| 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. |
The M40 rifle is a bolt-action sniper rifle used by the United States Marine Corps.[1] It has had four variants: the M40, M40A1, M40A3, and M40A5.[2] 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. [3]
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.[1] 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.[1] The M40A1 and A3 switched to fiberglass stocks made by McMillan, with new scopes.[1][4] The trigger pull on both models (M40A1/A3) is 3 to 5 lb (1.4–2.3 kg).[1]
The Marine Corps plans to replace the M40 with the Mk 13 Mod 7.[5]
- ^ a b c d e Senich, Peter R. (1988). Complete Book of U.S. Sniping. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press. p. 28. ISBN 978-1-58160-610-2.
- ^ Keene, R.R. (April 2009). "Precision Weapons Handmade by Marines, for Marines". Leatherneck Magazine: 37. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2009.[dead link]
- ^ "M40A1 Sniper Rifle". USMC Fact File. U.S. Marine corps. Archived from the original on 25 February 2007. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
- ^ "M40A3 Sniper Rifle". M40A3. United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper Association. Archived from the original on 22 June 2009. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
- ^ Snow, Shawn (2 April 2018). "Marine snipers are getting new Mk 13 rifles". Marine Corps Times. Archived from the original on 21 November 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2022.