Sorry for the long post, but to all that have went this route, what do you actually need to do to get a complete 40X .22LR rifle together after you have a CMP barreled receiver?
Actually let's start from the beginning with purchasing one....
According to the CMP website, http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/eligibility.htm to get one of these (or any rifle) you need:
1. Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, etc)
2. Proof of age need to be 18yrs old(birth certificate, driver's license, etc.)
3. Affiliation in a CMP club or organization. This could be a registered shooting / sportsman's club, or a VFW, DAV, AL, or U.S. Military services (active or reserves), National Guard, to include retirees. Professional 501(c)3 law enforcement organizations (501(c)3 means a non profit organization) and associations such as the FOP, NAPO, NSA, etc. Most NRA state organizations are CMP affiliated and count.
4. Marksmanship or other Firearms Related Activity - participation in a sanctioned competitive sport, live fire hunter ed course, law enforcement qualification. There is even a very simple form to download and just have a law enforcement officer, range officer, or other that meets the requirements to "sign off" on your safe firearm handling skills, don't need to fire for a score or anything like that just 50 rounds - this seems very easy to do.
5. Be Legally Eligible to Purchase a Firearm - a no brainer...
Then make sure the order forms are filled out properly, the forms are pretty simple.
Also, what may or may not understand correctly, is that <span style="font-weight: bold">the CMP can ship the item to you directly and not have to go to an FFL dealer, is this true? </span>
<span style="text-decoration: underline">R22M40XHBBR</span> Remington 40X - Heavy Barrel - stripped barreled receiver only (No other parts, just receiver and barrel, no trigger group, no bolt).
<span style="text-decoration: underline">R22M40XUSMCBR</span> Remington 40X - Standard Barrel - stripped barreled receiver only (No other parts, just receiver and barrel, no trigger group, no bolt). USMC marked.
I take it these ^^^ are all single feed rifles.
I found this:
A Short History of the Remington 40X Rifles
The .22LR Remington 40X was first released in 1955 as a replacement for the model 37 target rifle. The 40X was a pet project of Remington's Mike Walker, who wanted Remington to have a rifle that could beat "all comers", including Winchester's target rifles. The rimfire 40X "Rangemaster" was initially offered in both standard barrel (S1) and heavy barrel (H1/H2) versions, the H1 including Redfield Olympic target sights. In 1959 Remington introduced centerfire 40X models, again with both standard and heavy barrel versions. Initially offered in .308 Winchester, more chamberings were offered in 1960: 222 Rem, 222 Rem Magnum, .30-06, and .300 H&H Magnum.
As a sidenote, starting in 1959, Remington worked with the USAMU to develop a heavy, 15-lb International Free Rifle using the 40X action (both rimfire and centerfire). This gun employed a completely different stock, and was produced in very limited numbers. Only 123 rimfire "Free Rifles" rifles and 594 centerfire "Free Rifles" were sold from 1960 through the mid-70s.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Rem 700 Action Replaces 722 Action for 40X Series Rifles
A major change took place in 1965, when the Rem 722-style action on the 40X was replaced by a Rem 700 action, and the 40X was officially renamed the "40-XB". </span>At this time, stainless barrels were offered as an option, and Remington introduced a mag-fed, centerfire repeater for National Match shooters. (Interestingly, though 40-XB repeaters were made in many calibers, only the .308 receivers were factory-slotted for clips.) A wide variety of centerfire chamberings were offered from 1965 through 1975 when the 40-XB was officially replaced by the 40-XR, only to be re-introduced in 1985. <span style="font-weight: bold">The rimfire model 40-XB continued as single-shot only until 1970 when Remington added the 40-XB Sporting Rifle, a deluxe mag-fed repeater with Monte Carlo stock. </span>
40-XB BR -- The Cream of the Crop
The famous Remington 40-XB BR was introduced in 1971. This was a precision, single-shot rifle initially chambered in 222 Remington. It featured a wider forearm and either a 20" barrel (for Light Varmint class) or 26" barrel (for Heavy Varmint Class). Other chamberings were added to the 40-XB BR lineup in 1972, including .222 Rem Mag, 6mm Int'l, 6mm-47 and .308 Win. In 1978 Remington added the 22 Rem BR, and in 1979 the 6mm Rem BR was added. We think this makes the 40-XB BR the first factory rifle chambered for the 6mmBR.
