M40A1
Remington Arms · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1977
Also known as: M40 A1, M40 rifle
Overview
The M40A1 is the second generation of the USMC's M40 sniper rifle series, adopted in 1977 as a comprehensive rebuild of the original M40. Based on the Remington Model 700 bolt-action receiver, the M40A1 replaced the original wooden stock with a McMillan A1 fiberglass stock finished in green and earthtone red camouflage, and swapped the Redfield variable-power scope for a fixed 10x Unertl target scope. The 24-inch Atkinson barrel was replaced with a heavier 24-inch stainless steel barrel by Atkinson or later Hart, providing improved accuracy and barrel life. Like all M40 variants, each M40A1 was individually hand-built by USMC armorers at the Precision Weapons Section, Marine Corps Base Quantico, rather than factory mass-produced. The M40A1 fed from a 5-round internal box magazine and was capable of sub-MOA accuracy, serving as the USMC's primary sniper rifle for over two decades across multiple conflicts.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6580 g (232.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 7200 g (254.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1118 mm (44.02") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 27 N (6.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 777 m/s (2549 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2867 J (2115 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 915 m (1001 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3725 m (4074 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Fiberglass |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Safety
- Features: Free Floating Barrel, Heavy Barrel, Fiberglass Stock, Aluminum Bedding Block
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 1977
Conflicts
- Lebanese Civil War (US Intervention) (1982-1984)
- Invasion of Grenada (1983-1983)
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
- Somalia (UNOSOM II) (1992-1994)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1977-2001
Each M40A1 was individually hand-built at Marine Corps Base Quantico by USMC armorers. The original M40 order comprised 995 Remington Model 700 rifles, most of which were rebuilt into M40A1 configuration. Exact M40A1 production numbers not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 2001
Notes
The M40A1 conversion program began in the early-to-mid 1970s at Quantico, where armorers rebuilt existing M40 rifles with new components. The 10x Unertl scope became the iconic optic of USMC snipers for decades. The stainless steel barrel provided better corrosion resistance and accuracy over the original chrome-moly barrel. The M40A1 served from 1977 until it was replaced by the M40A3 beginning in 2001. In June 2006, one of the two initial M40A1 prototypes was recovered when an Iraqi sniper was killed by a USMC sniper, revealing that the rifle had been captured and was being used against Coalition forces. The total weight of 14.5 lbs (6.58 kg) includes the Unertl scope.
Background
The M40A1 served as the USMC's standard sniper rifle for over two decades and became synonymous with Marine Corps scouting and sniping. Carlos Hathcock, the legendary USMC sniper with 93 confirmed kills in Vietnam, used the original M40 and was instrumental in the development program that led to the M40A1. The rifle's iconic combination of the Remington 700 action, McMillan fiberglass stock, and Unertl 10x scope defined what a military sniper rifle looked like for a generation.