^Lot 2073 U.S.M.C. SNIPER RANGE WINCHESTER MODEL 70 BOLT

ACTION RIFLE WITH "USMC PROPERTY" MARKED LYMAN SUPER TARGETSPOT 20X SCOPE AND CASE. Cal. 30-06. S# 45712. Bbl. 24" varmint weight with provision for front sight and front scope mount. 373 model 70 rifles in Cal. 30-06 were shipped to the United States Marine Corps in May of 1942 for evaluation following a report by Captain George Van Orden discussing options for the adoption of a military sniper rifle. These rifles appeared between serial number 41,000 to 50,000. These rifles were never officially adopted, but remained in Marine Corps possession. Later, in the 1950s, many were rebuilt for use in the National Matches. Many of these model 70s would eventually see use in the Vietnam conflict by USMC Snipers such as the vaunted Carlos Hathcock. Checkered walnut pistol grip buttstock with original steel checkered Winchester buttplate. Front sight has filler screws. Target scope blocs mounted on foreward receiver and rear of barrel. Bolt is electropenciled with matching serial number. Bottom of barrel stamped with caliber date of manufacture "56". UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: "USMC PROPERTY" marked Lyman Super Targetspot 20x Scope with lens covers and sun shade. Scope is housed in a hinged wooden "USMC PROPERTY" marked case. Brown leather military style sling. CONDITION: Metal parts retain 85% thinning original blue with wear towards breech end of barrel and scratch on right side. Head of bolt shows moderate flaking. Stock retains 90% added varnish over original finish with sharp edge wear, scattered finish scuffs, minor impressions & light scratches. Shiny bore retains strong rifling. Scope retains 90% original blue finish. Optics very good with light distortion at top edge near vertical cross hair. (26-2390/BH). CURIO. $8,000-12,000.