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M40 Build Guide

Hey Toki, thanks man, buy you already did them for me...last fall. They are actually in a tupperware bowl sitting in the sun back home.
I will post before and after pics when I get back to the states.


Send those turret caps to me I'll anodize them for you.
 
Very nice... and I even like the large sized :cool: photos!

Here is one of the M700 I had built this last fall by Ssgt. Hahn at PWS....Picked it up from him in Feb. Came out beautiful. Yes the parkerizing on the receiver is a little darker than the original take off barrel. The darkness is enhanced a little in the picture by shadows and lighting. Not as dark as it appears in the pic. It was originally built with the Green contract scope (which has a pretty interesting and cool story about it in its self) but I removed it for another build that is just about complete as well. Replaced it with the black satin gen2. Picked up the original black satin Gen2 in a little bartering/horse trading from a good friend and Hide member.
-Original Black Satin Gen2 Redfield Acu Range 3X9 (with tombstone)
-Original M700 take off barrel date stamp Oct. 66
-Six Digit Clip slotted action
-Original Redfield 40X (marked) base with 4 screw 1-64 stamped low rings
-513T sling swivels
-Original Aluminum Butt Plate fitted to the stock
-Silver Hill Stock (30+ hrs of wood removal done. Exterior and inletting. Over 1/2 inch of overall circumference removed from the end off the forend to the receiver and 1/4" removed from the receiver to the buttplate). Receiver bedded with Basonite as they were done in the 60's. Receiver had to be bedded in order for it to be shootable.
Overall t came out beautiful.

image-1_zps2a2bbf77.jpg
 
usmchog....I did install it myself. I cant remember the diameter bar stock I bought but I do remember I had to by a 3' section for 2" piece...lol.
Later realizing, that if your just going for aesthetics and want to save money, you can get get creative by just looking through the brass picture hanging hardware section of any hardware store.
Good luck with your Silverhill. Wish there was someone else making them. Their customer service was great but I personally think their M700 rep. stock is far from what is advertised. The amount of wood I removed from it with a hand plain was ridiculous.


I'm starting to agree regarding the stock inletting. I've built two flintlocks from scratch which require a huge amount of inletting, but Rem. 700 receivers aren't any mystery. If a stock maker can get it to 95%, they should be able to finish the last 5%.

I actually have some brass welding rods which looks very close to the correct diameter for the stock pins. Maybe they'll work?
 
Yep, greatly appreciated sir!!! Came out great...A little darker than the rest of the scope but still look great. Gonna see if the sun will bleach them at all. If not. Not a big deal. Great work!!!!!

heh heh.... Oh, thats you.....
 
"THE PASSING OF COL. WALTER WALSH TODAY...106YRS OLD", .....OUR CORP. AND NATION HAS LOST ANOTHER.....
Our Corp. is in Mourning this day.... Col. Walter Walsh along with others was also instrumental in the development of the very first "adopted" M700/40 and was a pillar within the USMC sniper community throughout the Vietnam war and after and was one of the most decorated USMC competition shooters to date. He was also one of the the highest recognized Federal Agents of his time. His dedication to the service of our country can not be repaid in words. May our thoughts go out to his son Walter Walsh Jr. (who I had the pleasure of meeting last year at the Vintage Sniper Rifle match in Quantico) and the rest of his surviving family....Our country is in morning at the lost of another great Warrior....May you now Rest Peacefully sir. Our young Warriors will take it from here!
Semper Fi!!
ColWalsh_zpsfb0b02b1.png
 
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Thats all it is is bass stock, so Im sure it will......Just remember to measure twice and drill once...lolol....I only drilled approx. 3/4 of the way. Measured the distance I wanted to drill then wrapped the drill bit with a piece of tape so that I knew exactly where to stop.
Lightly taped the brass dowl in until it stopped. Cut the dowl with about 1/32 of extra sticking out then lightly sanded it down with a Dremel tool then finished it off with a fine emery paper of a fine grit sand comparable.....Whala! lol
I'm starting to agree regarding the stock inletting. I've built two flintlocks from scratch which require a huge amount of inletting, but Rem. 700 receivers aren't any mystery. If a stock maker can get it to 95%, they should be able to finish the last 5%.

