When did Remington first offer their 40X rifles with stainless actions?
Well for sure there was never a 40X long action and the receivers were pulled from the 700SA lina and were no different. I would also like to know the source that was used talking about a SS 40x.Here’s an article by Beau ? I dont Know enough to verify.
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The Remington 40-X Rifle - Sniper Country
Over time, the Remington 40X models evolved into providing long-range, Varmint, and benchrest shooting and military sniping. The original 40-XBBWs came with heavier 26” barrels...www.snipercountry.com
“In the early 1960s, the first series of 40-X rifles were made with carbon-steel receivers and chromoly barrels. Then, by 1965, the barrels were manufactured using stainless steel and years later, only the 40-XB Match/Varmint rifles were modified to include stainless steel receivers (not the benchrest rifles). Note the 40-X series are made on the short action only and never a long action for the 40-X.”
And this mentions stainless barrel in 1965
Rem 40XL: .30-06 Long Action
6mmBR.com is the best guide for 6mm BR Benchrest precision shooting, complete with 6BR FAQ, Reloading Data, Shooter Message Boards, Reader Polls, and Photo Gallery. Match event calendar and rifle competition accuracy training tips. Equipment reviews (.243 bullets, 30BR cartridge, 6mm Norma...www.6mmbr.com
“Rem 700 Action Replaces 722 Action for 40X Series Rifles
A major change took place in 1965, when the Rem 722-style action on the 40X was replaced by a Rem 700 action, and the 40X was officially renamed the "40-XB". At this time, stainless barrels were offered as an option, and Remington introduced a mag-fed, centerfire repeater for National Match shooters. (Interestingly, though 40-XB repeaters were made in many calibers, only the .308 receivers were factory-slotted for clips.) A wide variety of centerfire chamberings were offered from 1965 through 1975 when the 40-XB was officially replaced by the 40-XR, only to be re-introduced in 1985. The rimfire model 40-XB continued as single-shot only until 1970 when Remington added the 40-XB Sporting Rifle, a deluxe mag-fed repeater with Monte Carlo stock.”
Yep, Remington never made a long action 40 X. The article by German Salazar making what he called a 40XL, a long action 40X.Well for sure there was never a 40X long action and the receivers were pulled from the 700SA lina and were no different. I would also like to know the source that was used talking about a SS 40x.
When ever you get some documented info I would like to see it. I'll call Jimmy Stekl next week and see what he has to say. He would probably have more accurate info than most anybody.Yep, Remington never made a long action 40 X. The article by German Salazar making what he called a 40XL, a long action 40X.
What and how 40X actions were made has been discussed on multiple forums; in the article from 6mmbr - Accurate Shooter - no author mentioned states this:
“Are 40X Actions Superior to Other Rem Actions?
Is it safe to assume that 40X/40-XB actions are "better" than regular Rem 700 actions? Paul Coburn has written: "The receivers use the same barrel threads and same dimensions as the standard actions, BUT the 40-X series receivers are NOT taken from the standard production line and 'trued'; they are made (and serial numbered) in a different facility. The actions are NOT 'blue printed'. They are simply made true and square to spec, from the start. All the 40-X rifles I've owned had both lugs mated, all screw holes were true and in line, and they were impeccable."
On the stainless 40x actions, I only found the articles in my previous post and others that suggest the first stainless barrels on the 40x showed up about 1965. Stainless 40x actions seem to have appeared “some years later”, probably late 1980’s or early 1990’s. I have one from the early 90’s.
Here’s a source that might have more information:
“Roy Marcott's History of Remington Firearms. Marcott offers a definitive list of all the 40X models and chamberings, along with a production chronology.”
