. [43] In 2002, this record was broken by Canadian snipers (Rob Furlong and Arron Perry) from the third battalion of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry during the War in Afghanistan. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world. That's the way I look at it. Composite stock of course. He copied Hemingway's words on a piece of paper. The precision and reliability of the model 70's controlled-round-feed action meant a cartridge could be slowly and quietly chambered with a single hand - something which was more difficult with a push-feed action. Nicknamed The White Feather for the small plume he wore on his boonie cap, Hathcocks incredible marksmanship skills soon struck fear in the hearts of the enemy, so much so that the Viet Cong reportedly placed a bounty of $30,000 on his head. Carlos Hathcock usually used a Winchester Model 70 in .30 .06. The rifle was already being used by Marines snipers in Vietnam. According to Winchester documents, these rifles were shipped to the Marine Corps on May 29, 1942. These rifles were subsequently used for recreation and target shooting. It was missing a bolt part and the National Guard had designated it for "decommissioning" (a.k.a destruction). The Model 70's suitability as a sniping rifle during the Vietnam War should be unquestioned, as the most famous and revered sniper of the war, Carlos Hathcock, used the rifle with. Likewise, many of the 300-plus Model 70 rifles purchased by the Marine Corps during World War II remained in inventory and, except for the handful diverted for unofficial sniping use, continued to be used by Marine marksmen for match use throughout the 1950s. Considered a real one but again even a cheap ($450.00) modern scope I feel is better than an original 60's era scope. The USMC was still using the Model 70s as both target rifle for international match competition and pseudo-sniper rifle work . SIGHTS: Folding rear, bead front In some cases, Douglas barrels were fitted to the Winchester actions to attain optimum accuracy. A Lyman micrometer sight base is mounted on the left side of the receiver. I told a gunny, 'Bring [him] back here.' Btn., 7th Marines, under young Marine Capt. As was the case during World War II, the Marine Corps considered procuring some Winchester Model 70 rifles for sniping use in Korea, but these results were the same as before. In 1966, Hathcock started his deployment in the Vietnam War as a military policeman and later became a sniper after Captain Edward James Land pushed the Marines into raising snipers in every platoon. And they did see duty. [15] Hathcock and John Roland Burke, his spotter, were stalking the enemy sniper in the jungle near Hill 55, the firebase from which Hathcock was operating, southwest of Da Nang. To this end, Winchester sent a letter to the U.S. Marine Corps Quartermaster on July 20, 1942, indicating it had 1,944 Model 70 .30 Government 06 Rifles on hand, which we can offer you subject to prior sale., Most of these rifles had 24" barrels, but there were 105 with 20" barrels. Carlos N. Hathcock II, who won the Wimbledon. While the Colt Model 601 was the first AR-15 to be mass-produced, there were several design variations that came before during the platform's development. After ensuring his escape route was in place, he took his shot. [3], During the Vietnam War, Hathcock had 93 confirmed kills of People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and Viet Cong personnel. Snipers Hide is a community of Snipers of all kinds, focusing on long range shooting, accuracy, and ballistics. I have a correct 70 in my safe I have wanted to do something with but reluctant to go the Unertl route as I dont think its practical as a shooter but a cool conversation peice. . It was long thought that Hathcock, armed with his Winchester Model 70 .30-06 caliber rifle equipped with an 8-power Unertl scope, was the deadliest sniper in Marine Corps history, but that. At that point Jim told Carlos to take her down. Carlos used a Winchester Model 70 .30-06 match ammunition loaded with 173-grain boat-tailed bullets, also used an 8-power Unertl scope. What many people don't realize is that the Unertl scope back in the day doesn't have glass amplification. