Remington Model 40-X Rangemaster Target, 3 Digit 1st Year + Redfield 20x Scope, Blue Heavy 28 Single Shot, Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1955-56 C&R

Sold For: $1,434.00

LSB#: 170218JD02

Make: Remington

Model: 40-X

Serial Number: 0821

Year of Manufacture: The “WB” date code indicates a barrel production date of August 1955, the 40-X (according to the Blue Book of Gun Values) was not manufactured until 1956, it is possible the barrel was made a half year or so before the receiver was. If you have any serial range information please feel free to share it for accuracy of this listing.

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (Standard Velocity)

Action Type: Single Shot, Bolt Action Rimfire Rifle

Markings: The left of the barrel has an inspection mark and “WB / 27”, the right has two inspection marks and “M” in triangle. The left of the receiver is marked “22 LONG RIFLE / 0821 / Remington / MODEL 40-X”.

Barrel Length: 28”, measuring 0.869″ at the muzzle, which has a flat crown and 1/8″ recess.

Sights / Optics: The front of the barrel at the muzzle has two screw-filled holes. Two other tapped holes are holding a Redfield-style base, holding the forward scope ring, the aft ring is mounted with a base that extends over the ejection port. The rings are holding a 23 3/8″ Redfield 20x scope, serial number T00526, made sometime in the 1960’s. The rear objective is a tad cloudy, the front objective is bright, the medium width crosshair is strait and the image is clear, the front has a focus adjustment ring. The body of the scope has a few spots of light oxidation and scuffing; some of the knurling is matted, the scope is in Very Good Plus to Fine condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle has an oversized high burl walnut target stock, which has its own bedding system (A first for commercially manufactured rifles!) and adjustment screws at the front tips of the forend. The underside has a 3 3/4″ accessory plate, the forend has a beavertail profile, the semi-pistol grip produces a fluted comb. The underside of the forend has two small holes drilled, please see our pictures. The stock has several scrapes and gouges, pressure marks are seen around the forend, on the belly and flanks of the butt, no major damages are seen. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the black aftermarket White Line recoil pad; the pad is set with a black and white spacer, the items have heavy scrapes and rubbing, the pad is no longer supple and shows surface cracks; it rates in Fair to Good condition. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The floorplate and trigger guard have a shift to patina with light frosting. The other surfaces have only a few minor handling scuffs. The screw heads are highly serviceable. The markings are partially struck in some areas but are fully legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger breaks around 8oz without any noted take up, the bolt glides with fluidity. 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: The rifle comes with a vintage 1960’s Redfield 20x scope, described in Optics.

Our Assessment: The Remington 40x was introduced in 1956, however this one, with serial number 0821 has a barrel code for 1955, we see it possible that the barrel was made just a few months before the introduction of the model. Whatever the case, the stock’s beautiful grain, high retention of blue finish, bright, sharp bore and Redfield scope is going to interest MANY bidders from benchrest shooters to recreational hobbyists, though the collectors will probably price it above a normal .22’s price range. The build quality is masterful, the heft, tight tolerances and short trigger pull will produce exceptional groupings; these were the first production rifles to have self bedding stocks. In .22 L.R., ammunition options are readily available and at much lower cost than centerfire weaponry.