I personnally prefer CM, but folks go google eyed over SS.I came across a repeater 40X that I am going to purchase for a what I think is a fair price. The action is Ceracoated, but it appears to be stainless underneath where the Ceracoat came off. It has all of the cuts that a normal 308 repeater had, slotted and cut at the top and rear right side of the ejection port, but just not sure if it is stainless, serial # is in the 55*** range. Something else that it has is the last 4 digits of the serial # is stamped on the inside of the bolt handle as well as the serial # is etched on the bolt body. I had never seen that stamping on the inside of the bolt handle before. Also has a different number stamped on the action, as if a added ID number from possibly a Agency of some sort. The gentleman says that he was told that it was a old Illinois State Police Sniper Rifle at one time. Not verified.
I also seen a pic of a 40X serial # in the 57*** range that was listed as being built in 1991. I have seen the newer 40X marked actions that are stainless without the cuts that I mentioned. I would prefer chrome moly, but stainless is not a deal breaker. Interesting, but I am going to purchase it.
Butch, I remember an article in Precision Shooting where Mike Walker stated the 40X series actions were either ground or precision turned for roundness to help with the bedding situation....not sure if this was just the 40XB-BR's or if it applied (at that time) to all the 40X series? I'll see if I can dig it up.Wh
When ever you get some documented info I would like to see it. I'll call Jimmy Stekl next week and see what he has to say. He would probably have more accurate info than most anybody.
I have read that somewhere, maybe on John Lacy's book.Butch, I remember an article in Precision Shooting where Mike Walker stated the 40X series actions were either ground or precision turned for roundness to help with the bedding situation....not sure if this was just the 40XB-BR's or if it applied (at that time) to all the 40X series? I'll see if I can dig it up.
Good shootin'. -Al
40X resale is better, not sure of any advantage over a 700.I guess I will know for sure after I get it and get the old finish off of it. It still is a 40X, so I will be happy.
My factory 6mm Rem is clip slotted (40xb).Here’s an article by Beau ? I dont Know enough to verify.
![]()
The Remington 40-X Rifle - Sniper Country
Over time, the Remington 40X models evolved into providing long-range, Varmint, and benchrest shooting and military sniping. The original 40-XBBWs came with heavier 26” barrels...www.snipercountry.com
“In the early 1960s, the first series of 40-X rifles were made with carbon-steel receivers and chromoly barrels. Then, by 1965, the barrels were manufactured using stainless steel and years later, only the 40-XB Match/Varmint rifles were modified to include stainless steel receivers (not the benchrest rifles). Note the 40-X series are made on the short action only and never a long action for the 40-X.”
And this mentions stainless barrel in 1965
Rem 40XL: .30-06 Long Action
6mmBR.com is the best guide for 6mm BR Benchrest precision shooting, complete with 6BR FAQ, Reloading Data, Shooter Message Boards, Reader Polls, and Photo Gallery. Match event calendar and rifle competition accuracy training tips. Equipment reviews (.243 bullets, 30BR cartridge, 6mm Norma...www.6mmbr.com
“Rem 700 Action Replaces 722 Action for 40X Series Rifles
A major change took place in 1965, when the Rem 722-style action on the 40X was replaced by a Rem 700 action, and the 40X was officially renamed the "40-XB". At this time, stainless barrels were offered as an option, and Remington introduced a mag-fed, centerfire repeater for National Match shooters. (Interestingly, though 40-XB repeaters were made in many calibers, only the .308 receivers were factory-slotted for clips.) A wide variety of centerfire chamberings were offered from 1965 through 1975 when the 40-XB was officially replaced by the 40-XR, only to be re-introduced in 1985. The rimfire model 40-XB continued as single-shot only until 1970 when Remington added the 40-XB Sporting Rifle, a deluxe mag-fed repeater with Monte Carlo stock.”
Well.....over the years, I have seen some pretty crappy 700s. Never seen a 40X with any issues.40X resale is better, not sure of any advantage over a 700.
It’s been suggested I contact Mr. Stekl regarding an XP 100 project I’m attempting to sort out.Wh
When ever you get some documented info I would like to see it. I'll call Jimmy Stekl next week and see what he has to say. He would probably have more accurate info than most anybody.