I actually have some brass welding rods which looks very close to the correct diameter for the stock pins. Maybe they'll work?
 
Christ, he lived to be 106. R.I.P. Well, in his honor I was out shooting the system out to 600 yards with 10-15 mph cross wind. It is sort of difficult at 600 yards to keep it under a few moa with just a cross hair to work with lol. I'm sure he would have told me to pay attention to the fundamentals. :)
 
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Thats all it is is bass stock, so Im sure it will......Just remember to measure twice and drill once...lolol....I only drilled approx. 3/4 of the way. Measured the distance I wanted to drill then wrapped the drill bit with a piece of tape so that I knew exactly where to stop.
Lightly taped the brass dowl in until it stopped. Cut the dowl with about 1/32 of extra sticking out then lightly sanded it down with a Dremel tool then finished it off with a fine emery paper of a fine grit sand comparable.....Whala! lol


Good info, thanks.
 
Web Slings...

Is it just me, or are the cotton web slings looking on the short side?

Unless I'm grossly mistaken, earlier and historical photographs showed the compression buckle/clamp and 'figure eight' length adjustment buckle, virtually touching each other, above the trigger guard, when the sling was tightened, for storage.

Were there different lengths for the Garand' web sling? I do know that the web sling for the BAR was longer, but I've not seen anything, specifically, about their use on the M40.

Commence!
 
The Chandlers (Iron Brigade Armory) have a genuine M40 stock for sale. 1500$. Take a look at the finish, exact same 'varnish' type as on my stock.

To all those making M40 clones... I'm thinking the oil/satin finish might not be right. Every genuine stock we saw have a varnish glossy finish. Its the impregnation mentionned in Senich's book.


 
Is it just me, or are the cotton web slings looking on the short side?

Unless I'm grossly mistaken, earlier and historical photographs showed the compression buckle/clamp and 'figure eight' length adjustment buckle, virtually touching each other, above the trigger guard, when the sling was tightened, for storage.

Were there different lengths for the Garand' web sling? I do know that the web sling for the BAR was longer, but I've not seen anything, specifically, about their use on the M40.

Commence!

I have both an original cotton sling and the nylon sling. I will compare both and let me know my findings. I dont believe there were different lengths for the Garand sling... Might be wrong though.
 
Hey Mesca, there is "no" doubt that the the oil finished stocks are they way they were manufactured and originally sent to the Corp. There is enough substantiated, documented as well as first hand account information to support that they were all flat oil finished when originally shipped to vietnam per original USMC contract requirements. Any varnishing, painting or attempting to seal/water proof the stock was done in the field once it was sent down range.

The Chandlers (Iron Brigade Armory) have a genuine M40 stock for sale. 1500$. Take a look at the finish, exact same 'varnish' type as on my stock.

To all those making M40 clones... I'm thinking the oil/satin finish might not be right. Every genuine stock we saw have a varnish glossy finish. Its the impregnation mentionned in Senich's book.


 
Hey Mesca, there is "no" doubt that the the oil finished stocks are they way they were manufactured and originally sent to the Corp. There is enough substantiated, documented as well as first hand account information to support that they were all flat oil finished when originally shipped to vietnam per original USMC contract requirements. Any varnishing, painting or attempting to seal/water proof the stock was done in the field once it was sent down range.

Agree. What I meant to say, is that people doing clones should try to replicate the varnish type finish. Epoxy impregnation was highly recommended and I believe many M40 rifles were in fact, re-finished.

Depends if building a out-of-the-shop clone, or a field rifle...
 
Ahhhh, Gotcha....My bad Mesca. Misunderstood/read. Think a rebuild ether way would be good.

Agree. What I meant to say, is that people doing clones should try to replicate the varnish type finish. Epoxy impregnation was highly recommended and I believe many M40 rifles were in fact, re-finished.

