium. Aside from barrel, stock, bottom metal and receiver the rest of the parts are going to be really hard to find and you'll pay out the nose for them....especially the nv rail.

You can build one off spec easily and go efr. You'll get all the function without the pedigree. It's a great rifle though.... the favorite of everyone I've let get behind mine.

Also, 2 rifle were made and fielded with badger M5 dbm if you wanted to get that function. Anyone can argue all they want but one sold on the CMP configured with one...its spec.

 

[narndt_625]

So I know the receiver is stainless steel but was the bolt parked carbon steel? Or did they put the Man-o-War finish on the stainless bolt as well?

 

[5RWill]

So I know the receiver is stainless steel but was the bolt parked carbon steel? Or did they put the Man-o-War finish on the stainless bolt as well?

Pretty sure they put the man-o-war finish on it

 

[Jrb572]

Is it black oxided?

 

[Coejro]

Bolts were man-o-war finish as well.

^from one of the CMP XM-3’s

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

Man o war is black oxide with black cerakote over it.

 

[shlouf]

With the new repro parts coming, can we designate this the “official” XM3 build thread?

Put my order in for the McMillan stock and barrel yesterday.
6 months for the stock
3-4 months for the barrel.


I have a question on the barrel contour for the SF flash hider. Is there a drawing for how to contour the barrel out there? Been looking online but can’t find anything other than 5/8 threads and less than .775” barrel D 2.15” behind the threads.

I going to have the barrel contoured to proper spec, but unless SF makes another run of the cans and FH, I don’t see it in my future any time soon. Im planning on doing a form 1 with a OTB mount, just need some basic measurements.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

With the new repro parts coming, can we designate this the “official” XM3 build thread?

Put my order in for the McMillan stock and barrel yesterday.
6 months for the stock
3-4 months for the barrel.


I have a question on the barrel contour for the SF flash hider. Is there a drawing for how to contour the barrel out there? Been looking online but can’t find anything other than 5/8 threads and less than .775” barrel D 2.15” behind the threads.

I going to have the barrel contoured to proper spec, but unless SF makes another run of the cans and FH, I don’t see it in my future any time soon. Im planning on doing a form 1 with a OTB mount, just need some basic measurements.

.775" max od and 2.75" from tip of muzzle. That's all there is to it.

 

[shlouf]

Cool, thanks for clearing that up

 

[USMCSGT0331]

Bolts were man-o-war finish as well. View attachment 8141097
^from one of the CMP XM-3’s

That rifle looks familiar!

 

[Coejro]

That rifle looks familiar!

It does indeed! Very cool you snagged that one. I downloaded all the pictures from the CMP auctions I could find before they transitioned hosting platforms just in case they disappeared.

 

[shlouf]

just a heads up to anyone on the fence about putting an order in for the stock. the 25% off certs in the PX will work on it and bring the cost down to $889.5 (not including the cost of the cert)

 

[Heretoimproveforhunting]

 

[shlouf]

Woop woop. Didn’t expect these to be the first 2 parts I’d have in hand for this build

 

[5RWill]

Woop woop. Didn’t expect these to be the first 2 parts I’d have in hand for this build

View attachment 8185670

Excellent start. Do you have the can yet? After that it’s all downhill if you’re not married to the badger m4. Chad can do the clip slotted receiver and rail

 

[shlouf]

What about the badger m4? I see it’s available at midway now.

Can’t justify the price of the can. The FH will be an expensive thread protector

 

[Beasler1]

Man o war is black oxide with black cerakote over it.

I’m dying to know how you know this ….. is this Bill C.?

 

[RemCustom6]

Back in the days of the XM3 coming out of Iron Brigade they were black oxide finish topped off with Duracoat. In todays world we use Cerakote as the top coat, which is much better than Durakote.

 

[Beasler1]

I have all of the components for an XM3 clone build:

- R700 SS SA with the S prefix and within the correct range of serial #s, trued and barreled by Hart with an XM3 contour barrel (not yet clip-slotted)
- Badger bolt knob
- Correct McMillan stock, ordered direct
- IBA-marked EFR
- IBA-marked scope base (requires clip slot)
- Remington Walker trigger (not tuned yet)
- Badger M4
- SF CA762SSAL/RE
- SF FA762SS suppressor

I just need recommendations for who to have put it together for me (clip slotting, bolt knob, trigger work, bedding and finishing in man-o-war). Anyone have recommendations? Preferably someone who worked on the XM3 project...looking for this to be as authentic as possible.

 

[nn8734]

I have all of the components for an XM3 clone build:

- R700 SS SA with the S prefix and within the correct range of serial #s, trued and barreled by Hart with an XM3 contour barrel (not yet clip-slotted)
- Badger bolt knob
- Correct McMillan stock, ordered direct
- IBA-marked EFR
- IBA-marked scope base base (requires clip slot)
- Remington Walker trigger (not tuned yet)
- Badger M4
- SF CA762SSAL/RE
- SF FA762SS suppressor

I just need recommendations for who to have put it together for me (clip slotting, bolt knob, trigger work, bedding and finishing in man-o-war). Anyone have recommendations? Preferably someone who worked on the XM3 project...looking for this to be as authentic as possible.

You dont need any recommendations - you already know who should put it together for you.

Call him up tomorrow to get pricing and turn around estimates. If good, overnight your parts to him.

 

[Beasler1]

I was in touch with Bill Corley for a while when I was collecting parts, but not for a year or so now. I messaged him earlier today, after I landed the last piece, and I will try calling him tomorrow.

Anyone know if he's still doing the work?

 

[Jrb572]

My guess is reach out to LRI or GA precision

 

[nn8734]

I was in touch with Bill Corley for a while when I was collecting parts, but not for a year or so now. I messaged him earlier today, after I landed the last piece, and I will try calling him tomorrow.

Anyone know if he's still doing the work?

Spoke to him a year and a half ago or so and he was still taking on work - quoted me between 10-12 months TAT and $1800 IIRC.

Def worth giving him a call...I remember him saying he takes extended time off in the summers so that will factor in to the build time.

 

[RemCustom6]

Given that LRI currently has an issued XM3 in his shop, they have the perfect template to look at in order to produce your clone as accurately as possible. Obviously GA is a secure bet as is Bill. I do know that Iron Brigade is up and running and Tiny, whose name is on every issued XM3 out there is back in the shop at IBA as well. Not sure how much work they are taking in but you could give IBA a call.

 

[Beasler1]

Excellent info. Thank you very much, and to the OP for starting this thread. My apologies for hijacking ....

 

[shlouf]

Can anyone with a FA762SS post some pics from the rear of the inside of the can? I found a guy that does the trainer conversion to work with the OTB mounts for a form1 can. Im curious what the alignment tab looks like in the real deal.

 

[shlouf]

thanks for the pics. I was under the assumption that the little notch on the front of the muzzle devices was for an alignment tab inside the can. What ensures the can mounts up the same each time?

 

[deltawiskey]

thanks for the pics. I was under the assumption that the little notch on the front of the muzzle devices was for an alignment tab inside the can. What ensures the can mounts up the same each time?

It is for an alignment pin on the inside of the can.

Sorry for the bad pic, but its at the 6 o clock position.
DW