Born in 1942, Hathcock enlisted in the Marine Corps on May 20, 1959--the very day he turned 17. Nearly 30 years later, he received a Silver Star for this action. Many of these were subsequently rebuilt between circa 1956 and 1963, primarily at the Marine Corps Match Rebuild Shop in Albany, Ga. Carlos used a Winchester Model 70 .30-06 match ammunition loaded with 173-grain boat-tailed bullets, also used an 8-power Unertl scope. Thus, the Model 70 remained in the militarys inventory, albeit as a match rifle, until the escalation of the war in Vietnam, which resulted in a renewed emphasis on accurate sniper rifles. On this occasion he used a .50 caliber Browning M2 machine gun, to which he attached his scope with a bracket he designed himself. "[40] The Marine Corps League (MCL) sponsors an annual program with 12 award categories, which includes the Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock II Award presented "to an enlisted Marine who has made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of marksmanship training. These scopes now used in Vietnam are the same scopes on newer rifles. The rifle excelled in USMC sniper trials and target competitions, making it the preferred rifle of most USMC snipers. Winchester requested the Marines evaluate the rifles generally for suitability of use in combat, and specifically for use as sniper rifles. As events transpired, the Model 70s pressed into service as sniping arms, especially during the Vietnam War, were really never meant to be more than a stop-gap or interim measure until a standardized sniper rifle could be procured. You must log in or register to reply here. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Wi392204?hash=item465d61a98c:g:VPMAAOSwCGVX~6vg, The Snobbiest Town in The Snobbiest State in the N, https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2011/3/21/the-military-model-70/, Jim Cloward built Winchester Model 70 308 McMillan Urban Camo stock. 30-06 caliber rifle equipped with an 8-power Unertl scope, was the deadliest sniper in Marine Corps history, but that title belongs to Mawhinney. The most notable person to use the Model 70 was legendary sniper Carlos Hathcock in Vietnam, his rifle was chambered in .30-06 Sprinfield and his rifle is on display at the Quantico, Virginia Marine Corps Sniper Museum. There was no real reason to stay with Winchester because the Model 70s used by the Marines were not the latest production models anyway, and no advantage would be gained as far as standardization of equipment was concerned. By the late 1960s, the Winchester Model 70 sniper rifles were in the process of being phased out by the new Remington Model 700s. In the background is radio operator Jerry Dunomes. That is without having to go with the points on a special reticle. Hathcock took possession of the dead sniper's rifle, hoping to bring it home as a "trophy", but after he turned it in and tagged it, it was stolen from the armory. These two historic Winchester Model 70 rifles bearing serial numbers "1" and "2" are now being offered for sale by Sportsman's Legacy. *A USMC sniper uses his Unertl scope to search for enemy snipers in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam, circa 1967. Carlos Hathcock, the most celebrated US sniper in history, preferred the model 70 over a host of other rifles at his disposal, using it extensively in combat during the Vietnam war, and in Wimbledon matches at Camp Perry in the years that followed. 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His parents separated so he grew up with his grandmother in Geyer Springs, Pulaski County. A July 1967 American Rifleman article by Frank G. McGuire, SnipersSpecialists in Warfare, reported: The 8X telescopic sight was chosen in World War II when it was teamed with the 03 rifle. His previous skill as a marksman had won him a variety of matches and trophies at places like Camp Perry in Ohio. Gunnery Sgt. Hathcock generally used a Winchester Model 70, chambered in .30-06 and with a standard 8-power Unertl scope. Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives. The Marine Corps clearly believed that the existing Model 1903, tuned to match grade, was a superior sniping rifle as compared to the Model 70. The scope tube is roll-stamped: "J. UNERTL/USMC-SNIPER" in two lines above the serial number "2232". Charles Henderson, in Marine Sniper, his biography of legendary Marine sniper Carlos Hathcock, tells of a 1967 incident when Hathcock, used two shots from a Browning M2 50 caliber machine gun to dispatch a Viet Cong soldier . Likewise, many of the 300-plus Model 70 rifles purchased by the Marine Corps during World War II remained in inventory and, except for the handful diverted for unofficial sniping use, continued to be used by Marine marksmen for match use throughout the 1950s. If one was to follow the change of power procedures described above, it gives an incredible latitude to the scopes use. [3], During the Vietnam War, Hathcock had 93 confirmed kills of People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and Viet Cong personnel. As a sniper of a modern era, I am truly amazed at what the guys were able to do using what they had at the time. Hathcock made a number of kills with this weapon in excess of 1,000 yards, including his record for the longest confirmed kill at 2,500 