Depends if building a out-of-the-shop clone, or a field rifle...
 
Back to the M40 Sling discussion... Compare and Comment

Slings - Various: SH Members/Museums/Etc. Photo source M40 Build Guide

This topic and questions regarding details about the M40 sling has been started and touched on, throughout this forum, from the cotton and nylon web materials, to contract dates and I don't think there is any debate, on those details. It's the various lengths that bother me. We're all purchasing on an open market, purchasing or seeking to purchase (it seems) MRT marked and dated slings, most assumed to be for the M1 Garand and proper for the M40. But, are they all the same? By all appearances, it doesn't look so.

So, at worst, we don't agree and at best, we save ourselves from being snookered in the market place, by being better informed. Then again, you can just get a National Match leather sling, call it a day and still be correct.

Commense!!

Sling_rlm8541:

Sling_2_zps239bfe6d.jpg


Sling_eodcam:

Sling_eodcam_zps608026f6.jpg


Sling_NRA Museum: See SH * M40 Build Guide * Post #695

Sling_Springfield Museum

Sling_SpringfieldMuseum_zps3b36f63a.jpg


Sling_ Chuck Mawhinney's Signed LTD Edition at the 2011 SHOT SHOW

SHOTShow2011-21_zps40389a7b.jpg



On another note, my gunsmith called, my SHILEN barrel blank arrived and my M40 project is on his bench.
 
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I've got the nylon one on the M40 stock (discolored, dry, dirty and it smells pretty bad....). I also have a NOS cotton. And I keep forgeting to take some measurements ;). Will do.

 
Measurement, please?

Gents, I need a measurement from an early model 700/M40 bolt shroud. I need either the overall length of the shroud when removed from the bolt, or the distance from where it contacts the rear of the bolt to the end of the shroud. Thanks!!
 
Gents, I need a measurement from an early model 700/M40 bolt shroud. I need either the overall length of the shroud when removed from the bolt, or the distance from where it contacts the rear of the bolt to the end of the shroud. Thanks!!

There's almost every measurement that you could want, on the M40, on this forum, but you'll not find it sitting, conveniently, in one place. The genesis of this topic (and your question) started on Post #509, was elaborated on in Post #709, was pursued in Post #724 and answered in Post #729.

The answer, derived from a Remington SSA model is 0.850 inches. To further confuse you with variations found in these early parts, as Remington transitioned from the M722 (short action) to the early M700, I recently measured the short bolt shroud on a pure 'stock' M722 and it was 0.815 inches.

07/03/2014 CORRECTION: REMEASURED THE M722 BOLT SHROUD AND IT IS 0.823 INCHES

The parts are interchangeable, so, depending on the amount of patience you have, locating and using an original early bolt shroud, resolves the issue completely and let's you sleep at night.

Whatever you saw in Post#1, is like a rough outline. Keep digging- it's pretty much all here... sorta, maybe, because it's still a work in progress.

Good luck!!
 
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Well, crap.... Did Remington ever have a safety recall on those short shrouds? The reason I ask is that I have a seven-digit serial number 700 with the longer, modern bolt shroud. Nothing that can't be solved in ten minutes on a lathe, but I shouldn't HAVE to.
 
Gents, I need a measurement from an early model 700/M40 bolt shroud. I need either the overall length of the shroud when removed from the bolt, or the distance from where it contacts the rear of the bolt to the end of the shroud. Thanks!!

Here you go! Actual pics of my 1966 6-digit Rem 700. Correct for a M40 build. Its 0.823", 21.02mm.



 
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Final questions... mine is on the bench

My M40 project in on the bench, I just finished a short correspondence, with Schuff's and I've a question:

Zinc? or Manganese?

And one more compound question:

The height and width of the individual "7.62 NATO" number/letter stamps and the total length of that stamp, on the M40 Depot refurbished barrels?


Well, maybe not the very last questions.. but the last ones, for now

Thanks!!
 
