M40 rifle

M40
The M40 sniper rifle
TypeSniper rifle
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1966–present
Used byUnited States
WarsVietnam War
Lebanese Civil War
Invasion of Grenada
Gulf War
War in Afghanistan
Iraq War
Production history
DesignerRemington Arms
Designed1966
Produced1966–present
VariantsM40A1
M40A3
M40A5
Specifications
MassM40A1: 6.57 kg (14.48 lb)
M40A3: 7.5 kg (16.5 lb)
LengthM40A1: 1,117 mm (43.97 in)
M40A3: 1,124 mm (44.25 in)
Barrel length635 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)

Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
ActionBolt action
Muzzle velocity777 m/s (2,550 ft/s) (w/175 gr. M118LR)
Effective firing range800 meters
Feed system5-round integral box magazine (M40, M40A1, M40A3)
10-round removable box magazine (M40A5)
SightsScout 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]

  1. ^ 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.
  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]
  3. ^ "M40A1 Sniper Rifle". USMC Fact File. U.S. Marine corps. Archived from the original on 25 February 2007. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
  4. ^ "M40A3 Sniper Rifle". M40A3. United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper Association. Archived from the original on 22 June 2009. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
  5. ^ 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.