It is important to distinguish the 40-XB BR from other 40X models. The action on the 40-XB BR was finish-machined differently -- in order to make the action straighter and more uniform. Because of the special machining process, the serial number could not be roll-stamped on the action, and was electro-etched instead. That's why you'll see "Remington Model 40XBR" and the serial number etched on the left side of the receiver. You may have read that all 40X and 40XB actions are machined or "blue-printed" after heat-treating. That's not true. Only the 40-XB BR models used a special production method for the receiver, and it's not equivalent to "blue-printing".
Are 40X Actions Superior to Other Rem Actions?
Is it safe to assume that 40X/40-XB actions are "better" than regular Rem 700 actions? Paul Coburn has written: "The receivers use the same barrel threads and same dimensions as the standard actions, BUT the 40-X series receivers are NOT taken from the standard production line and 'trued'; they are made (and serial numbered) in a different facility. The actions are NOT 'blue printed'. They are simply made true and square to spec, from the start. All the 40-X rifles I've owned had both lugs mated, all screw holes were true and in line, and they were impeccable."
For a complete history of the Remington 40X series of rifles, read The Remington 40-X Rifle -- A Legend in its Own Time by Paul Coburn. You may also enjoy reading the Rem 40X section of Roy Marcott's History of Remington Firearms. Marcott offers a definitive list of all the 40X models and chamberings, along with a production chronology.
and this from other forums on the subject of 40X:
"If the 40X rimfire action has the knurled oval bolt knob, it will sit in a 700 SA stock. Depending on how the stock is inletted, whether with a solid magazine well or open, you may to relieve an area for the screw which holds the rimfire loading ramp in. Triggers are interchangeable as well.
Now if the 40X rimfire action has a round bolt knob, this is based on a 722 action. Action screw spacing is the same however the rear tang is larger and may require stock modification to seat properly. This larger tang may also create some issues with triggers that use a 700 style safety lever.
I believe that all rimfire 40X's marked with a B or an R suffix to the S/N are based on the 700 action. If the S/N has no suffix, most likely this is the 722 based action.
The 722 based 40X will have a "straight" not "swept" bolt, and a 700 stock will require a rather ugly relief of wood in the frontof the bolt notch. The stock will also need a bit of releif in the tang and rear portion of the reciever area. No biggie, just releive it, and bed it.
A 722 based reciever is wider, and a 700 or 40x or 40XB trigger will hang on it, but the safety lever will not clear, as the reciever is wider right where the safety lever comes up past it. Again, that can be "fixed" with judicious application of a heat sink and a common propane torch (go slow) to bend the safety lever to the correct "sweep" to miss the reciever, then releive the wood in the area of the safety lever on the stock too. If you plan, go slowly, and have an eye for detail and art, you can make it look ok.
If the 40X is the swept bolt type, it plops right in and you just need to add the tiny screw that mounts the mag floorplate".
So now that you've ordered your receiver w/ barreled action, what's next?
Do they come drilled / tapped for scope bases?
Are they missing the internal / external magazine cutout in the bottom of the receiver, or is there a need to fill that area? If so what to you fill it with?
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Bolts</span> - Obviously they need a bolt, and PTG has them for $199.00. They also sell an ejector plate, do the CMP actions come with this? Is there another source for bolts? I see that you will have to have the headspace checked or adjusted.
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Triggers</span> - will any 700 action trigger bolt right on? There are several out there, including the Rem Xmark for under $100.00, several by Rifle Basix, Timney, Jewell, etc.
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Stocks & Bottom metal</span> - So it appears that the action will fit into any 700 SA stock, True or False? Can you then use any 700 SA bottom metal?
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Other</span> - Is there anything else needed (parts wise) to piece together a complete rifle? (springs, pins, pillars, barrel / recoil lug, feeding ramp, etc.)
It just seems (at face value) rather easier than I thought to get one of these together after you get the receiver / barrel. Can it really be as simple as taking the parts off a used or new model 700 SA and putting them on your 40X barreled receiver? If so, this will actually take care of alot of the stock and bottom metal questions, and make it a really easy build. Sell the centerfire action and barrel, and you almost pay for the CMP receiver / barrel.
