Dubbed the "Van Orden Sniper", this is a rare, highly sought after variation of the Winchester Model 70 rifle. After World War II, retired Marine Corps Colonel George Van Orden opened the Evaluators Gunshop outside the Quantico Marine base. Van Orden's shop evaluated and sold equipment to police forces and to the military as well as to civilians all over the world. After the Korean War, the company began selling the special ordered Model 70 rifles in his own favorite configuration, which became known as the "Van Orden Sniper". The U.S.M.C. started using the Winchester Model 70 rifles in across the course and international match competition in the late 1940s up through the late 1960s. Some key features of a "Van Orden Sniper" rifle such as this example are a clip slotted receiver, 24 inch medium heavy target barrel chambered in 30-06 with scope blocks, and a heavy marksman type stock, with this example also having features of a "Special Target" as mentioned in Van Orden flyers in that it has mounting blocks for target sights on both the front top of the barrel and left rear of the receiver. The rifle shows standard Winchester barrel and receiver markings, including the factory oval proofs, and is electro-penciled "U.S. PROPERTY" on the left of the receiver ring. Provenance: The 50 year Collection of Johnny Walker Birmingham Pistol Wholesale

Excellent, retaining 95% plus original blue finish, some high edge wear, a few handling marks, and a couple spots of light pitting and oxidation primarily on the bolt shroud. The stock is very fine as well with scattered dings and scratches and a few small chips. Mechanically excellent.