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. gun shop 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. Rifles such as this one were refitted with World War II Unertl sniper scopes (not included with this rifle) as originally used on the M1903 Springfield National Match rifles, which had been held in reserve after World War II and Korea. 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. The rifle shows standard Winchester barrel and receiver markings, including the factory oval proofs. Lyman 77 globe front sight and Lyman 48WH micrometer rear sight mounted on the left rear of the receiver. "WINNER/FIRST ARMY/TROPHY MATCH" inscribed in three lines in bold letters on the bottom of the floorplate. Includes an olive drab green canvas sling, copies of Evaluators Ltd. rifle flyers, and a copy of an invoice/shipping record that lists this rifle "Win Sniper M58 411085" above "24Jan58/03253/28Mar58/10A01/4Apr58/Inv#31" and "17Feb59/First Army Welfare Fund,/Headquarters,/First United States Army,/Governors Island,/New York, 4. N.Y./Vo. #123".

Excellent, retains 97% plus original blue finish with some smooth brown patina visible on the bolt handle, a few light scratches on the underside of the barrel, and crisp inscription. Stock is also excellent with a few light handling marks and distinct edges overall. Mechanically excellent. This desirable Winchester Model 70 "Van Orden Sniper" rifle inscribed as the First Army Trophy Match Winner would be a prized addition in any military sniper rifle collection!