It can't be this simple, is it?
Actually let's start from the beginning with purchasing one....
According to the CMP website, http://www.odcmp.com/Sales/eligibility.htm to get one of these (or any rifle) you need:
1. Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, etc)
2. Proof of age need to be 18yrs old(birth certificate, driver's license, etc.)
3. Affiliation in a CMP club or organization. This could be a registered shooting / sportsman's club, or a VFW, DAV, AL, or U.S. Military services (active or reserves), National Guard, to include retirees. Professional 501(c)3 law enforcement organizations (501(c)3 means a non profit organization) and associations such as the FOP, NAPO, NSA, etc. Most NRA state organizations are CMP affiliated and count.
4. Marksmanship or other Firearms Related Activity - participation in a sanctioned competitive sport, live fire hunter ed course, law enforcement qualification. There is even a very simple form to download and just have a law enforcement officer, range officer, or other that meets the requirements to "sign off" on your safe firearm handling skills, don't need to fire for a score or anything like that just 50 rounds - this seems very easy to do.
5. Be Legally Eligible to Purchase a Firearm - a no brainer...
Then make sure the order forms are filled out properly, the forms are pretty simple.
Also, what may or may not understand correctly, is that <span style="font-weight: bold">the CMP can ship the item to you directly and not have to go to an FFL dealer, is this true? </span>
<span style="text-decoration: underline">R22M40XHBBR</span> Remington 40X - Heavy Barrel - stripped barreled receiver only (No other parts, just receiver and barrel, no trigger group, no bolt).
<span style="text-decoration: underline">R22M40XUSMCBR</span> Remington 40X - Standard Barrel - stripped barreled receiver only (No other parts, just receiver and barrel, no trigger group, no bolt). USMC marked.
I take it these ^^^ are all single feed rifles.
I found this:
A Short History of the Remington 40X Rifles
The .22LR Remington 40X was first released in 1955 as a replacement for the model 37 target rifle. The 40X was a pet project of Remington's Mike Walker, who wanted Remington to have a rifle that could beat "all comers", including Winchester's target rifles. The rimfire 40X "Rangemaster" was initially offered in both standard barrel (S1) and heavy barrel (H1/H2) versions, the H1 including Redfield Olympic target sights. In 1959 Remington introduced centerfire 40X models, again with both standard and heavy barrel versions. Initially offered in .308 Winchester, more chamberings were offered in 1960: 222 Rem, 222 Rem Magnum, .30-06, and .300 H&H Magnum.
As a sidenote, starting in 1959, Remington worked with the USAMU to develop a heavy, 15-lb International Free Rifle using the 40X action (both rimfire and centerfire). This gun employed a completely different stock, and was produced in very limited numbers. Only 123 rimfire "Free Rifles" rifles and 594 centerfire "Free Rifles" were sold from 1960 through the mid-70s.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Rem 700 Action Replaces 722 Action for 40X Series Rifles
A major change took place in 1965, when the Rem 722-style action on the 40X was replaced by a Rem 700 action, and the 40X was officially renamed the "40-XB". </span>At this time, stainless barrels were offered as an option, and Remington introduced a mag-fed, centerfire repeater for National Match shooters. (Interestingly, though 40-XB repeaters were made in many calibers, only the .308 receivers were factory-slotted for clips.) A wide variety of centerfire chamberings were offered from 1965 through 1975 when the 40-XB was officially replaced by the 40-XR, only to be re-introduced in 1985. <span style="font-weight: bold">The rimfire model 40-XB continued as single-shot only until 1970 when Remington added the 40-XB Sporting Rifle, a deluxe mag-fed repeater with Monte Carlo stock. </span>
40-XB BR -- The Cream of the Crop
The famous Remington 40-XB BR was introduced in 1971. This was a precision, single-shot rifle initially chambered in 222 Remington. It featured a wider forearm and either a 20" barrel (for Light Varmint class) or 26" barrel (for Heavy Varmint Class). Other chamberings were added to the 40-XB BR lineup in 1972, including .222 Rem Mag, 6mm Int'l, 6mm-47 and .308 Win. In 1978 Remington added the 22 Rem BR, and in 1979 the 6mm Rem BR was added. We think this makes the 40-XB BR the first factory rifle chambered for the 6mmBR.
