Gunsmithing First Build, M40A3-gunsmithing questions

[kennypowers]

I’ve been reading on the hide for a while and just recently started posting. I’ve learned a lot and have decided to undertake my first build, an M40A3. As much reading as I have done I still have a couple questions.

I want to do as much of this build on my own, but I want to do it right. Knowing my limited experience, I realize there are certain things I will have to send to a professional for.

I’ve been searching for a donor rifle, on gunbroker, at local gun stores, and pawn shops and was wondering if I specifically have to get a donor in .308 or if there are a range of calibers that use the same bolt?

I will be rebarrelling with 25" Schneider 1-12 twist. Should I true the action with Flitz lapping oil, before I rebarrel or wait until after?

Should I have a gunsmith time the runways with the new barrel and recoil lug?

The Rear receiver bridge is milled off to accept flat bottom DD Ross mount. Ive found very little literature on this and was wondering is this something I could do?

I intend on Pillar bedding the stock and was curious where I could get the pillars from? Have a machinist in the area fabricate them for me? What size? The build guide states 1.5" BBL pad? Not sure what that means.

Thanks for the help! Sorry for the overload of questions.

 

[mmtuning]

Re: First Build, M40A3-gunsmithing questions

I know this is not what you want to hear. All of these things you are describing take special tools. For the small price to get a decent gunsmith to do it while you observe rather than f'ing it up and having to repurchase parts, I would suggest to have a competent gunsmith do the work, and go through the build with you adn he may even let you watch.. Remember, this is not simply something that if you make a mistake upon assembly, it wont simply be a work/not work scenario. It can turn into a bomb! This is tricky stuff and there are alot of little ideosyncracies that need to correct prior to loading a round and pulling the trigger. If you are still set on doing this your self, email Gerald Kuthy at [email protected]. He will advise you and if you find that you don't feel competent, hes not expensive but does top notch work. He told me today that a customers rifle he built in 3oowsm shot a .309" group at 100 yards!! Do some research and search his name on the hide. Hes the real deal.

 

[nashlaw]

Re: First Build, M40A3-gunsmithing questions

mmtuning nailed it. Not trying to be mean to a new member, but it sounds like you are way over your head.

Just to remove a barrel and install another prechambered barrel, you will need a barrel vise, action wrench, headspace gauges, rosin, etc.

Brownells sells tools for the home gunsmith, but by the time you buy the tools, you have spent enough money to have GAP take your action and stock and turn it into a shooting wonder. All this without the agony of doing it yourself after spending all the $$ for the tools and then having to send it to a competent 'smith in the end.

I admire your moxy and desire to learn, but what you want to do is a real task.

Welcome to the Hide,

david

 

[thumper49802]

Re: First Build, M40A3-gunsmithing questions

well said nash.

 

[kennypowers]

Re: First Build, M40A3-gunsmithing questions

Appreciate the advice. Ive decided from yalls input that I wont take this task on myself. Found a smith in my area, Louisiana Precision Rifles. Seen some of the Mr. Roscoe's work. Looks very nice.

When school lets out Im going to practice and when all the parts are ordered send it into them.

How would be the best way of getting experience in gunsmithing? Are there classes?

Thanks,
Branson