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VETERAN JOURNALISM - JOIN SOFREP+ , PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States, P.O. And, yes, I am extremely fortunate to have the most wonderful private range at my disposal. While the USMC used the Model 70 to greatest advantage during this period, a limited number were also employed by Army personnel for sniping, and Model 70s with silencers mounted on them were utilized for covert operations in Southeast Asia.James O. E. Norells article A Century Of USMC Sniper Rifles (August 2007, p. 44) related some interesting information by retired USMC Maj. Edward J.Jim Land, Jr., regarding the Model 70 rifles that were used by the Marines in Vietnam circa 1966: Land first scrounged 12 Model 70 sporting rifles that had been procured by Special Services for deer hunting at Camp Pendleton. USMC Sniper Rifles: Hands On History. With complete disregard for his own safety and while suffering excruciating pain from his burns, he bravely ran back through the flames and exploding ammunition to ensure that no Marines had been left behind in the burning vehicle. Hathcock generally used the standard sniper rifle: the Winchester Model 70 chambered for .30-06 Springfield cartridges, with the standard 8-power Unertl scope. Are you at 6 or are you at 5.75 or 6.25? He sold quite a few, and claims they came from a USMC armorer. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Praesidus brings homage to the military watch tradition. "White Feather" as he was called by the North Vietnamese . Land, Jr., who served in the . Your rifle is seriously motivating me to start a new project build .metal and wood just feel so nice together. As a sniper of a modern era, I am truly amazed at what the guys were able to do using what they had at the time. The U.S. Army fielded some World War II-vintage M1903A4 bolt-actions but relied primarily on the semi-automatic M1C Garand. Carlos held the record for the longest kill for 35 years. . Due to the extreme injuries he suffered in Vietnam, he was in nearly constant pain, but continued to dedicate himself to teaching snipers. We want you to receive a part which looks exactly right on your vintage rifle, or is precisely what you need to complete your custom masterpiece. The left side of the barrel has the standard Winchester legend and trademark followed by: "MODEL 70-30-06 SPRG.-". The metal was reblued as required. Carlos Hathcock, used the rifle with remarkable effectiveness. The scope has a fine crosshair reticle and is fitted with screw-on steel lens covers. The price is set at USD$1,750,000.00. Learn more about Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock II and the Winchester Model 70s service in Vietnam in these two American Rifleman articles:The Military Model 70. Price: $25,000.00. The stock were fitted with 1 1/2-inch sling swivels. Scope used by Carlos Hathcock. These later rifles were delivered to the US military already modified to be sniper rifles, including a heavy barrel and accurized stock. Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives. Previously sold. This one is in 308 and came from the AMU. Hathcock dreamed of being a Marine throughout his childhood, and so on May 20, 1959, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. [38] He is buried at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia. I had a chance to take a trip back in time recently and shot the Winchester Model 70 .30-06 using an 8-powerUnertl scope, the same set up that the famous Carlos Hathcock used while he was in Vietnam. They are a little tedious to adjust but have very clear glass and a very fine cross hair recticle. It is used by not only sportsmen, but military and police snipers as well. The WWII U.S.M.C. .30-06 Winchester Model 70 National Match Rifles equipped with a medium heavy barrel for use during the 1955 National Matches. The recipient of the memo replied on Feb. 7, 1955: The total number of weapons required for the 1955 Matches is 204. It has been confirmed that the U.S. Army purchased in excess of 200 Model 70 rifles between 1954 and 1959, mainly from Van Ordens firm. George H. Hurt of the 3rd Marine Divisions newly formed sniper school at Da Nang, Vietnam, checked the 8X Unertl scope mounted on a Winchester Model 70. Unertl 8X telescopic sight has a charcoal blue finish and is fitted with anodized aluminum Unertl target mounts on Winchester bases. Editors note: Carlos Hathcock Born this day, May 20, 1942. . He hunted at that early age with a .22-caliber J. C. Higgins single-shot rifle. While most early model 70 sniper rifles were standard rifles, modified by the Marines for sniper use, this would not be the case for subsequent Winchester rifles coming into US military service. This success led to the adoption of the .50 BMG cartridge as a viable sniper round. The Model 70 was largely based on the Model 54, and is today still highly regarded by shooters and is often called "The Rifleman's Rifle." The sniper system shoots the M72 match ammunition loaded with 173-grain . He grew up in Wynne, Arkansas, living with his grandmother for the first 12 years of his life after his parents separated. