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SHOT Show 2011: Chuck Mawhinney Reproduction M40 Sniper Rifle
Chuck Mawhinney is a USMC Scout-Sniper (ret) credited with 103 confirmed kills in Vietnam. Now, he's teamed up with the USMC Scout Sniper Association, Remington, Leupold and Riflecraft Ltd. to produce 103 of these historically-accurate rifles.
Now there's a sight for sore eyes, I thought, as I waded through a sea of black guns in the Law Enforcement section of SHOT Show 2011 to get to the little bolt action.
Sitting there, in a quiet corner of the Daniel Defense booth, was a single wood-stocked rifle. The green-webbed sling and heavy barrel gave it away from a distance. Yes indeed, someone was making a reproduction M40 Sniper rifle.
It turned out to be the project of USMC Vietnam Veteran Scout-Sniper Chuck Mawhinney, who is credited with 103 confirmed kills (216 probables) during his 13-month tour in Vietnam. Now, he's teamed up with the USMC Scout Sniper Association, Remington, Leupold and Riflecraft Ltd. to produce 103 of these historically-accurate rifles.
Just 103 made. $5000 each. Plus $50 shipping.
Now, you might remember how back in 2004 Remington produced 1,500 special M40 commemorative rifles.
Problem was, however, there was not a historically accurate scope available at the time to compliment that run. The Chuck Mawhinney project kicked off two years later, in 2006, when Leupold & Stevens acquired Redfield. Armed with an annodized-green 3-9 X 40 Redfield-marked optic, the rifle could now be brought back to life with a scope that was very close to the original.
There is much attention to detail in the rifle, including correct scope mounts modeled after those originally produced by Badger Ordnance. Working with Andrew Evans-Hendrick of the UK-based Riflecraft Ltd., Mawhinney teamed up with former Special Forces sniper Mike Haugen, who now works for Remington.
Each gun is shot by Mawhinney, who ensures it shoots a neat little cluster using 175-grainers. Those proof cards are included with the gun. The rest is history.
The rifle's crown is not recessed, which matches the originals. The stock is not checkered, either; also correct.
The bolt-side of the receiver is etched with Chuck's initials and the number 8541, which is the marine designation number for scout-snipers.
Specs
Remington Model 700
Caliber: .308 Winchester (7.62 Nato round)
Barrel Length: 24″ Black Matte, Pillar bedded, free floating barrell and correct length TG screws (G.A. Precision)
Stock: Walnut
Butt Plate: Aluminum
Floor Plate: Engraved aluminum (w/ Chuck's signature) and numbered 1 – 103
Scope: 3-9 x 40 Redfield Annodized Green (Leupold)
Mounts: Replica Redfield (Badger Ordnance)
Sling: Green
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