It is important to distinguish the 40-XB BR from other 40X models. The action on the 40-XB BR was finish-machined differently -- in order to make the action straighter and more uniform. Because of the special machining process, the serial number could not be roll-stamped on the action, and was electro-etched instead. That's why you'll see "Remington Model 40XBR" and the serial number etched on the left side of the receiver. You may have read that all 40X and 40XB actions are machined or "blue-printed" after heat-treating. That's not true. Only the 40-XB BR models used a special production method for the receiver, and it's not equivalent to "blue-printing".
Are 40X Actions Superior to Other Rem Actions?
Is it safe to assume that 40X/40-XB actions are "better" than regular Rem 700 actions? Paul Coburn has written: "The receivers use the same barrel threads and same dimensions as the standard actions, BUT the 40-X series receivers are NOT taken from the standard production line and 'trued'; they are made (and serial numbered) in a different facility. The actions are NOT 'blue printed'. They are simply made true and square to spec, from the start. All the 40-X rifles I've owned had both lugs mated, all screw holes were true and in line, and they were impeccable."
For a complete history of the Remington 40X series of rifles, read The Remington 40-X Rifle -- A Legend in its Own Time by Paul Coburn. You may also enjoy reading the Rem 40X section of Roy Marcott's History of Remington Firearms. Marcott offers a definitive list of all the 40X models and chamberings, along with a production chronology.
and this from other forums on the subject of 40X:
"If the 40X rimfire action has the knurled oval bolt knob, it will sit in a 700 SA stock. Depending on how the stock is inletted, whether with a solid magazine well or open, you may to relieve an area for the screw which holds the rimfire loading ramp in. Triggers are interchangeable as well.
Now if the 40X rimfire action has a round bolt knob, this is based on a 722 action. Action screw spacing is the same however the rear tang is larger and may require stock modification to seat properly. This larger tang may also create some issues with triggers that use a 700 style safety lever.
I believe that all rimfire 40X's marked with a B or an R suffix to the S/N are based on the 700 action. If the S/N has no suffix, most likely this is the 722 based action.
The 722 based 40X will have a "straight" not "swept" bolt, and a 700 stock will require a rather ugly relief of wood in the frontof the bolt notch. The stock will also need a bit of releif in the tang and rear portion of the reciever area. No biggie, just releive it, and bed it.
A 722 based reciever is wider, and a 700 or 40x or 40XB trigger will hang on it, but the safety lever will not clear, as the reciever is wider right where the safety lever comes up past it. Again, that can be "fixed" with judicious application of a heat sink and a common propane torch (go slow) to bend the safety lever to the correct "sweep" to miss the reciever, then releive the wood in the area of the safety lever on the stock too. If you plan, go slowly, and have an eye for detail and art, you can make it look ok.
If the 40X is the swept bolt type, it plops right in and you just need to add the tiny screw that mounts the mag floorplate".
So now that you've ordered your receiver w/ barreled action, what's next?
Do they come drilled / tapped for scope bases?
Are they missing the internal / external magazine cutout in the bottom of the receiver, or is there a need to fill that area? If so what to you fill it with?
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Bolts</span> - Obviously they need a bolt, and PTG has them for $199.00. They also sell an ejector plate, do the CMP actions come with this? Is there another source for bolts? I see that you will have to have the headspace checked or adjusted.
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Triggers</span> - will any 700 action trigger bolt right on? There are several out there, including the Rem Xmark for under $100.00, several by Rifle Basix, Timney, Jewell, etc.
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Stocks & Bottom metal</span> - So it appears that the action will fit into any 700 SA stock, True or False? Can you then use any 700 SA bottom metal?
<span style="text-decoration: underline">Other</span> - Is there anything else needed (parts wise) to piece together a complete rifle? (springs, pins, pillars, barrel / recoil lug, feeding ramp, etc.)
It just seems (at face value) rather easier than I thought to get one of these together after you get the receiver / barrel. Can it really be as simple as taking the parts off a used or new model 700 SA and putting them on your 40X barreled receiver? If so, this will actually take care of alot of the stock and bottom metal questions, and make it a really easy build. Sell the centerfire action and barrel, and you almost pay for the CMP receiver / barrel.
It can't be this simple, is it?