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.. The Model 70. "He got that right," Hathcock said. Rewards put on U.S. snipers by the PAVN typically ranged from $8 to $2,000. Legendary USMC sniper Carlos Hathcock learned how to shoot on a Stevens Model 15-A. Unofficially and by his own estimates, Hathcock believed he killed between 300 and 400. Van Orden had envisioned the Model 70 as the ultimate platform for a highly accurate sniper rifle, but which was light enough to be carried into battle. Douglas still produces the same barrel they supplied to the Marines in the early 1940s, which makes easy work of getting one key aspect of this build exactlyright. The author says Carlos used a Model 70 Winchester with a long tube Unertl scope. We at Winchester Repeating Arms wish to take this opportunity to salute all those who have answered our nations call to serve. Oval Winchester "W/P" proof marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel and receiver. A few Model 70 sniper rifles saw service in Korea, particularly during the Chosin Reservoir campaign-under difficult winter conditions that rendered other rifles -like the M-1A carbine -ineffective or inoperable. Although never adopted for combat use by the U.S. military, some Model 70 rifles were used as sniping rifles during World War II, Korea and Vietnam.Soon after Pearl Harbor, two members of the U.S. Marine Corps Equipment Board, Capt. If you decide that you wanted an original Unertl, they are out there and available. Being medically discharged, he received 100 percent disability pay. ][21][22] He was not informed of the details of the mission until he accepted it. You just need the time to figure out a firing solution with the changes you make. On May 29, 1942, eager to do their part in the war effort, Winchester shipped 373 model 70 standard .30-06 rifles to the US Marine Corps. FollowingWWII, popularity of the model 70 with Marine Corps snipers grew, eventually drawing the attention of other snipers from other branches of the military as well. The matte black LR/T weighs 19.5 ounces and is 13.5 inches in overall length. Hathcock is the subject of a number of books including: Hathcock generally used the standard sniper rifle: the Winchester Model 70 chambered for .30-06 Springfield cartridges, with the standard 8-power Unertl scope. The report concluded that the best rifle/scope combination for use by U.S. Marine snipers was the Winchester Model 70 topped with an 8X target scope made by the Unertl Co. The letter, signed by Winchesters Edwin Pugsley, concluded: It occurs to us that the Marine Corps may be interested in an additional quantity of [these] rifles at this time and shall be glad to submit quotation if you will advise us what styles and quantities you may be interested in.About a week after this letter, the Marine Corps firmly closed the door on the acquisition of any additional Model 70 rifles. These Marines were aware of the impact Hathcock's death would have and took it upon themselves to make themselves targets in order to confuse the counter-snipers. Customer experience was, and still is, the primary focus, a key to the firms longevity and success. I appreciate those pics, the rifle and the background. During this depression, his wife Jo nearly left him but decided to stay. For these reasons, we regularly get inquiries about building "tribute" and "replica"USMC Sniper rifles. Great project. [45] On March 9, 2007, the rifle and pistol complex at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar was officially renamed the Carlos Hathcock Range Complex.