U.S. Remington Model 40-XB CMP .22LR Bolt Action SIngle Shot Rifle C&R 1964
SOLD FOR: $1,400.00
LSB#: WY240914RR003
Make: Remington
Model: U.S. Property 40-X
Serial Number: 22072B
Year of Manufacture: 1964 (PL Date Code)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Bolt Action Single Shot Rifle
Markings: The barrel shank is marked “WPLK” and with proof & inspection marks. The left side of the chamber ring is marked “U.S. / .22 LONG RIFLE / 22072B”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Remington / MODEL 40-X”. The bolt is hand inscribed “22072”. The recoil pad markings include “WHITE LINE” and “MERSHON CO.”.
Barrel Length: 28” Round
Sights / Optics: The barrel has three sight blocks on the barrel. The front sight block has a Redfield Olympic Model with a sight insert card that still has 5 sights attached to the card and 6 loose in the bag. The top of the receiver has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes at the front and a male dovetail base at the rear. The left side of the receiver has a Redfield PALMA aperture sight mounted.
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. The top front of the comb is relieved for clearance of the bolt. The front edges of the forearm are drilled for 2 screws which are part of the adjustable barrel bedding system. The screws bear against the free floating barrel. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad has hardened. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition for a C&R.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In the opinion of the writer the bore rates 9.5/10 for a C&R.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes and scratches . There is some standard operational and handling wear. The screwheads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition for a C&R.
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 a CMP certificate of authenticity, sight inserts, open bolt indicator. Please see our photos as to the condition of these items.
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 theater of war instead of training use. This is an early 40-XB built in 1964 for just that purpose. The 40-x was introduced in 1955 and military procurement started just after its introduction. The 40-x was shipped with quite a few variations in the markings, this one has “U.S.” markings, s and others have none. 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!-C.M.
