Post by O'Dwah on Feb 3, 2008 0:21:14 GMT -5
Fortress M40A3 Replica VSR-10 Stock Review
Real Steel History
Development of the M40A3 began in 1996, and the final product was revealed in 2001. Since then, numerous minor changes have occurred to the platform. It is highly possible that more changes will occur to the platform as it gains operational use in Iraq and Afghanistan. Listed here is the latest configuration known to be used in an M40A3.
Action — The M40 has always been based on the proven Remington 700 Short Action (as opposed to the Long Action in the M24), and this is no different in the M40A3. These actions are all chambered in 7.62 mm NATO and are house tuned by Marine armorers; the trigger guard assembly is manufactured by the DD Ross Company, though several M40A3s use Badger Ordnance trigger guards. In 2007, the Marine Corps began replacing the DD Ross trigger guard assemblies with the M5 detachable magazine trigger guard manufactured by Badger Ordnance.
Barrel — The barrel is a Schneider 610 /24-inch (25-inch), 5-groove, 1:12" match-grade heavy barrel.
Stock — All service M40A3s are based upon the A4 Tactical Riflestock, a high-quality benchrest-style fiberglass riflestock made by McMillan Fiberglass Stocks and cast molded in an OD Green color. The action is glass bedded into the stock with aluminum pillars, while the barrel is allowed to "float" (it is attached only to the action), ensuring maximum accuracy. The stock has adjustable length-of-pull (through a buttstock spacer system) and a Marine manufactured adjustable saddle-type cheekpiece. The stock also has 5 mount flush cups, 2 on each side front and back and 1 on the rear underside. One bipod stud is located on the underside of the forearm.
Sling — The Model 1907 sling that has been historically used on M40A3s has been replaced with the Quick Cuff Model Two sling manufactured by Tactical Intervention Specialists.
Bipod — The M40A3s use a 6-9" Harris notched swivel type bipod with a KMW podlock. The QD bipod attaching screw is replaced with a screw made by Jon Tank of Tanks Rifle Shop.
Dayscope — A modified Schmidt & Bender 3-12 x 50 Police Marksman LP II [4] rifle scope with illuminated reticle will replace the MST-100 Unertl type fixed 10x day scope currently used for the M40A3. The dayscope is mounted with Badger Ordnance Maximum scope rings, with a standard ring in the rear and a wider MAX50-brand ring in front, to allow for the mounting of a Badger Ordnance ring cap (enabling the mounting of SIMRAD KN200 Night Vision Weapon Sight add-on night vision devices). The scope base is a Badger Ordnance 30 minute-of-angle lugged base.
Wikipedia.com(2008)
First Impressions
I opened the box to find a very tightly packed M40A3 stock, with two screws, and a manual. As I took the stock out of the box, I wasn't disappointed. Weighing it at just under five pounds, this is one hefty piece. I shoulder the stock briefly, and the feel was perfect. And I knew I had spent my money well.
The stock is made out of something that really no other replica is made out of. It's not ABS, it's more of polymer type fiberglass, much like the Classic Army G36 series. As I was looking over the stock, I noticed that there is no hollow places on it, at all. Any where that there isn't supposed to be a receiver, or outer barrel, it's solid, all the way through. I found this quite reassuring, as I like to use my rifles as a tool, like it's intended, function over form.
I also noticed that there isn't a place to put a sling swivel, there are though little "dots" if you will, to show you where you would drill some in. I plan on doing this shortly, to place a 6"-9" Harris Bi-Pod.
But like on the real M40A3, there are sling mounts on the side. I have yet, though to been able to track any down for this particular stock.
There does seem to be a seam line that runs the length of the rifle, I for one don't really care about it much. But if you're into minute details, you may want to take that into account. It doesn't look like a "cheap" seam line, if you will. More like a molded one, as you can see in the various pictures.
Assembly
Assembly of the stock, to your existing VSR outer barrel, and receiver is quite easy. It's a pretty simple drop in, and doesn't take any modification at all. As the M40A3 comes with it's own trigger guard, the first thing you have to do is unscrew the existing trigger guard from your VSR trigger assembly. After this you just drop the receiver into the stock, and screw in three screws.
"Three screws," you're asking? "I thought it only come with two?"
The stock does only come with two screws, one Allen wrench type, and one Phillips head type. The third screw you use comes from the old trigger guard. You screw this into the same place as you would on the normal VSR stock.
Also something to notice, is that you must take your original mag release from the original VSR stock, and place it into the new Fortress stock.
Features
Some things you may notice on this stock, are the adjustable cheek rest, and the adjustable butt stock. These features make the stock very customizable to the user.
The rifle also has a textured pistol type grip, as well as textured fore grip. This feels more like it is molded into the stock, so it's finish is the same as the rest of the stock. Making me think it's there mainly for aesthetic reasons.
Another feature that you will notice, is there is a rest for your off hand to be placed. This gives a very sturdy fire position, when in prone.
Conclusion
Overall I would say this rifle is a good investment for anyone wanting to turn their VSR into a M40A3, it's built like a tank, has many great features, and will last for a long time. Some may think the price is a bit high, just for a stock. But those that find there stock VSR light, and "toyish" like, then this stock is a great investment.
