M40 rifle
The M40 rifle is a bolt-action sniper rifle used by the United States Marine Corps. It has had four variants: the M40, M40A1, M40A3, and M40A5. The M40 was introduced in 1966. The changeover to the A1 model was completed in the 1970s, the A3 in the 2000s, and the A5 in 2009.
| M40 | |
|---|---|
The M40 sniper rifle | |
| Type | Sniper rifle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1966–present |
| Used by | United States |
| Wars | Vietnam War Lebanese Civil War Invasion of Grenada Gulf War War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Remington Arms |
| Designed | 1966 |
| Produced | 1966–present |
| Variants | M40A1 M40A3 M40A5 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | M40A1: 6.57 kg (14.48 lb) M40A3: 7.5 kg (16.5 lb) |
| Length | M40A1: 1,117 mm (43.97 in) M40A3: 1,124 mm (44.25 in) |
| Barrel length | 635 mm (25 in) (1:12 right hand twist) M40A1: Hart (6 lands and grooves) M40A3: Schneider Match Grade SS No. 7 (6 lands and grooves) |
| Cartridge | 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Action | Bolt action |
| Muzzle velocity | 777 m/s (2,550 ft/s) (w/175 gr. M118LR) |
| Effective firing range | 800 meters |
| Feed system | 5-round integral box magazine (M40, M40A1, M40A3) 10-round removable box magazine (M40A5) |
| Sights | Scout Sniper Day Scope (SSDS)—Schmidt and Bender PM II 3–12×50. |
Each M40 is built from a Remington Model 700 bolt-action rifle, and is modified by USMC armorers at Marine Corps Base Quantico, using components from a number of suppliers. New M40A5s are being built, and A1s are upgraded to A3s and A5s as they rotate into the armory for service and repair. The rifles have had many sub-variations in telescopic sights, and smaller user modifications. The M40A5 incorporates a detachable magazine and a threaded barrel to allow for the use of a sound suppressor or another muzzle device.
The original M40 was a military type-classified version of the Remington 700; it was factory-made, and had a one-piece wooden stock. The M40A1 and A3 switched to fiberglass stocks made by McMillan, with new scopes. The trigger pull on both models (M40A1/A3) is 3 to 5 lb (1.4–2.3 kg).
The Marine Corps plans to replace the M40 with the Mk 13 Mod 7.