• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

M40A5 Donor Action

kydron

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 8, 2009
615
66
Leander, TX
I'm currently collecting parts for an M40A5 rifle and will likely be using GA Precision for the actual build. I'm looking to validate my assumptions when selecting the donor action.

1) E or G prefix actions are preferred but none of the "correct" serial number ranges are actually available since they were not released to civilians. In that case, any older action with a E or G prefix will work.
2) I found several used, but like new Remington 700 rifles on gunbroker. There are a couple of rifles that I am looking at that have a serial number of 'E665xxxx'. They come with the old Remington J-Lock firing pin assembly. I assume I can replace these with a current production firing pin assembly like this one: https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...ssembly-blue-sa-sku767000916-78765-51713.aspx . Would this be "parts correct" barring the finish? I assume GAP will be refinishing the entire rifle anyways.

Finally, if there's a better way to go about finding an appropriate donor action that hasn't been butchered with I'm all ears.

Thanks.
 
See pic
8D6F2ACE-D1A1-4A5A-B825-6B975A5EF1A0.jpeg
 
The pic shows that E-prefix guns spanned more than just the E676xxxx serial range most quote. Granted, this rifle is an A1, that receiver could have been carried over to an A3, A5 and maybe further.

In my opinion, the E665xxxx the OP mentioned would be "correct" to build from.
 
I know a guy that is selling an A3 with an E6xxxxxx 😉. Couple of mods and you have yourself an A5

 
So the G prefix started in the 6,654,xxx range? My A5 clone is G6,335,xxx... not very close but it will have to do.
 
what's the second digit in your above photo of the M40A1, a 3, or maybe an 8 , so E63...? I cant' quite see it for sure. I have an M40A1 list going

Attached are a couple of E prefixes for your list (circa 2016 pics at Quantico)

As to the original question:
There are a couple of rifles that I am looking at that have a serial number of 'E665xxxx'.
...that serial range falls between the two real M40A1s shown (E637xxxx to E670xxxx), so to me its fine for a replica.
 

Attachments

  • DSC02470.JPG
    DSC02470.JPG
    868.3 KB · Views: 117
  • DSC02468.JPG
    DSC02468.JPG
    475.6 KB · Views: 112
  • DSC02467.JPG
    DSC02467.JPG
    830.9 KB · Views: 100
Last edited:
Thanks for the info everyone. This is very helpful. Does anyone have info regarding the correct firing pin assembly? I am assuming this is a standard Remington part that can be swapped in replacement of an old J-Lock FPA?
 
Thanks for the info everyone. This is very helpful. Does anyone have info regarding the correct firing pin assembly? I am assuming this is a standard Remington part that can be swapped in replacement of an old J-Lock FPA?

Correct, nothing special on the fp assembly.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kydron
Came across a USMC photo showing a M40A5 with a E6378941. Interestingly, it also had the older, large hook Mod 1 stock on it.
1604468159031.png
 

Attachments

  • 1604468152557.png
    1604468152557.png
    3.2 MB · Views: 54