[46]. Hathcock was soon a member of the USMC rifle team, and in 1965 he won the Wimbledon Cup, a 1000-yard individual match fired at the National Matches in Camp Perry, Ohio. NRA Secretary Edward J. Likewise, many of the 300-plus Model 70 rifles purchased by the Marine Corps during World War II remained in inventory and, except for the handful diverted for unofficial sniping use, continued to be used by Marine marksmen for match use throughout the 1950s. He used a M2 .50 Cal Browning machine gun mounting a telescopic sight at a range of 2,500 yd, taking down a single Vietcong guerrilla. You sir have your shit together. The Complete History of Winchester Repeating Arms. Hathcock used the M40 during the Vietnam War and is credited with numerous kills, including a record-setting 2,500-meter shot. that had been originally purchased [as] across-the course bolt guns for the National Matches. Carlos Hathcock usually used a Winchester Model 70 in .30 .06. The scope tube retains 95% plus of the original blue finish with sharp markings. Pre-'64 Winchester Model 70 Specs MANUFACTURER: Winchester Repeating Arms TYPE: Bolt-action repeater CALIBER: .270 Winchester MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 5 rounds BARREL: 24 in. He only used the .50 M2 on less than a dozen shots. Manufactured in a wide variety of configurations and calibers, it was a favorite of many hunters, shooters and gun enthusiasts. Estimated Price: $ 15,000 - $ 25,000 Price Realized: Details Outstanding, Rare and Well Documented Winchester Model 70 U.S.M.C. In 2016, an armorer with the Pennsylvania National Guard contacted us regarding a .308 target rifle used by their competitive match shooters. I am hoping to have one built myself someday. That is the pic. The stock is in very fine condition. The LR/T front focal offers an elevation range of 65-MOA and a windage range of 65-MOA. Throughout its life, the Model 70 has been offered in . STOCK: Walnut FINISH: Blued barrel and action, oil-finished stock LENGTH OF PULL: 13.8 in. For this operation, Carlos selected a .30-06 Winchester Model 70 mounting a Lyman 8X telescope that McAbee had fine-tuned. For those wondering why the military did not continue using the Model 70 and abandoned it in favor of the Remington Model 700, McGuire gave a cogent synopsis of the reasoning behind this decision: [For Vietnam], the Marines wanted a bolt-action rifle with a medium-heavy barrel and a sporter stock. He went on about five [operations] one time before I could get a fix on him. From an early age, he was fond of firearms. [10] When Hathcock saw a glint (light reflecting off the enemy sniper's scope) in the bushes, he fired at it, shooting through the scope and killing the sniper. These relatively few Model 70 rifles soon became favored for their lighter weight, refined handling, and superior accuracy compared to the Springfield rifle. Carlos held the record for the longest kill for 35 years. Carlos Norman Hathcock II (20 May 1942 - 23 February 1999) was a United States Marine Corps sniper with a service record of 93 confirmed kills. Hathcock's record and the extraordinary details of the missions he undertook made him a legend in the Marine Corps. His previous skill as a marksman had won him a variety of matches and trophies at places like Camp Perry in Ohio. The reward was never collected. The Model 70 was largely based on the Model 54, and is today still highly regarded by shooters and is often called "The. The Model 70s also drew the attention of USMC snipers and their chief sponsor - Brigadier General George Van Orden. Initially his preferred rifle was a pre 1964 (Winchester quality after this time declined) Model 70 Winchester M40 bolt action in 30-06 (he preferred the 30-06 over the, then, current 7.62x51 Nato . Any pictures I have seen, the stocks used overseas were more like hunting stocks. The barrel, receiver, bolt handle, cocking piece trigger guard, and buttplate have the Winchester charcoal blue finish. This is an original military issue Remington M40 sniper rifle brought back from Vietnam by a Marine officer, who later had it signed by Carlos "White Feather" Hathcock in 1992 at a Former Marine Association event. Head to the range this week with American Rifleman staff as they discuss a trim little repeater from Savage Arms that comes chambered for the .22 WMR cartridge. It was supplied with a Redfield 3x9 mounted with Redfield base/rings. Steam rose from the damp jungle mulch. US Army Ordnance (Retired), Please note, comments must be approved before they are published, These rifles are not considered suitable for use as sniper rifles. Interestingly, Hathcock won that prestigious trophy with a Winchester Model 70. In turn, the Winchester factory had submitted a sniper prototype of the Model 70 fitted with a 10-round detachable box magazine to the US Army back in the early 1950s. The Army's most accomplished Vietnam War sniper, Sgt. Would you like to visit Winchester International? On this occasion he used a .50 caliber Browning M2 machine gun, to which he attached his scope with a bracket he