This is what I understand from reference sources that are considered reliable, and period photographs and video seem to bear it out: What I would call the 'later production type' would be the 8.5-MOA windage knob that replaced the 4.5-MOA knobs later on (maybe done during the USO refurbs). The five prototypes did NOT have football cut windage knobs.įurthermore, when I said 'early production type (knob)', I was refering to the regular, finger-grooved 4.5-MOA windage knob. When I said 'original', I meant original to that scope (#1015), which would have had the 'football cut' (good description) windage knob when first made. But if I had, I'd sure want to know ahead of time if one was going to be coming up in better shape than this one before buying. It's hard to tell from the photo, but it may even still have the original reticle with the round 1/2MOA dots. The original windage knob was changed out to the early production type, as all the first batch were as far as I know. Born 21 March 1980, very first contract run, 15th made (including the five prototypes). Other than the windage knob, this one appears to be all original. I saw one sell at auction for $8100 seven years ago, howbeit in much better shape, but almost certainly illegally obtained. Though that might change if more of these are sold. As far as legal ownership by civilians goes, even the ultra-rare B-model (10X Sniper) is not as rare as the Marine Corps model. It's rarity and history will bring the big bucks, not to mention the legal and clear title. He isn't just buying a scope, he'll be buying a real piece of Marine Corps sniping history, and the only part of the M40A1 that is unique to it and has been virtually (legally speaking) unobtainable. Whoever gets this will not have to be looking over his shoulder, or squirreling it away in some dark closet. Other than a few being presented to VIPs I have never heard of any sold legally on the open market until now. Hey, if I had known in 1981 when I fell in love with Marine Corps sniping and the M40A1 that they would ever be legally sold on the civilian market, I would have gladly donated ten bucks a week to the piggy bank.

Repairing a unertl 10x scope