Real Steel History
Development of the M40A3 began in 1996, and the final product was revealed in 2001. Since then, numerous minor changes have occurred to the platform. It is highly possible that more changes will occur to the platform as it gains operational use in Iraq and Afghanistan. Listed here is the latest configuration known to be used in an M40A3.
Action — The M40 has always been based on the proven Remington 700 Short Action (as opposed to the Long Action in the M24), and this is no different in the M40A3. These actions are all chambered in 7.62 mm NATO and are house tuned by Marine armorers; the trigger guard assembly is manufactured by the DD Ross Company, though several M40A3s use Badger Ordnance trigger guards. In 2007, the Marine Corps began replacing the DD Ross trigger guard assemblies with the M5 detachable magazine trigger guard manufactured by Badger Ordnance.
Barrel — The barrel is a Schneider 610 /24-inch (25-inch), 5-groove, 1:12" match-grade heavy barrel.
Stock — All service M40A3s are based upon the A4 Tactical Riflestock, a high-quality benchrest-style fiberglass riflestock made by McMillan Fiberglass Stocks and cast molded in an OD Green color. The action is glass bedded into the stock with aluminum pillars, while the barrel is allowed to "float" (it is attached only to the action), ensuring maximum accuracy. The stock has adjustable length-of-pull (through a buttstock spacer system) and a Marine manufactured adjustable saddle-type cheekpiece. The stock also has 5 mount flush cups, 2 on each side front and back and 1 on the rear underside. One bipod stud is located on the underside of the forearm.
Sling — The Model 1907 sling that has been historically used on M40A3s has been replaced with the Quick Cuff Model Two sling manufactured by Tactical Intervention Specialists.
Bipod — The M40A3s use a 6-9" Harris notched swivel type bipod with a KMW podlock. The QD bipod attaching screw is replaced with a screw made by Jon Tank of Tanks Rifle Shop.
Dayscope — A modified Schmidt & Bender 3-12 x 50 Police Marksman LP II [4] rifle scope with illuminated reticle will replace the MST-100 Unertl type fixed 10x day scope currently used for the M40A3. The dayscope is mounted with Badger Ordnance Maximum scope rings, with a standard ring in the rear and a wider MAX50-brand ring in front, to allow for the mounting of a Badger Ordnance ring cap (enabling the mounting of SIMRAD KN200 Night Vision Weapon Sight add-on night vision devices). The scope base is a Badger Ordnance 30 minute-of-angle lugged base.
Wikipedia.com(2008)
First Impressions
I opened the box to find a very tightly packed M40A3 stock, with two screws, and a manual. As I took the stock out of the box, I wasn't disappointed. Weighing it at just under five pounds, this is one hefty piece. I shoulder the stock briefly, and the feel was perfect. And I knew I had spent my money well.
The stock is made out of something that really no other replica is made out of. It's not ABS, it's more of polymer type fiberglass, much like the Classic Army G36 series. As I was looking over the stock, I noticed that there is no hollow places on it, at all. Any where that there isn't supposed to be a receiver, or outer barrel, it's solid, all the way through. I found this quite reassuring, as I like to use my rifles as a tool, like it's intended, function over form.
I also noticed that there isn't a place to put a sling swivel, there are though little "dots" if you will, to show you where you would drill some in. I plan on doing this shortly, to place a 6"-9" Harris Bi-Pod.
But like on the real M40A3, there are sling mounts on the side. I have yet, though to been able to track any down for this particular stock.
There does seem to be a seam line that runs the length of the rifle, I for one don't really care about it much. But if you're into minute details, you may want to take that into account. It doesn't look like a "cheap" seam line, if you will. More like a molded one, as you can see in the various pictures.
Assembly
Assembly of the stock, to your existing VSR outer barrel, and receiver is quite easy. It's a pretty simple drop in, and doesn't take any modification at all. As the M40A3 comes with it's own trigger guard, the first thing you have to do is unscrew the existing trigger guard from your VSR trigger assembly. After this you just drop the receiver into the stock, and screw in three screws.
"Three screws," you're asking? "I thought it only come with two?"
The stock does only come with two screws, one Allen wrench type, and one Phillips head type. The third screw you use comes from the old trigger guard. You screw this into the same place as you would on the normal VSR stock.
Also something to notice, is that you must take your original mag release from the original VSR stock, and place it into the new Fortress stock.
Features
Some things you may notice on this stock, are the adjustable cheek rest, and the adjustable butt stock. These features make the stock very customizable to the user.
The rifle also has a textured pistol type grip, as well as textured fore grip. This feels more like it is molded into the stock, so it's finish is the same as the rest of the stock. Making me think it's there mainly for aesthetic reasons.
Another feature that you will notice, is there is a rest for your off hand to be placed. This gives a very sturdy fire position, when in prone.
Conclusion
Overall I would say this rifle is a good investment for anyone wanting to turn their VSR into a M40A3, it's built like a tank, has many great features, and will last for a long time. Some may think the price is a bit high, just for a stock. But those that find there stock VSR light, and "toyish" like, then this stock is a great investment.
