Thanks, no such claims have been made to me at this time. I simply may have an opportunity to purchase a Model 70 of what I believe to be 1960's vintage in the near future (an old friend's hunting rifle that has fallen into disuse) and was wondering what I'd be looking at in terms of parts and modifications in order to turn it into an estaetically correct replica (or as close as the budget allows) of Gunny Hathcock's rifle.

Quote Originally Posted by jmoore View Post
Many were pre-WWII or WWII production that got rebarreled (with Winchester medium heavy barrels) in the 1950s. Some were purchased new during the same time period (mid fifties) via Evaluators, Ltd., outside of Quantico. Retired USMC General Van Orden ran that outfit, and was especially interested in accuracy platforms. Same old Unertl 8x scopes as were previously on the M1903s. Plus Lymans, and some were outfitted the '60s vintage optics and mounts (including Pachmeyer Lo-Swing mounts). No formal military designation. But well liked, and utilized!

BTW, if someone claims they have a "Van Orden Sniper" Model 70, there are some few folk who can check the S/N and see if it actually went through Evaluators, and possibly determine what Winchester version of the 70 it was originally. Just don't be asking me, I don't want to wear out my welcome with the guru!