yards (since surpassed). You know it's funny how just a simple duplex reticle, like what you find in most scopes can be a real help in ranging and holding. The rifle retains nearly 95% of the original blue finish with very minor handling wear. The machine work, barrel channel and bedding were completed in our shop. JavaScript is disabled. The barrel is a "sendero" profile made by Bartlein and installed by Moon. The only sound in the sweltering stillness was the buzzing of flies and gnats as. With this rifle, Carlos describes killing 7 more Viet Cong soldiers and shared the 8th VC with McAbee. Oval Winchester "W/P" proof marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel and receiver. [33], Hathcock once said that he survived in his work because of an ability to "get in the bubble", to put himself into a state of "utter, complete, absolute concentration", first with his equipment, then his environment, in which every breeze and every leaf meant something, and finally on his quarry. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock II joined the Corps in 1959 at age 17. It was missing a bolt part and the National Guard had designated it for "decommissioning" (a.k.a destruction). This effort was ultimately unsuccessful from a military procurement standpoint, but cemented the Model 70's place in USMC sniper history. I got this guy for $501 delivered to my door. Manufactured in a wide variety of configurations and calibers, it was a favorite of many hunters, shooters and gun enthusiasts. The company made its humble start in 1963in Gussago, Italywhen Giuseppe Pietta made a commitment to produce guns as authentic and true-to-original as possible. Van Orden had envisioned the Model 70 as the ultimate platform for a highly accurate sniper rifle, but which was light enough to be carried into battle. Hathcocks primary set-up was a Model 70 (pre-64), 30-06 target rifle with a heavy barrel, and Unertle 8x scope. 2023 Rock Island Auction Company. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock II joined the Corps in 1959 at age 17. For those wondering why the military did not continue using the Model 70 and abandoned it in favor of the Remington Model 700, McGuire gave a cogent synopsis of the reasoning behind this decision: [For Vietnam], the Marines wanted a bolt-action rifle with a medium-heavy barrel and a sporter stock. Unertl 8X telescopic sight has a charcoal blue finish and is fitted with anodized aluminum Unertl target mounts on Winchester bases. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! He hunted at that early age with a .22-caliber J. C. Higgins single-shot rifle. The matte black LR/T weighs 19.5 ounces and is 13.5 inches in overall length. Carlos Hathcock was born on May 20, 1942, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Most of the Model 70 sniper rifles issued by the Marines to snipers in the early stage of the Vietnam War were pre-war or early WWII production Model 70 .30-06 Standard Rifles purchased during WWII. In November 1965, USMC Gy/Sgt. This recommendation made its way up the chain of command. On some occasions, however, he used a different weapon: the M2 Browning machine gun, on which he mounted an 8X Unertl scope, using a bracket made by metalworkers of the SeaBees . Carlos Hathcock, the most celebrated US sniper in history, preferred the model 70 over a host of other rifles at his disposal, using it extensively in combat during the Vietnam war, and in Wimbledon matches at Camp Perry in the years that followed. Remarkably, a few remain in service to this day. The US government eventually purchased additional model 70s andofficially sanctioned them for combat duty. There are no internal adjustments to zero these old style Unertls. The action has some design similarities to Mauser designs and it is a development of the earlier Winchester Model 54. The Winchester Model 70 is a bolt-action sporting rifle.It has an iconic place in American sporting culture and has been held in high regard by shooters since it was introduced in 1936, earning the moniker "The Rifleman's Rifle". The Model 70 was largely based on the Model 54, and is today still highly regarded by shooters and is often called "The Rifleman's Rifle." The sniper system shoots the M72 match ammunition loaded with 173-grain . 134,606 views Dec 6, 2020 Winchester Model 70 (.30-06) rifle review in Hindi. A few Model 70 sniper rifles saw service in Korea, particularly during the Chosin Reservoir campaign-under difficult winter conditions that rendered other rifles -like the M-1A carbine -ineffective or inoperable. Adopting the Winchester Model 70 as the ideal Marine sniper rifle was a concept that had been floated by the Corps tactical marksmanship experts as far back as the early 1940s. Carlos Hathcock usually used a Winchester Model 70 in .30 .06. "White Feather" as he was called by the North Vietnamese . The rifle would of course have to be chambered in the 458 x 1.5 Barnes cartridge. As with Kraig's rifle above, it would have been clip-slotted and while original Win70 Target rifles came with either a Std, heavy or bull barrel, one would assume the rifles sent overseas were former target rifles that had been reworked by the 'Team armorers with new barrels. [32], Hathcock provided sniper instruction to police departments and select military units, such as