designed himself. Despite its excellence as a precision rifle, the Model 70 was never fully embraced by the U.S. military as a standardized sniper arm. Can't recall if they were 264 or 7mm Rem mag offhand. The rifles were a special order spec sent from Winchester to Evaluators Limited of Triangle, VA, where they were fully accurized to meet Van Orden's detailed sniper specification. In 1975, Hathcock's health began to deteriorate, and he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You will find the sale page with further details if you click here. You know it's funny how just a simple duplex reticle, like what you find in most scopes can be a real help in ranging and holding. Born in 1942, Hathcock enlisted in the Marine Corps on May 20, 1959--the very day he turned 17. The Unertl telescopic sight is in excellent condition. When I first saw the pic I assumed it was a short action. Very nice rifle. He lived in a rural area with his grandmother as his parents had separated. On some occasions, however, he used a different weapon: the M2 Browning machine gun, on which he mounted an 8X Unertl scope, using a bracket made by metalworkers of the SeaBees . I think the GSgt used the 10x but the 20x looks just like it. An unknown number of additional Model 70s were eventually purchased for military use - both standard rifles and the marksman style target rifles. *A USMC sniper uses his Unertl scope to search for enemy snipers in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam, circa 1967. One Marine who came from just such a rifle team environment and went to Vietnam, where he used a similar Model 70 for a time was Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Hathcock's sniper rifle! Wiley Clapp in 1965. You can Cerakote the stainless barrela good artist can pretty much replicate any finish. A 1951 U.S. Marine Corps report on the subject categorically rejected the procurement of any new Model 70 sniper rifles: There is no Marine Corps requirement for a special rifle for use by snipers in the Marine Corps. [34] After the war, a friend showed Hathcock a passage written by Ernest Hemingway: "Certainly there is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and like it, never really care for anything else thereafter." Staff Sergeant Hathcock was riding on an Assault Amphibious Vehicle which ran over and detonated an enemy anti-tank mine, disabling the vehicle which was immediately engulfed in flames. But if you go by the books, everything seems right on it. The Model 70, which was primarily based on the Model 54, is still regarded as one of the best cars ever made. It has an iconic place in American sporting culture and has been held in high regard by shooters since it was introduced in 1936, earning the moniker "The Rifleman's Rifle". May also want to read this American Rifleman article: Thank you! Van Ordens rifles also enjoyed some measure of success on the target range, as Marine Col. Walter Walsh won the 1952 National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio, with one of the Van Orden Snipers.. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Click here for more information. While the causes and conduct of that war remain a subject of great debate, an interesting aspect of the conflict is the use of the Winchester Model 70 as a precision rifle by the US forces, especially by the US Marine Corps snipers. Enjoy the photos and let us know if there's a special model 70 project we can take on for you! Springfield Armory's M-21 and M-25 are the highest quality precision rifles built on the M-14action. "WINCHESTER/-TRADE MARK-" is roll stamped on the left side of the receiver rail. This article, "The Military Model 70," appeared originally in the April 2011 issue of American Rifleman. Box 378 Red Hook, New York 12571 United States. During his second combat tour in South Vietnam Hathcock braved a wall of flaming fuel to save seven fellow Marines from a burning AMTRAC, suffering severe burns himself during the rescue. [32], Hathcock provided sniper instruction to police departments and select military units, such as SEAL Team Six. A marksman model 70 still in active use with the PA National Guard. The checkered panels are sharp; wear is limited to scattered visible sling hardware marks near the buttplate and upper sling swivel. His longest confirmed kill was 2500 yards. This is the rifle that Gy. A memo dated July 29, 1942, stated in part: Subject: Rifles, Winchester, Model 70, .30 Government 06. Land later recruited Marines who had