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. This rifle is equipped with a Lyman Super Targetspot scope marked "USMC PROPERTY" and numbered "17280" on the tube with screw-on metal lens caps. The rifle shows standard Winchester barrel and receiver markings, including the factory oval proofs, and is electro-stenciled "U.S. PROPERTY" on the left of the receiver ring.. Includes a Lyman hardwood scope case with "USMC PROPERTY" on the lid, green plastic rifle hardcase, cleaning rod, pouch, and an olive drab green canvas M13 spare parts roll containing various extra small parts.

Excellent, retains 97% plus original blue finish with some light handling marks. Stock is also excellent with a few scattered light scratches and dents, a light wear spot from a removed area of yellow paint on top of the buttstock, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Scope is excellent, retains 97% original blue finish on the tube with a few light scratches, one small patch of light pitting, and crisp clear optics. The scope rotates in the rings due to them not having a guide track. Included accessories all very good. This U.S. property marked Winchester Model 70 "Van Orden Sniper" rifle with U.S.M.C. property marked Lyman Super Targetspot scope would make a fine addition to any military sniper rifle collection!