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Rifle Scopes GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

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gunn317

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Nov 12, 2012
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I had recently decided to buy a GAP 10, had my optics settled between a Bushnell HDMR G2 or a vortex. With the given situation with the possible change in gun laws, I don't want to order a GAP 10 and wait 4 - 8 months for a rifle to find out that I can't receive it due to a change in laws and then wait an additional year for another rifle to be built. So, I have decided to order, overall what was my first choice in many ways, a M 40 A3 and ensure that I only wait one time not twice. The big catch is I would like to keep it as close to authentic as possible but I can't afford and in some ways refuse to pay 3,729 dollars for a The Schmidt & Bender PM II. I would like the rifle to look as close to authentic as possible yet keeping scope purchase within a reasonable 1500 to 2000 price range. Do you all have any suggestions? I think the Leopold LR/T looks somewhat close but not that close and would love to hear any suggestions. I will be hunting, targets out to 800, and hopefully if money stays the way it is starting to shoot tactical competitions in the near future.
Thanks for the help
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Nothing is gonna look authentic other than a s&b with tht style turret, you can snag a fixed 10x used for around your price range
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

I was really afraid that was going to be the answer I got. I have looked at different scopes for the last two hours and that was about where I was at....... I just can't see spending that much though
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Jordan,

I would love to buy one, but I guess the ultimate statement is I just flat can't afford it plus the rifle build costs. Maybe in a year or two after I save up again. I have been saving for this rifle for the last two years and I have pretty solid line of 5k. Rifle is 3700 and the wife is over my shoulder reminding me at every turn that the money tree we buried is still yet to blossom.... lol. I was just hoping for something that was very functional for a scope and yet somewhat resembled the S&B. I guess functional will have to do until a couple years. I am sure the rifle will shoot about the same, just won't look the same. Thanks for the help though
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Jordan,

I have seen the 0317 many times recently. When did the Corps change the SS designation from 8541. I didn't think I had been out that long and I was very familiar with the STA plt being a 0311 guess my age is showing
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Honestly man throw a vortex razor 5-20 on there, prolly the closest turret look, being tall and in your price range
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Well, you know, almost all of us have been there on the money issue (at least I have). You can always do like I've done (and am doing): Buy a cheaper scope now, run it for a couple of years, then pick up your S&B, and move the cheaper scope over as a nice upgrade to a less expensive rifle. When you get around to upgrading your new rifle will look as authentic as ever.

When I bought my rifle I couldn't afford any real nice glass for it, so I bought a Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10x scope that Midway runs as an exclusive on (the 'hide did a review on this a couple of years back). That scope retails for $400, but is on sale for $300 for about six months out of every year. It's no S&B, but it gave me darn good service for the two years I had it on my rifle, and definitely impressed me for the price.

As of next week (when I find a mount) it will be moving to a .22lr, and my newly acquired S&B will be moving onto my primary rifle.
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Steiner 3-12 with Gen II mildot will get ya close for $2100, or you could buy a used S&B on the hide of the same price, just have to look and be patient. I have a Steiner 4-16 with Gen II MD and its a nice piece of glass. Also if you buy one before 12/31/12 you get a free pair of 10x50 binoculars ($400 dollar value). Look at CS Tactical, Mike will hook you up!

Here is the link: http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3547479#Post3547479
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Thanks everyone for the help. Talked to the wife and she wants to me get something a little more affordable for optics and in a couple years I can upgrade to S & B.
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Why a clone? It's hardly the best rifle for the money. What utility does an "authentic clone" provide a custom won't?
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why a clone? It's hardly the best rifle for the money. What utility does an "authentic clone" provide a custom won't? </div></div>

It's obvious he's a fellow STA Marine that wants to clone his old 40...
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Northland</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why a clone? It's hardly the best rifle for the money. What utility does an "authentic clone" provide a custom won't? </div></div>

It's obvious he's a fellow STA Marine that wants to clone his old 40...

</div></div>

Nope just a lowly 0311, worked closely with STA a couple times, was one of my company's DM's. Always enjoyed getting to shoot the M-40 though. I was going to get a GAP 10 but with all the possible gun law changes I don't think that it would be wise to purchase one now, wait the build time then not be able to recieve it, then wait another extended build time. Sure I can go with the hospitaller or another rifle from another manufacturer. Seems to me that atleast through GA precision the M40 is the one of the more economical choice than others Hospitaller 4325, The crusader 3850, and compared to 3,700 for the M-40 so it is a little less than others.
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gun317</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Northland</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why a clone? It's hardly the best rifle for the money. What utility does an "authentic clone" provide a custom won't? </div></div>

It's obvious he's a fellow STA Marine that wants to clone his old 40...

