Mossberg 640M Chuckster Mannlicher .22 WMR Bolt Action Rifle, 1971-72
SOLD FOR: $1,002.00
LSB#: LSB260218TR010
Make: O.F. Mossberg & Sons Inc.
Model: 640M Chuckster
Serial Number: 408593
Year of Manufacture: 1971 – 1972 / C&R
Caliber: .22 Magnum WMR
Action Type: Bolt Action, Rimfire, Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 18.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed and screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch leaf with an elevator dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is grooved for scopes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The mannlicher stock is a single piece checkered walnut with a capped forend, sling loop, capped semi-pistol grip, raised comb w/ cheek piece, sling loop, and checkered plastic buttplate. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The press checkering is pronounced. The LOP measures 13.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good to Excellent overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One Factory 5rd magazine in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some light stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks throughout. The screw heads are sharp and pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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: This rifle comes with a total of one magazine.
Our Assessment: The Mossberg 640M Chuckster represents a period of American rimfire rifle production when manufacturers focused on accuracy, practicality, and accessible sporting designs. Produced by O.F. Mossberg and Sons in the early 1970s, the Chuckster line was built as a reliable bolt-action platform for small game hunting and target shooting. Chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, a cartridge introduced in 1959 and known for its higher velocity and extended range compared to standard rimfire offerings, the rifle offered improved performance in a compact and lightweight package. The Mannlicher-style full-length stock adds a distinctive European influence to the rifle’s appearance, blending traditional styling with practical function. This example presents in excellent overall condition, retaining approximately 99 percent of its original blued finish with only light handling marks visible. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and minimal fouling, supporting strong performance potential. The Mannlicher-style walnut stock remains in very good to excellent condition, showing light wear with no structural issues and well-defined pressed checkering. The rifle is equipped with a beaded front sight and an adjustable rear sight, maintaining its classic sighting system, while the grooved receiver allows for optional optics mounting. The included factory 5-round magazine completes the rifle’s original configuration.
The 640M Chuckster reflects Mossberg’s approach to producing dependable and accurate rimfire rifles during the mid-20th century. Its combination of a bolt-action system, .22 Magnum chambering, and full-length stock makes it a distinctive example of a practical sporting rifle from the era. With its strong condition and classic styling, it stands as a representative piece of Mossberg’s rimfire lineup and the broader tradition of American sporting arms. -R.E.