set their own records in sharpshooting; he quickly found Hathcock, who had won the Wimbledon Cup, the most prestigious prize for long-range shooting, at Camp Perry in 1965. The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock, II (MCSN: 1873109), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Sniper, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 September 1969. Yeah it was, it was missing the an action screw and one that held on the trigger guard. Carlos Hathcock was born on May 20, 1942, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Hathcock generally used a Winchester Model 70, chambered in .30-06 and with a standard 8-power Unertl scope. The rifles inherent accuracy was ideally suited as a sniping rifle. April 30 marks the 41st anniversary of the fall of Saigon (since renamed Ho Chi Minh City) and the end of American military involvement in that country. The Winchester Model 70 is a bolt-action, sporting rifle that can be used for hunting or shooting. Decorations. Just 55 days short of the 20 years that would have made him eligible for regular retirement pay, he received a permanent disability separation. The ranging peice was plastic and many distort over the years. I'm not. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. The Winchester Model 70 is a bolt-action sporting/hunting rifle. Receiver is engraved with likeness of Carlos Hathcock's signature, along with the White Feather logo. The following year Hathcock deployed to South Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division, where he was soon assigned sniper duties. Carlos Hathcock . But I guess I was wrong. The Korean War was the last conflict in which the World War II-vintage bolt-action M1903A1/Unertl sniper rifle was employed. Before deploying to South Vietnam, Hathcock had won shooting championships, including matches at Camp Perry and the Wimbledon Cup. The Model 70 was originally manufactured by the . 50,690. He was the only child of Carlos and Agnes Hathcock. RecPak is a meal replacement for the outdoors that saves you weight, space and time in the most challenging environments, just add water. the best known U.S. Marine Corps snipers who used the Winchester Model 70 during the Vietnam War was Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, who used a Winchester Model 70 sniper rifle chambered in .30-06. It is an odd scope by today's standards. These later rifles only added to the popularity of the model 70 among US snipers. On some occasions, however, he used a different weapon: . The M72 173 grain .30-06 was something that I could familiarize myself with as it is fairly similar to the M118LR. [2] Hathcock married Josephine "Jo" Bryan (ne Broughton; 19302016) on the date of the Marine Corps birthday, November 10, 1962. Hathcock himself estimated that he had killed between 300 and 400 enemy personnel during the Vietnam War. But on several occasions, he turned to the M2 .50-caliber machine gun for longer . Hathcock's career as a sniper has been used as a basis for a variety of fictional snipers, from the "shooting through the scope incident" to the number of kills he made. So if you are looking to own the first two Model 70's ever made then these are of interest to . Carlos Hathcock, the most celebrated US sniper in history, preferred the model 70 over a host of other rifles at his disposal, using it extensively in combat during the Vietnam war, and in Wimbledon matches at Camp Perry in the years that followed. He would go into the woods with his dog and pretend to be a soldier and hunt imaginary Japanese soldiers with the old Mauser his father, Carlos Norman Hathcock (19191985), brought back from World War II. This is a pretty cool thread. As noted BuffaloWinter's rifle is mostly what Gunny Hathcock wanted in a rifle. The rifle retains nearly 95% of the original blue finish with very minor handling wear. These are some beautiful projects. The US government eventually purchased additional model 70s andofficially sanctioned them for combat duty. Because the M25 is a big, heavy rifle, I wanted to keep scope size and weight to a minimum while still being able to maximize the .308 round. *Lighting a path to truth* Former Navy JAG Worldwide U.S. Military Defense. On some occasions, however, he used a different weapon: the . While recovering, Hathcock received the Purple Heart. Clapp is, of course, an American Rifleman field editor today.To subscribe to the magazine,visit theNRA membership page here and selectAmerican Rifleman as your member magazine.