#1 of 20 McMillan Commemorative M40A1...Thoughts?

[rlm8541]

Just thought Id see what peoples thoughts were in regards to the actual #1 of 20 McMillan Commemorative M40A1 that is posted an GB.....As much as I enjoy seeing and owning these Vintage (still have a hard time coming to grips with the A1's that I carried being called vintage...lolol) sniper sticks.

Half of the enjoyment is this community, hunting, waiting, and having patience in finding (so much appreciation to CMP for the Unertl 10X's) the authentic parts to build these as close to those authentic a possible.

I was intrigued by seeing the Commemorative McMillain M40A1 actual #1 of 20 posted on GB. I was sitting here trying to compute the cost in parts and labor to have it built.
As much as I originally thought it was a little high at first in price, I asked myself if the fact that since it was "the" 1 of 20 made any difference?
These originally when purchased also came with a original take off stock as well.

I am great friends with a couple of the guys at McMillan and thought this was a great idea when they decided to do it. Was also grateful that they decided to do only the limited amount.
Just thought Id see what peoples thoughts were about this particular one in general.

 

[DV]

Here`s a link so it`s easier to see USMC m40a1 mcmillan commemorative edition : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com

Beautiful rifle-

 

[Asperly Aimless]

I think it is awesome and it makes me wish I had an extra 8 grand laying around.

 

[Rainier42]

Beautiful rifle but a bit pricey. Don't think the McMillan build is necessarily better than say a GAP build.

 

[eodcam]

I think its more about Name recognition and rarity. There are alot of collectors out their that want a Tribute rifle, but don't enjoy hunting the parts down, as much as some of us do! McMillan was a player in the actual rifles, so they have alot of knowledge of the A1. GAP had Eric Reid who had hands on experiance building them. They have an actual connection to the Real A1's. Both of those companies build outstanding rifles due to the attention to detail and the standard they hold their rifles to. Theres a ton of talented gun builders out there that can build an A1 that will straight hammer, but can they pull the cash a GAP or McM, probably not. The fact that that McM limited the amount and numbered them, makes them rarer and since this is Number "one" of 20, to a collector it would probably pull a premium.

 

[ScharfshutzeK98]

Wow! I would love to add that to the collection!!!

 

[TWOMANATTACK]

I like USMC sniper rifles, I have used a few and owned 1 or 2. The McMillan Commerative not being one of them. However, it was a cool idea and although a bit pricey at the time, it included a return stock. With that return stock costing about $315 (shipped), back then it seemed even more pricey. Now that the return stocks are going from $800-$1800 that $8541 price tag doesnt seem so unreasonable. I wish I had an oppertunity to shoot one of the rifles to see what I think of their capability. I am sure that they are as good a rifle as a GAP USMC SPEC M40A1. The significance of serial number 1 is up for debate. I guess if McMillan really wanted to make these rifles "collectables" they may have been better off building them on the return stocks. Now you would have something worth premium $$$. And maybe give you a NEW M40A1 HTG bedded for the same action - now that would have been cool- Thats my thought.

 

[hahco]

I think its flat out awesome. $7,600 seems high at 1st blush, but that includes the scope, mounts, extry return stock, etc.

 

[bmt]

Sweet rifle.

BMT

 

[ScharfshutzeK98]

Any idea of a source for the return stocks? I might want to pick one up for a future build.

 

[downhill]

If I had the cash to "invest" on one- I wouldn't hesitate on the purchase. Love the M40A1 and the M40 a little more.

 

[longebow]

Here are mine:

Thank you rlm8541 for asking the question--it was this thread that brought this tribute rifle to my attention! I have tremendous respect for USMC snipers, and their contributions to US sniping. I had the honor of meeting Gunny Hathcock before his untimely passing.

Here are some pics of this rifle. Sent the metal with the smear stock to GA Precision, and Mark Hall did a wonderful job putting it all together.
If anyone can tell me about the stock with the last 4 "4261" would appreciate any/all history for the provenance of the stock.

Will break in the barrel and get it sighted in soon. Looking forward to see what it can do at distance.

Would also like to thank Jeree at McMillan and Becky at US Optics for their assistance!

longebow

[img<a href="http://s173.photobucket.com/user/longebow/media/DSC03837.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w48/longebow/DSC03837.jpg" border="0" alt="M40A1 1of20 #3 photo DSC03837.jpg"/></a>][/img]

 

[M40_A1]

longebow, beautiful stick! Congratulations! I like the contour of the thumb recess on the clip slotting on yours. Did you ask for that specifically, and if so, how did you describe it?

 

[rlm8541]

Beautiful Stick Longebow....The build came out great. The color of the smear pattern blends in great with the dark Black Oxide metal..In regards to your curiosity about "how it will do at range", considering it was built by Mark Hall I can assure you that you will be more than impressed by its performance.
I am going to do a little research on you ser.# for you.
If you will look to the right of your ser.# you will see a small stamp of an Iron Cross. This is a small personalization of the individual builder. Not all but some builders use to (some still do) will stamp their personal brand into the stock as a personal mare to show who the original builder was. Near little added pride in thier build.
I have an idea of who that builder is, but I will confirm first then I will let you know.
Congrats on the rifle. I was issued and carried one for a number of years in the early/mid 90's. These were no doubtedly some of the best and gratifying times of my life......Have fun with it man!

 

[longebow]

longebow, beautiful stick! Congratulations! I like the contour of the thumb recess on the clip slotting on yours. Did you ask for that specifically, and if so, how did you describe it?

M40A1: This rifle was built using the dewatted rifle that the USMC presented to Gale McMillan as the example.
M40A1 Commemorative Marine Corps Sniper Rifle

rlm8541: I asked Mark Hall of GAP to proof the stock, since he bedded the rifle for me into the original smear stock. He uses the Iron Cross stamp.
Mark Hall

longebow

 

[M40_A1]

M40A1: This rifle was built using the dewatted rifle that the USMC presented to Gale McMillan as the example.
M40A1 Commemorative Marine Corps Sniper Rifle

Your contour looks more like what I'm used to seeing on M40A1s than GAP's usual high sweeping "S". Looks great, should shoot great too.

 

[jackcheng]

I think it is awesome and it makes me wish I had an extra 8 grand laying around.


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[Crosshairs6]

I have a return stock and in my research, I talked to Dick Davis. This is the information he sent me regarding the "Smear" return stocks from the U.S. Marine Corps. I hope this information helps.


From Dick Davis at Mcmillan Rifles:

" The early so called “smear” patterns were made with the old semi-translucent dye based color concentrates and were only produced for about the first two years of production, from about 1974 thru 1976 (about 200 stocks). Then the more opaque milled color concentrates became available in about 1977 and all the subsequent stocks thru the early 1990’s were made with them ( about 800 stocks). The camo pattern is the “Forest Camo” color, not the Woodland camo.
Regards, McMillans

 

[longebow]

I have a return stock and in my research, I talked to Dick Davis. This is the information he sent me regarding the "Smear" return stocks from the U.S. Marine Corps. I hope this information helps.


From Dick Davis at Mcmillan Rifles:

" The early so called “smear” patterns were made with the old semi-translucent dye based color concentrates and were only produced for about the first two years of production, from about 1974 thru 1976 (about 200 stocks). Then the more opaque milled color concentrates became available in about 1977 and all the subsequent stocks thru the early 1990’s were made with them ( about 800 stocks). The camo pattern is the “Forest Camo” color, not the Woodland camo.
Regards, McMillans

Thank you for the additional information!