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 Ltd. 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" medium heavy target barrel chambered in .30-06 with scope blocks, and a smooth non-checkered sporter stock as special ordered from Winchester, whereas others are seen with a heavy marksman type stock. This rifle is equipped with a commercial Lyman Super Targetspot 20x scope with serial number "7850" on the tube. The rifle shows standard Winchester barrel and receiver markings, including the factory oval proofs. Includes an Al Freeland leather target sling and a Lyman brand wood scope case. This Van Orden sniper rifle is listed by serial number on page 41 of Norman Chandler's "Death from Afar, Volume 1" as sold to an individual in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey in September of 1956.

Excellent, retaining 97% original blue finish with some light wear on the bolt handle, and some minor surface corrosion on the left bottom edge of the receiver. Stock is also excellent, with a few light scratches, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Scope is excellent, retains 95% original blue finish on the tube with a few small patches of surface freckling and 85% black anodized finish on the sunshade with a few light scratches, and clear optics.