Custom Remington 40-X Target Model (1st Year) with Bausch & Lomb Scope, Blue 28” Single Shot, Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,516
LSB#: 160421TK18
Make: Remington
Model: Custom 40-X Target Rifle
Serial Number: 0422
Year of Manufacture: The date code “B” represents dates of 1955 and 1981, which did not fit any of the established DOM ranges in the Blue Book; we called Remington and their archives suggested that this is a 1956 made 40-X Target, which was the first year of production.
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Shot, Bolt Action Rifle.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “O B 6” with an inspection mark, the right has two inspection marks. The left side of the receiver is marked “22 LONG RIFLE / 0422 / Remington / MODEL 40-X”. The scope is marked “BAUSCH & LOMB OPT. CO. / ROCHESTER N.Y. U.S.A. / U.S. PAT. 2,716,275 / YU1556 / BAL VAR 24”.
Barrel Length: 28”, with 0.869” muzzle diameter.
Sights / Optics: The barrel has a steel sight base that is 1.04” long and 0.486” wide, the front of the receiver has a 1.23” long, 0.486” wide steel sight base secured in its drilled and tapped locations. The barrel has a second sight base which is dovetail secured, with a rear location on the rear of the drilled and tapped receiver, these bases are holding a Bausch & Lomb Bal Var 24 scope, which has variable zoom from 6 to 24 power, presenting a reticle which tapers from thick to fine crosshairs. The body of the scope shows only a few light marks, with no major damages. The forward rings allow focus adjustment, the rear allows zoom and fine eye relief adjustment. The windage and elevation adjustments are found just forward of the zoom ring. The scope image is bright and sharp, however there appears to be dust on some of the inner lenses; the outer objectives have wispy scuff marks. The scope rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The oversized walnut target stock features a 5 3/8” long accessory plate with 3 ¾” of usable mounting room; there is a threaded nut inside of the rail for the addition of hand stops or other Benchrest gear (not included. The underside, at the forward receiver bolt, has a diamond-shaped metal bracket, the pistol grip is crescent, coming to a flared palm swell and right side ergonomic swell. The beavertail forend has a slight taper, increasing towards the tip. The butt has a two piece construction; the comb is finely fit to the stock and presents an over-comb Monte Carlo profile with a large left side cheek piece. The stock shows scattered light handling marks with some moderate depth marks on and around the accessory plate as well as the right flank of the butt portion, please see our full picture set. The upper right and left flanks of the comb have notable scuffs, there are no chip losses or cracks on the stock. The LOP measures 13 ¾” from the front of the trigger to the back of the metal butt plate; the plate has a dovetailed butt which is vertically adjustable, presenting a grooved rear face. The plate and its spacers show light scuffs, rating in Fine Plus condition. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharply defined. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some scratch marks on the flanks of the barrel, thinning at the muzzle and a few areas of wear on the receiver, apparently from where a left-side receiver mounted aperture sight was once installed (not included); this area has two drilled and tapped holes, its screws are missing. The serrated trigger’s grooves have some built oxidation. The butt plate’s hex screw head is distressed, the balance of the screw heads are only lightly tooled and highly serviceable. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The fully adjustable trigger currently breaks at 1lb 3oz, the jeweled bolt glides with fluidity and the ejector flung our snap caps with authority. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a mounted Bausch & Lomb Bal Var 6 to 24 power scope, described in full above in Optics.
Our Assessment: This is a custom Remington model 40-X Target model with a heavy profile 28” barrel, mounted with a Bausch & Lomb Bal Var 24 scope which features a tapered reticle and 6 to 24 power zoom. The outer objectives have a few wispy scuffs but the internal lenses have some spots of dust; the image is bright and crisp. The metal retains about 93% of its finish with a few shallow scratch marks on the barrel and some wear on the receiver from a previous rear aperture mount (not included). The oversized target stock has an accessory plate, crescent pistol grip and large over sized Monte Carlo comb and left side cheek piece; the stock has but a few light to moderate depth handling marks with no chip losses or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. The “B” date code did not correspond with any established DOM ranges in the Blue Book so we called Remington and they said that according to the serial number, the rifle was made in 1956, placing it as a first year of production 40-X Target. The fully adjustable trigger currently breaks at 1lb 3oz, the jeweled bolt glides with fluidity, producing solid lockup in battery and a strong ejector. In all, this is a very nice Benchrest target rifle that will sit well in any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck.
