This example was manufactured in 1957. There is a sight block mounted at the muzzle end of the barrel and towards the rear of the barrel is a scope block. There is also a scope block mounted on the receiver ring and a sight bracket mounted on the left rear of the receiver. There is a set of Redfield International Match sights mounted on the front sight block and on the rear sight bracket. There is a "W/P" in an oval proofmark on the left breech end of the barrel and on the front of the receiver. "U.S./PROPERTY" is electropenciled by the proofmark on the receiver. The electro-penciled U.S. Property markings are identical to the markings found on U.S. Winchester 52C rifles purchased by the military in the late 1950s. The front receiver ring is matted, the receiver bridge is factory tapped for a scope base and the tang is the "straight" version. The bolt body is polished bright with the bottom marked with the matching serial number "409541". The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the Winchester proof steel markings, "WINCHESTER/TRADEMARK" and "-MODEL-70-30-06-SPFLD". Rifles similar to this were purchased for Marine Corps and Army rifle teams during the 1950s. The Model 70 Target Model Rifles were utilized as sniper rifles by both the Army and Marines during the Vietnam War. On page 165 of "THE COMPLETE BOOK OF U.S. SNIPING" by Peter R. Senich shows 3rd Marine Division snipers firing Model 70 Target Model rifles on the range at Da Nang, Vietnam in January of 1966. On page 163 Senich describes how the 3rd Marine Division Rifle Team Model 70 rifles with target stocks were shipped to Vietnam for issue to Marine snipers. Army and Marine use of Model 70 Target Model rifles is also documented by Senich in "THE LONG RANGE WAR" and "ONE SHOT WAR". Due to their extensive use as sniper rifles during the Vietnam War, examples of U.S. marked, 1950s production Model 70 Target Model rifles are rare. Mounted on a smooth marksman style black walnut pistol grip stock with accessory rail and checkered steel buttplate.

Excellent. The rifle retains 98% of the original high polish blue finish on the barrel, trigger guard and buttplate. Finish wear is limited to some minor scratches and some edge wear. The receiver retains 98% of the matted blue finish. The barrel and receiver markings are crisp. The bolt body has not been polished and the cocking piece, handle and extractor have nearly all of the original blue finish intact. The stock is excellent with scattered minor dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent. This is an excellent example of an original "U.S. PROPERTY" marked Winchester Model 70 Target Model Rifle in the configuration used by Marine and Army snipers during the Vietnam War.