[bravo_sniper]

Hi,

I'm just wondering (curios as I am) why the M40A1 doesn't have bipods?
I mean the M40A3 have got it and about all other SWS in the world.
What was the USMC thinking by not putting bipods on it?!

Bipods is great because it creates a very stable and comfortable shooting platform which is crucial for good observation and to deliver a precise shot. It also makes your profile lower and by that a more concealed position. And when you're out in the field, they're always there, and quickly available.

If you don't have bipods then you must use like a backpack or somekind of bag/shooting platform. And if you only can have your ghillie suit with you and some other little accesorys then you don't have a good, portable shooting platform with you. And if you're going to shot at 1000 yards you need a good shooting platform.

 

[mele]

Well, the sling rings are permanent and there is no way to mount a bi-pod on the M40A1. It is odd, but remember the A1 was designed about 30 years ago, there were no harris bi-pods around, etc. My understanding is that the thought process was to teach competitive shooting positions with the sling, etc. Its great, but it can't beat a good bi-pod if there is not other rest around!

MEL

 

[Jeffvn]

Mel hit the nail on the head. Although the M40A1 was adopted by the USMC during the Vietnam war, it was not fully integrated into the fleet for STA purposes until Late 1977 early 1978 (at least that is when my STA unit got theirs - we still used the 3-9x Redfield acu-range rangefinder scopes when I rotated off Okinawa in Jan 1978) No such thing as a bipod back then, except for the M60 machinegun. Sling positions were the key.

JeffVN

 

[Yimmy]

re

How do these sling positions work then?

 

[Jeffvn]

You put your arm through the sling in either a hasty or fixed sling position and either sit, kneel, or lay prone.

There is a big article on the NRA rifle positions on the NRA webpage. These were the same positions that we employed and practiced and practiced and practiced. Don't get me wrong, we tried to set up where we had a natural rest that we could employ (rock, crook in a tree, etc.). If you had to set up in a location without a natural rest you slapped on the sling.

 

[mele]

These are still desirable skills to have, unfortunately, modern day sniper rifles are larger and heavier, making offhand shooting positions very difficult to master. The M40A1 is a gem in these terms, and its design goals of off-hand shooting is evident.

MEL

 

[bravo_sniper]

Do you have any pictures or links to pictures were they demonstrate the sling positions/technique?

That would be very helpful.

 

[mele]

there are better sites then this that demonstrate, but here is a quick one I found using google

http://www.tngbbs.com/rifle/nra/hp/Section5.html

MEL

 

[bravo_sniper]

thanks, anyone else who can give me a good link?