U.S. Property Remington Model 40-XB Rangemaster 40XB .22 LR Rifle 1964 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1285

LSB#: 210711RW24

Make: Remington

Model: U.S. Property 40-XB Rangemaster

Serial Number: 28713B

Year of Manufacture: 1964 (WL Date Code)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Bolt Action Single Shot Rifle

Markings: The left side of the barrel at the receiver is marked “WLMF”. The left side of the chamber ring is marked “U.S. / .22 LONG RIFLE / 28713B”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Remington / MODEL 40-X”. The right side of the chamber has proof and test marks. The bolt is hand inscribed “25577”.

Barrel Length: 28″

Sights / Optics: There are no iron sights. There is a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes on the barrel at the muzzle and on the chamber ring. The top of the barrel at the rear and top of the receiver at the rear are installed with a pair of male dovetail bases and rings holding a Lyman 438 Field 4x scope. The scope has some scattered thinning, scuffs, little scratches, and spots of oxidation. There are a few little dings and scrapes, most noticeable on the objective lens bell. The scope has a crosshair and the glass is slightly cloudy. The eye relief is very short. The scope rates in about Very Good condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is smooth walnut with a pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and with a serrated rubber Whiteline buttpad. The forend is a beavertail with a flat bottom which has an inlaid rail installed with a hand stop. The top front of the comb is relieved for clearance of the bolt. There are a few compressions plus a few scattered light marks through the finish. The most noticeable marks are on the comb. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 ½” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad has light wear from use. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few little marks through the finish on the bolt at the rear and on the handle. The bolt handle is slightly plum. The barrel has some little scuffs, a few nicks, and a couple of hairline scratches. There is some standard operational wear. The screwheads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the previously described scope.

Our Assessment: Since the beginning of breech-loading service rifles, militaries had been looking for more affordable marksmanship practice. Some of the solutions they devised were light loading regular ammo or converting service rifles to .22, both of these options not being ideal. In WWI a solution was devised, to buy commercial .22 rifles for marksmanship and then use standard service rifles for drills. The idea was a good one, in WWI over 200,000,000 rounds of .22 RF were acquired for training. This freed up supply of .30 cal and also let more service rifles get into the theatre of war instead of training use. This is a later Remington 40-XB Rangemaster built in 1964 for just that purpose. This one has “U.S.” marked above the caliber and serial number, based on the contract there are numerous types of markings encountered. This is a fantastic target shooting rifle and a great opportunity to add a premium trainer to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!