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That's just great- Another M40 Conundrum!! 0.850" - .0815" and 0.823" Thank goodness my gunsmith has an original, so I won't be torturing myself with this detail.

CORRECTION 07/30/2014: SEE POST #1070_ M722 BOLT SHROUD IS 0.823 INCHES

Here you go! Actual pics of my 1966 6-digit Rem 700. Correct for a M40 build. Its 0.823", 21.02mm.



 
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That got my interest. Measuring from the same way as Mesca I get the the same thing on the SSA .823. Way back I posted .850.
 

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  • m40 ssa bolt shroud.jpg
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the M40 is a 40x. .823"

Remington still produces what they call "40x" through the custom shop. But I think you are referring to 40x as it applies to the Model 700 Varmint during that time. Mesca provided a good measurement. According to Remington the SSA is also a 40x custom shop rifle. I'm often interested in how well Remington, Iron Brigade, and the SSA adhered to the original rifles.

Looserounds blog has a nice write up...

http://looserounds.com/2012/07/11/the-usmc-m40-sniper/
 
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Question(s)... back to the top (or bottom, depending on your format preference)

Please excuse me, but is there an answer to this question that someone can provide or, possibly a link, that someone knows about and can provide, that I can read for myself?

My M40 project in on the bench... and I've a question:

... And one more compound question:

The height and width of the individual "7.62 NATO" number/letter stamps and the total length of that stamp, on the M40 Depot refurbished barrels?


Well, maybe not the very last question.. but the last one, for now

Thanks!!


And, whatever happened to the SLINGS ??
 
Stripped 6-digit action in correct serial number range: Inbound
Bolt: Got it
Short bolt shroud: Have two
Correct trigger: Inbound
Trigger guard and bottom metal: inbound
Remington 722 mount: Inbound
Correct rings: Got them
Correct sling swivels: Got them
Correct stock: More or less. On hand from Numrich, needs some work.
Correct buttplate: Have two
Correct buttplate screws: Have two sets
Barrel: On order from Shilen
Correct Scope: Yeah....right. :(

THE HUNT CONTINUES!!!!
 
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What, NO SLING ?? Then, a full discussion on the 'correct' web sling for the M40, should definitely benefit you... and me. There are others... lurkers... lurkers who want to know also.



Stripped 6-digit action in correct serial number range: Inbound
Bolt: Got it
Short bolt shroud: Have two
Correct trigger: Inbound
Trigger guard and bottom metal: inbound
Remington 722 mount: Inbound
Correct rings: Got them
Correct sling swivels: Got them
Correct stock: More or less. On hand from Numrich, needs some work.
Correct buttplate: Have two
Correct buttplate screws: Have two sets
Barrel: On order from Shilen
Correct Scope: Yeah....right. :(

THE HUNT CONTINUES!!!!
 
Well....that's complicated. I have a couple of web slings that might/should/could fit the bill. But what is correct? I can always fall back on my old standby and personal favorite sling...the 1907. Hard to go wrong with a good quality 1907 National Match sling.
 
There's no debate over the National Match. The leather National Match sling has never gone out of style. The questions arise out of the different apparent lengths of the "Garand" COTTON web sling, which is illustrated in the photo content, in Post #1067. This isn't a new topic. "MescaBug' actually brought-up the topic of 'M40 Slings," way back in Post #682/Page 14 and it's just resurfacing.

I don't know how and/or why there are such obvious length variations in the "Garand" COTTON web slings, some of which are just barely long enough to pass through the swivels, with little adjustment left for shooting or field carry, but I do know that you can spend a fair dollar getting a properly identified DRT "Garand" cotton web sling and find it ill-fitting and barely serviceable (IMO).

We've thoroughly investigated and delved into nearly every element of the M40, with the exception of the slings that were issued with it. Were there different lengths specified and yet all identified as "Garand" slings? As I posted earlier, I do know that a longer cotton web sling was specified and made for the BAR, for use in a 2-Point carry position, but that may not even be relevant to our conversation. It just illustrates, that longer length "Garand" style COTTON web slings were made.

So, that's the long and short of it... literally.

