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. Rifles such as this one were refitted with World War II Unertl sniper scopes 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" style rifle such as this example, are a clip slotted receiver, 24" medium heavy target barrel chambered in 30-06 with scope blocks, and a heavy marksman type stock. This rifle is equipped with a J. Unertl U.S. Marine Corps contract 8x scope marked "USMC-SNIPER/2701" on the tube. The rifle shows standard Winchester barrel and receiver markings, including the factory oval proofs. The front top of the barrel and left rear of the receiver both have drilled and tapped holes for target sight mounting, there is a painted section on the left of the receiver ring with electro-stenciled "U.S. PROPERTY" marking, and a yellow painted "5" on top of the buttstock. Includes a CMP Certificate of Authenticity dated January 27th, 2016, olive drab green canvas sling, desirable U.S.M.C. pattern olive drab green micarta scope case for an Unertl scope, green plastic hardcase with U.S.M.C. emblem on the lid, cleaning rod, pouch, and a small green metal box with yellow painted "USMC" stencil letters on the lid and containing various extra small parts.

Very fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish with some light handling marks and a painted area on the left of the receiver ring. Stock is also very fine with numerous scattered scratches and dents, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Scope is excellent, retains 95% original blue finish on the tube with some light wear marks and freckling, and crisp clear optics. Included accessories are all very good. This U.S. marked Winchester Model 70 "Van Orden Sniper" style rifle with Unertl U.S.M.C. contract scope would make a fine addition to any military sniper rifle collection!