page_title: M40 rifle
section_title: M40A6/A7
hierarchical_section_title: M40 rifle / Variants / M40A6/A7
caption_attribution_description: A U.S. Marine prepares his weapon to fire at a range during the European Best Sniper Squad Competition at the 7th Army Training Commandâs, Grafenwoehr training area, Bavaria, Germany, Oct. 23, 2016. The European Best Sniper Squad Competition is an Army Europe competition challenging militaries from across Europe to compete and enhance teamwork with Allies and partner nations. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Emily Houdershieldt)
context_page_description: The M40 rifle is a bolt-action sniper rifle used by the United States Marine Corps. It has had four variants: the M40, M40A1, M40A3, and M40A5. The M40 was introduced in 1966. The changeover to the A1 model was completed in the 1970s, the A3 in the 2000s, and the A5 in 2009.
  Each M40 is built from a Remington 700 bolt-action rifle, and is modified by USMC armorers at Marine Corps Base Quantico, using components from a number of suppliers. New M40A5s are being built, and A1s are upgraded to A3s and A5s as they rotate into the armory for service and repair. The rifles have had many sub-variations in telescopic sights, and smaller user modifications. The M40A5 incorporates a detachable magazine and a threaded barrel to allow for the use of a sound suppressor or other muzzle device.
  The original M40 was a military type-classified version of the Remington 700; it was factory-made, and had a one-piece wooden stock. The M40A1 and A3 switched to fiberglass stocks made by McMillan, with new scopes. The trigger pull on both models is 3 to 5 lb.
  The Marine Corps plans to replace the M40 with the Mk 13 Mod 7.
context_section_description: On 25 July 2013, the Marine Corps released a solicitation for the M40 Modular Stock Program.  Upgraded features are to include a folding stock, compatible with current M40 actions and barrels, to make the rifle more compact for transportation inside confined spaces like vehicles and a full-length rail to accommodate optics and accessories; the M40A5 has only a few inches of rail space beyond the scope for a night vision optic, so extending the rail length would allow more accessories to be attached, enabling snipers to put rounds on target under any conditions.  Deliveries were to begin three months after the contract being awarded, with 1,100 stocks to be purchased to upgrade the entire M40A5 inventory.  The resulting weapon from the program was originally to be re-designated the M40A6. Remington was awarded the contract in November 2014. The final product will be designated the M40A7 and was planned to be fielded by 2017. The M40A6 began fielding with Marine Corps in June 2016.
  Marine scout snipers had pressed for the acquisition of a longer-range sniper rifle to extend engagement capability.  While the M40A5 can hit targets out to 1,000 meters, they considered the Mk 21 Precision Sniper Rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum used by US SOCOM that has an effective range of 1,600 meters.  Although the Mk 21 has greater range, Marine officials are continuing with upgrading the M40A-series and keeping the 7.62 NATO round, primarily due to the higher cost of larger rounds and scout sniper training that can achieve kills beyond the weapon's effective range.
caption: M40A6
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