Well....that's complicated. I have a couple of web slings that might/should/could fit the bill. But what is correct? I can always fall back on my old standby and personal favorite sling...the 1907. Hard to go wrong with a good quality 1907 National Match sling.
 
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Gentlemen;

If any of you are looking for the correct, short bolt shroud/plug, Numrich has them listed under the Remington 40X parts. The one I got was dirty, but in very good used condition. It is currently on its second iteration of rusting for a polished, rust-blued finish.

Mossyrock
 
Spent some time working on the 700 Police stock from Numrichs yesterday. Stripped the finish with Citri-Strip and did some rounding of the tip of the forend. I can see I will need to remove quite a bit of material from the forend to match the shape and contour of the M-40 stock. I have an early ADL stock on hand to use to match the profile. All in all, I have to say that I am impressed with this stock so far. If you are looking for the easiest way to get an M-40 stock, this might very well be it. As an added bonus, the buttplate that comes on it is already curved to match the early aluminum model 700 buttplate. The trick will be to find a buttplate large enough to fit the existing profile, or at least be close enough to keep wood removal from the butt end of the stock to a minimum.
 
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Parts Lot To 1-1/4" M40 Front Swivel...

From miscellaneous parts lot find to M40 front swivel with machined post:

Found In Parts Lot
40_a_zps72d28ed1.jpg


Select 1-1/4 Inch Swivel from Unused 513T Swivel or Substitute
IMG_4672_zps31d472df.jpg


** Use Piece of 1" X 4" with Hole Drilled to Accept Wood Threads **

Drift Pin Out Flat - Screw Swivel Into Pine Board - Rotate (Lever) Swivel (Don't Lift) To Side With Screwdriver - Remove Swivel
IMG_4675_zps3c927e56.jpg


Machine Threaded Swivel With Socket and Pin View
IMG_4673_zps9487c621.jpg


IMG_4674_zpsd4ed555f.jpg


** Thread Machine Threaded Post Into Wood 1" X 4" **
*** Hold Swivel Vertical and Lever Swivel End "UP" Into Socket In Post ***
**** Center Swivel - Push Pin In Partially By Hand - Un thread From Wood Block and Drive Into Place ****

Finished
ProjectM40_SwivelSet_zpsb4f14ed8.jpg
 
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Last Parts Group To Master Gunsmith...

ProjectM40_Parts_zpsb1c529a6.jpg


What NO SLING ??

I've got a new 1952 MRT web sling, but I'm sitting on it pending further discussion...
 
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Garand cotton web slings for the M40... ??

For sake of discussion, my 1952 Garand MRT marked sling, measured with a cloth tape, from the end of the metal tip to the wrap over the steel ring is 44 inches in total length.

Seems on the short side... perhaps the slings with some nylon, in them, are a better fit and the proper sling for the M40.

What's the length of the web sling for the M14 and what is it made of??

Come to think of it, what is the distance, in inches, between the sling swivels on the M40? I'm thinking that double that measurement and we'll have the proper length (using photos as a reference.)
 
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The M14 forum may be useful


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk
 
Just felt like sharing, some of you guys may have already seen my m40 build.
Started of with a Rem700 SPS Varmint in 308. I purchased a Redfield 3-9x commemorative version, an m40 stock from gunville.com and some temporary leupold rings and base (closely resemble the badger ordnance redfield reps) I also took the rifle to my local smith for some stock work and bedding. I also threw a timney trigger tuned at 2lb. I may cut the barrel down but as for now it sits at 26''....I also plan on ordering a metal trigger guard. Here are some pics

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/Quagmire817/media/image-1.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b51/Quagmire817/image-1.jpeg" border="0" alt=" photo image-1.jpeg"/></a>
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/Quagmire817/media/image3.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b51/Quagmire817/image3.jpeg" border="0" alt=" photo image3.jpeg"/></a>
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/Quagmire817/media/image2.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b51/Quagmire817/image2.jpeg" border="0" alt=" photo image2.jpeg"/></a>
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/Quagmire817/media/564.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b51/Quagmire817/564.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 564.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/Quagmire817/media/image2-2.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b51/Quagmire817/image2-2.jpeg" border="0" alt=" photo image2-2.jpeg"/></a>
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/user/Quagmire817/media/photo2-15.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b51/Quagmire817/photo2-15.jpg" border="0" alt="m40 grouping photo photo2-15.jpg"/></a>

