For Sale: Remington 700 M40 USMC Sniper Rifle Clone

The Remington 700 M40 rifle launched a well-respected line of USMC sniper rifles with continued employment in U.S. military operations from Vietnam through Iraq/Afghanistan. The first order contracted 700 rifles with initial deliveries beginning in 1966. With less than a thousand rifles ordered by the Marines, the continued use of the rifles, and conversions to the later M40A1 variation, plus the heavy use in combat and hostile tropical environment, limited quantities of these rifles still exist in the original 1966 configuration. To compound these limiting factors, only a small quantity were released into the collector market. As a result, M40s entered the world of military rifle clones with a goal to replicate these sniper rifles to as close to original specifications as possible.

Presented here is a Remington 700 M40 USMC sniper rifle clone, meticulously assembled and completed sometime in the early 2000s. Based on an original 1966 six-digit SN Remington Model 700 action, this rifle carries a great overall accurate representation of the original M40. The stock is a professionally reprofiled 1960s Remington varmint stock that correctly matches the shape and contours of the original and is outfitted with a correct butt plate, Wichita swivels, and MRT sling. Gunsmithing on the receiver, including clip-slotting, and overall rifle assembly was performed by Bill Corely, a well-known M40 researcher. Based on the original barrels, the 24-inch tapered barrel is a replication produced by Douglas Barrels, Inc. as a special-order item. Both the parkerized and anodized finishes are correct per the original, as are the hinged floor plate, aluminum trigger guard, tombstone safety, aluminum butt plate, and five-round internal magazine.

With the exception of the Remington barrel stamps (date code, R.E.P. proof, etc.) missing, markings found on the rifle are correct for the M40. ‘Remington/MODEL 700’ adorns the receiver, left side opposite the port, and the ‘U.S.’ property stamp is found above the correct length 6-digit serial number forward of the model marking. The left side of the barrel carries the correct ‘7.62 NATO’ stamping forward of the receiver. The butt plate is marked on the underside with a script ‘Mall’ over ‘16601/2’; the butt end of the stock is unmarked.

As with the original 1966 Remington 700 M40 rifles, the scope mounted on this clone is a Redfield Accu-Range 3X-9X with one inch tube that was properly anodized green by ‘Toki Wartooth’, an expert in M40 scopes. The F serial number prefix is correct for the 1966 period and the view includes two stadia wires, fine crosshairs, and tombstone range finder labeled in 50 yard increments up to 600 yards. The four-screw low rings, marked ‘1’ on each base, and the bridge base, marked with the Redfield ‘R’ crosshair logo on the right and ‘700-SA’ on the underside, are correct Redfield components however they are a bit later variations than what the originals carried. ‘3X-9X/REDFIELD 1” TUBE’ is marked on the left side of the scope, below the elevation turret, and under the windage turret, the serial number is stamped. ‘MADE IN U.S.A./PATENTED REDFIELD GUNSIGHT CO. DENVER, COLO.’ Redfield address adorns the eyepiece, while the magnification ring is numbered 3-9 in white.

The wood finish is virtually unmarked and has a classic walnut grain pattern. The bore is like new and is bright, clean and has sharp rifling. A cardboard tube was found in the bore during inspection and while its origin is unknown, it is presumed to be left from the manufacturer. There are some light handling marks on the barrel near the muzzle and some finish flaking on the butt plate, most likely from resting on a rough surface. Some finish wear is present on the bolt. The sling is like new, as is the scope. The view through the scope is clear with no dirt present.

Overall, this is an excellent and well-done clone of the USMC Remington 700 M40 sniper rifle adopted in 1966 and used in the Vietnam War. Perfect for the collector and shooter alike.

See pictures for overall condition. FFL or C&R required for purchase.

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