</div></div>

Nope just a lowly 0311, worked closely with STA a couple times, was one of my company's DM's. Always enjoyed getting to shoot the M-40 though. I was going to get a GAP 10 but with all the possible gun law changes I don't think that it would be wise to purchase one now, wait the build time then not be able to recieve it, then wait another extended build time. Sure I can go with the hospitaller or another rifle from another manufacturer. Seems to me that atleast through GA precision the M40 is the one of the more economical choice than others Hospitaller 4325, The crusader 3850, and compared to 3,700 for the M-40 so it is a little less than others. </div></div>

I stand corrected. You know theres other rifle builders that are cheaper so you can get what you want
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Mike Lau of Texas Brigade Armory is well known for his M40 rifles and he builds a helluva stick.

His wait is also quite long, though he prioritizes active Mil and LE.

The March Tactical 3-24x might give you the look you want but I believe only Kelby's sells them in the US.

I concur with what others have said. Buy your rifle and top it with a quality placeholder.
I would consider a SS 5-20 for now.
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Marc Soulie owner of spartanrifles.com built mine.

P3270025.jpg


P3270034.jpg


P3270026.jpg
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Haven't seen much that really interests me other than the GA precision. I am definitely open to other companies just have find what I am wanting.
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Northland</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Marc Soulie owner of spartanrifles.com built mine.

P3270025.jpg


P3270034.jpg


P3270026.jpg


</div></div>


Thats an awesome looking rifle! Website is currently inactive though. How did this rifle compare in price to GA Precisions?
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Email him on the link on his page, stand up guy!

Depending on your budget, get a cheaper rifle like a SPS tactical with the SB then slowly build the rifle to what you want instead of rifle first then scope.
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

If you haven't ordered it already, be patient and shop the classifieds here. I bought my GAP M40A5 here. You can save enough on the rifle to buy the correct scope. That 3-12 PMII is an excellent scope and well worth the money.
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Roddd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you haven't ordered it already, be patient and shop the classifieds here. I bought my GAP M40A5 here. You can save enough on the rifle to buy the correct scope. That 3-12 PMII is an excellent scope and well worth the money. </div></div>

That too!
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

If you want a GAP-10, you might be able to sweet talk them into selling you the lower first, so you can receive it and legally take possession now. Then you can send it back into them for gunsmithing already owning it. Then you will be grandfathered in if anything changes. Just an idea...

Jason
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SSSamurai</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you want a GAP-10, you might be able to sweet talk them into selling you the lower first, so you can receive it and legally take possession now. Then you can send it back into them for gunsmithing already owning it. Then you will be grandfathered in if anything changes. Just an idea...

Jason</div></div>

This, I've done exactly this, sort of. GAP use the POF style lower. My father in law has a POF lower that I just purchased. I now have a future pre ban receiver to build a GAP 10 on. If GAP wont sell you one POF will.

On the scope issue some of our 40s had premier scopes on them. Still pricey, but a little less than the SB. I know some guys are going to get all bent but to perfectly honest I couldn't see the difference of a Leopold/knight force scope and the 2x expensive premiers and SB. Shot them right next to each other, all looked equally clear.
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

In addition get the gap, I'm getting the A5 for reasons others mentioned, just like what we shoot. The good thing a about GAP is that it's a clone but it isn't. It's built by a retired 2112 to pws specs with all the correct marks. Quality costs, and its worth it!
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: usmc1488</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In addition get the gap, I'm getting the A5 for reasons other mentioned, must like what we shoot. The good thing a about GAP is that its a clone but it isn't. Its built by a retired 2112 to pws specs with all the correct marks. Quality costs, and its worth it! </div></div>

Thanks,

I am probably going with GAP and I will just save for the S & B in two years. I almost bought a GAP M14 DMR of gun broker but I didn't have all my funds available yet and it sold, I would have bought it for the reasons talked about above and having a rifle I carried. Always wanted to go to STA but in the end kids came and the wife wanted me to get out so I figure I can atleast shoot one now (in some ways)
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

Northland,

Spoke to spartan arms today, super nice guy and it looks like I may be going that route. Thanks for the heads up
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gun317</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Northland,

Spoke to spartan arms today, super nice guy and it looks like I may be going that route. Thanks for the heads up </div></div>

I'll mail you $5 if you're disappointed.
 
Re: GAP M40A3 S&B PM II substitute quesiton

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jordan0317</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Honestly man throw a vortex razor 5-20 on there, prolly the closest turret look, being tall and in your price range</div></div>

This.

And I as well love the clones. And you might end up liking that scope better.
 
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