Need to work on a load for her to bring that group in but as of right now its not bad for factory 168gr match ammo
 
Culpeper,

You've got a Remington Sniper Scout Association/SSA M40 Commemorative Rifle.

When you've got a chance, would you kindly share, with us, what the measurement is between the sling swivels, on your rifle??

Thanks...

The M14 forum? - I'll check it out, see what I can find on this topic and report back.

The M14 forum may be useful


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk
 
Culpeper,

You've got a Remington Sniper Scout Association/SSA M40 Commemorative Rifle.

When you've got a chance, would you kindly share, with us, what the measurement is between the sling swivels, on your rifle??

Thanks...

The M14 forum? - I'll check it out, see what I can find on this topic and report back.

The distance between sling swivels on the rifle is 26.0 inches.

The nylon GI web sling that came with it is 51.0 inches long. It is of the M1/M14/M1A design.
 
Received an e-mail from Shilen today. My barrel is inbound. That is pretty much the last piece to the puzzle. Once it arrives, I will send the barrel, action, and stripped bolt to Longrifles, Inc to let them do their part, then I will get the barreled action Parkerized and put it together. Other than having Tokiwartooth refinish and clean up my scope, I should be getting close.
 
Okay everybody, I know this has been addressed somewhere in this monstrosity of a thread but I'm ready to get my receiver stamped with the U.S.. Can anyone point out the page or pages where this discussion starts please? I'm interested in the font size and any tips to stamping the receiver such as if it can be done "at home" or does it have to be stamped in with machines? I know all the basics of stamping, just not a receiver. Aren't 700 receivers a Rockwell C around low to mid 40's hardness? If this hasn't been discussed anywhere could we open the discussion?
Thanks to all.
 
Essentially starts on Pg. 18__Post No.'s 895 and 896. Questions, yes. Details, no. These are really some of the very last details, on the M40, to be defined.

Okay everybody, I know this has been addressed somewhere in this monstrosity of a thread but I'm ready to get my receiver stamped with the U.S.. Can anyone point out the page or pages where this discussion starts please? I'm interested in the font size and any tips to stamping the receiver such as if it can be done "at home" or does it have to be stamped in with machines? I know all the basics of stamping, just not a receiver. Aren't 700 receivers a Rockwell C around low to mid 40's hardness? If this hasn't been discussed anywhere could we open the discussion?
Thanks to all.
 
You can approximate the lettering size from those pictures. Compared it to the serial number. The markings on the SSA Commemorative looks different from the original.

Markings are either punch or roll-stamp. Either way, done my machines. I strongly suggest laser engraving. They can create a precise vector file from a picture, so no guessing about the font and size. You wouldnt believe what laser can do these days. No heat, cool to the touch right after.

If you try to punch-mark the stamp, it will show. No matter how good you are. Take a look at milsurp rifles that are punch stamp by hand. Easy to tell.

The font is probably Sans Serif. Generic font without 'serifs' or projection at the end of the strokes. Common font, all computer system are capable of reading it.





 
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Essentially starts on Pg. 18__Post No.'s 895 and 896. Questions, yes. Details, no. These are really some of the very last details, on the M40, to be defined.

Wow....not only was that post only 3 months ago, but it was mine. Man is sucks getting old!!! Okay, I'll try and find a machine shop sensitive to rifles. Problem is (here in Kentucky) all the gunsmiths I've contacted are either scared to try or try and B.S. me by saying it's illegal to stamp U.S. on something. Guess next time they say that, I'll tell them my name is "Ulysses Smith".

Thanks to all and look forward to showing my clone to everyone once it's finished.