M40A1 Sniper Rifle

Primary USMC sniper rifle

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History

Introduced in 1966 the M40 sniper rifle is the precursor to all modern American military sniper weapons. Before the M40 was introduced, sniping functions were performed by battle rifles that had been adapted (match grade components and barrel, quality optics) for the purpose. The original M40 rifles were military grade Remington Model 700 bolt action rifles chambered to fire the NATO 7.62mm (.308 Winchester) cartridge and built to Marine Corps specifications and delivered in 1966.

By the mid 1970's the weaknesses of the original M40 had become evident and the Marine Corps initiated a program to refurbish and improve the M40. Designated the M40A1, the improved rifle incorporated a fiberglass stock, which not only made the rifle lighter and more durable but also made the rifle far less susceptible to atmospheric influences such as temperature and humidity. In addition, the rifle's original scope was replaced by one custom built for USMC sniping applications. This refurbishing was performed completely "in house" by Corps armorers at the Quantico Armory.

The M40A1 underwent another upgrade in the late 1990's, and was re-designated the M40A3. The M40A3 is still based on the Remington 700 action, though many of its components are after market (non-Remington), and custom built. The M40A3 retains the same optical sight as was built for and used on the A1, and the new fiberglass stock is adjustable for length of pull and is equipped with an adjustable cheek pad. In addition, the M40A3 is the first USMC sniper rifle to incorporate an attached bi-pod. As A1's rotate through the Quantico Armory they will be upgraded to the A3 standard.

Description

The original M40 was a direct adaptation of the Remington 700/40XB match-grade target rifle fitted with a Redfield 3-9x accu-range variable power scope, and chambered to fire the NATO 7.62mm cartridge (.308 Winchester.)

The M40A1 saw the introduction of the McMillan fiberglass stock and replaced the Redfield scope and mounting ring set with a 10x scope custom built for the Marine Corps by Unertl. The M40A3 replaces the original McMillan fiberglass stock with the newer McMillan A4 model, which incorporates adjustable length of pull and cheek pad. The original trigger and Unertl base assembly has been replaced by ones custom built by D. D. Ross, while the Unertl scope mounting rings have been replaced by ones manufactured by G &G Machine. The A3 also incorporates a Harris bipod and accessory rail, which is also manufactured by G &G Machine.

Though the M40 series rifles are capable of firing any NATO 7.62mm (.308 Winchester) round, the Marine Corps has developed the M118LR cartridge for sniping applications.