M40 range report

[M40A5]

Our M40 clone is finally done and it's about time we go out and shoot it. First, how does it look?









Pretty good if you ask me. The scope would look better in green though.

[M40A5]

OK. So how does it shoot?

Two five shot groups for the day since it took a while to zero. More on that later.





Both groups have the same characteristics. (Never mind those 5.56 mm holes.) There's a pretty decent three shot group with two fliers that have about the same elevation. This may be from me jerking the trigger every so often. I definitely need to get out to the range again and try some more.

[M40A5]

Remember that 200 - 600 yards range finder? Well, it's gone now.



One of the reasons it took so long to zero is because the elevation on the scope was set way too high. To finally get a 100 meter zero, the elevation screw had to be turned all the way down. From what I've read, that was the intention to get the maximum elevation out of these scopes.


This rifle is like an original 60's era muscle car. It looks good but can be a bit temperamental. However, if you know how to keep it running and drive it well, it is certainly capable of hanging with just about anything made today.

[pmclaine]

That rifle is awesome love the red oxidation in the walnut.

How much of what I criticize today is based on the fact tech has brought us to a point that we expect incredible performance from gear and subconsciously hold vintage to that standard?

How much of what I expect is based on seeing too many cherry picked groups posted on the net and when I cant get that I start to ask "Where did I go wrong? Why isn't my expensive gear performing?" When I get a group worthy of cherry picking I think I got lucky, while others think it defines their skills and is the norm for their rifle performance.

Those groups are better than most guys with expensive new tech gear shoot at my club.

How many rounds did you fire? The action is still probably setting to the stock. Retourqe to your spec and see if it pulls in he flyers.

Makes me want to shoot my 40, Its been awhile, its coming to work with me tomorrow.

[pmclaine]

Thats frustrating glad you got it on paper in the end.

Reset your actions screws and see if the action stock settled. My guns, Garands especially, usually shoot screwy after being out of stock for 20-30 rounds.

Where do you guys get your M118LR? Im going to have to give some a try one of the days.

[M40A5]

Palmetto State Armory had a special on XM118LR a while back.

[steveu]

Try torqueing the action screws to 30 to 35 inch pounds

[SemperFi]

Looks really nice! But what happened to the tombstone?

[M40A5]

The recoil must have been too much for it. It only took a couple of rounds before it went missing.

[kft101]

Definitely sweet! Especially the classic wood stock.

Questions: Did you get her bedded? Is the barrel free-floating?

[M40A5]

We were able to keep the original Bisonite bedding that was on the stock. The recoil lug and bottom metal needed to be relieved somewhat but that's it. The barrel is not free floating. There is some contact on the right hand side of the tip of the forend.

[steveu]

You have to get the barrel free floated to get good groups. A dowel rod and some sand paper will do the trick. Sand off just enough to get a folded dollar bill to slide down the barrel without touching the stock.

[Capthook73]

Sick looking rifle. How do you plan on fixing the tombstone? Just curious.

[M40A5]

Definitely. This scope needs to be green anodized one of these days. That will be a good time to fix the tombstone too.

[MescaBug]

You can unscrew the eyepiece lock ring, then unscrew/remove the eyepiece. You will have direct access to the reticle. If you're lucky, the tombstone will be right there. If it hasnt gone down the tube...

[Timothy H. Clay]

I loved watching you guys shoot yesterday. Damned fine shooting. Thanks for the shirt..........The Old Guy.

[SemperFi]

The barrel is not free floating. There is some contact on the right hand side of the tip of the forend.

I would think that is an extremely likely cause of your 10 o'clock-4 o'clock strung out patterns.

[MescaBug]

Rifle looks awesome! Nice work and good shooting