SEAL Team Six. Carlos Hathcock . Carlos Hathcock holds the Marine Corps record for the longest confirmed sniper kill shot. Some of the snipers now in Vietnam were not yet born when the telescopic sights they use were employed in a different war. Mil Dots give you an accurate unit of measurement and a way of compensating for gravity and wind drift. In some cases, Douglas barrels were fitted to the Winchester actions to attain optimum accuracy. The Model 70 was originally manufactured by the . Ultimately neither of these proposed rifles was ultimately adopted. You are using an out of date browser. This rifle has all of the characteristics of the Marine Model 70 sniper rifles issued in Vietnam c. 1966. NRA photo. Born in 1942, Hathcock enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on May 20, 1959the very day he turned 17. The Marine Corps utilized Winchester Model 70 rifles in this configuration in 1966 and early 1967 as the primary sniper rifle until the adoption of the Remington Model 700 sniper rifles in mid 1967. May also want to read this American Rifleman article: Thank you! Above, Marine rifleman Dalton Gunderson eyes the enemy through an 8X Unertl scope on top of his Special Services-procured Winchester Model 70 in Vietnam. Likewise, many of the 300-plus Model 70 rifles purchased by the Marine Corps during World War II remained in inventory and, except for the handful diverted for unofficial sniping use, continued to be used by Marine marksmen for match use throughout the 1950s. And they did see duty. I've read that the only way to do it is to first plate the barrel with a metal that will accept bluing. Snipers often did not have a third party present, making confirmation difficult, especially if the target was behind enemy lines, as was usually the case. From 100 -500 yards, things were fairly easy to compensate. The M-25 White Feather is a tribute to Carlos Hathcock who accounted for 93 confirmed enemy kills in Vietnam. I have a correct 70 in my safe I have wanted to do something with but reluctant to go the Unertl route as I dont think its practical as a shooter but a cool conversation peice. Two months later the Marine Corps replied to Winchester in a memo which stated: Based on the Marine Corps response, the door appeared closed to the Model 70 ever seeing use by the US military during WWII. Carlos Norman Hathcock II (20 May 1942 - 23 February 23 1999) was a United States Marine Corps sniper with a service record of 93 confirmed kills. The stock is in very fine condition. The price is set at USD$1,750,000.00. Although suffering from severe burns to his face, trunk, and arms and legs, Staff Sergeant Hathcock assisted the injured Marines in exiting the burning vehicle and moving to a place of relative safety. These relatively few Model 70 rifles soon became favored for their lighter weight, refined handling, and superior accuracy compared to the Springfield rifle. Btn., 7th Marines, under young Marine Capt. Additionally, the simplicity of the model 70 action permitted it to be completely field stripped in a matter of minutes, and the unmatched adjustability of the model 70 triggeralso contributed to the model 70's popularity. A one of a kind rifle! Carlos N. Hathcock II, who won the Wimbledon. His primary rifle was one of the Corps Winchester Model 70 target rifles, chambered in 30-06 and topped with an 8-power Unertl target scope in an externally adjustable mount. The slings are embossed with Hathcock's signature. The Model 70 Standard Rifles were fitted with Winchester medium-heavy target barrels in modified stocks and the Unertl telescopic sights. Clapp is, of course, an American Rifleman field editor today.To subscribe to the magazine,visit theNRA membership page here and selectAmerican Rifleman as your member magazine. Carlos Hathcock, in Vietnam (left) and receiving the Silver Star (right). He managed to achieve an astounding kill record of 93 - including an impressive shot through an enemy sniper's scope, but it was with the M2 that he was able to take out a Vietcong soldier pushing a bicycle loaded with ammunition at . [2] At one point he was nearly bitten by a bamboo viper, but had the presence of mind to avoid moving and giving up his position. His parents separated so he grew up with his grandmother in Geyer Springs, Pulaski County. Are you at 6 or are you at 5.75 or 6.25? In one of his more renowned stories, Carlos Hathcock killed an enemy sniper through the enemy's own rifle scope. 50,690. Who has the most kills in the Vietnam War? The WWII U.S.M.C. The "Rifle, 7.62mm Sniper, M40," adopted April 7, 1966, was to serve as the foundation for USMC sniper rifles for the following four decades. Throughout its life, the Model 70 has been offered in . However, where the USMC procurement brass failed to see the merits of the Model 70, the Marine Corpsmarksmendid not. It was the performance of these Snipers in Vietnam that secured the sniper concept as a permanent fixture in the United States military. The "U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, Model of 1903," better-known as the M1903 Springfield, has become one of the most popular U.S. military small arms to collect. I told a gunny, 'Bring [him] back here.' The ranging peice was plastic and many distort over the years. Moscow Should Prepare For Probable US Nuclear Aggression: Reports Russian Military Journal, Destroying American Monster Abrams: Pro-Russian Group Release A How-To Video, Dr. Mary E. Walker: The First AND Only Female Medal Of Honor Recipient, Bakhmut on the Brink of Falling to Russian Troops, Decorated Navy SEAL Died in HALO Training Accident, Belarus Steps up Their Proxy War as They Befriend China, Taiwan-China SITREP: Day 2 of Chinese Incursion on Taiwanese Air Zone, A Trickle of Tanks: Europe is Slow to Deliver on Its Promise, A Look at the Unconventional Tactics Used by Western Militaries Throughout History, Adam Brown: A SEALs Life of Courage and Redemption, Complete List: Ticonderoga-class Missile Cruisers To Retire By 2027, Nuclear Close Calls That Nearly Caused World War III, Russian Sausage Millionaire and Putin Critic Falls to His Death in India, Deadly Russian Rifle Brigade Wiped Out During War in Ukraine, Your Subscription Supports our Veteran Staff. A Lyman micrometer sight base is mounted on the left side of the receiver. [15] Hathcock and John Roland Burke, his spotter, were stalking the enemy sniper in the jungle near Hill 55, the firebase from which Hathcock was operating, southwest of Da Nang. If you get a chance, test it out for yourself. They are fragile and the external rings may or may not offer as fine adjustments for windage and elevation. This was confirmed in McGuires article: The rifle team of the 3rd Marine Division had been using the Model 70 with the heavy barrel and the heavy Marksman stock. My Hathcock tribute. The Model 70 was largely based on the Model 54, and is today still highly regarded by shooters and is often called "The Rifleman's Rifle".In 1999 Shooting Times magazine named the Model 70 the "Bolt-action Rifle of the Century". Known as Van Orden rifles, these model 70 sniper rifles were at last procured under the watchful eye of Brigadier General George Van Orden. Unless you plan to go humping through the boonies, the fragile nature of the old optic is not much of an issue. It was this . I had a chance to take a trip back in time recently and shot the Winchester Model 70 .30-06 using an 8-powerUnertl scope, the same set up that the famous Carlos Hathcock used while he was in Vietnam. In an eloquent eulogy to Hathcock inThe Washington Post, staff writer Stephen Hunter said it best. Being medically discharged, he received 100 percent disability pay. The Unertl Scope used during that time didnt have the glass clarification that we have become so accustomed to. The M40 (wood stock R700 & Redfield) was around but he was VERY familiar with the M70 target rifle as part of the USMC Rifle Team. I am hoping to have one built myself someday. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy drew a clear line in the sand in his inaugural address. In an effort to meet every model 70 owner's needs, we are pleased to offer rifle parts which span this broad spectrum of conditions. Note the long rear ring with the clip-slot cut in. AFAIK, Crane only made two of these on the 721 action. If you decide that you wanted an original Unertl, they are out there and available. Springfield Armory designed a highly accurized version of their M1A Supermatch rifle with a McMillan Stock and match grade barrel and dubbed it the "M-25 White Feather". RecPak is a meal replacement for the outdoors that saves you weight, space and time in the most challenging environments, just add water. The serial number, "48213" is roll-stamped on the right side of the receiver below the rear sight base. A list of modern browsers is below; simply click an icon to go to the browsers download page. [16], Hathcock stated in interviews that he killed a female Viet Cong platoon leader called "the Apache woman," with a reputation for torturing captive U.S. Marines, around the firebase at Hill 55. We at Winchester Repeating Arms wish to take this opportunity to salute all those who have answered our nations call to serve. [2] Hathcock married Josephine "Jo" Bryan (ne Broughton; 19302016) on the date of the Marine Corps birthday, November 10, 1962. According to Winchester documents, these rifles were shipped to the Marine Corps on May 29, 1942. Its almost like comparing your 1980s television to todays HD plasma flat screen, or VHS to Blue-ray. Sgt. This rebuild work varied but generally consisted of replacing the original sporter barrels with heavier 24" or 26" barrels and replacing the stocks as necessary, often with new target stocks procured from Winchester. Hathcock used for much of his time in Vietnam. Receiver is engraved with likeness of Carlos Hathcock's signature, along with the White Feather logo. Snipers Hide is a community of Snipers of all kinds, focusing on long range shooting, accuracy, and ballistics. Initially his preferred rifle was a pre 1964 (Winchester quality after this time declined) Model 70 Winchester M40 bolt action in 30-06 (he preferred the 30-06 over the, then, current 7.62x51 Nato . for his record shot. In 1975, Hathcock's health began to deteriorate, and he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The optics are clear. Land later recruited Marines who had set their own records in sharpshooting; he quickly found Hathcock, who had won the Wimbledon Cup, the most prestigious prize for long-range shooting, at Camp Perry in 1965. The Korean War was the last conflict in which the World War II-vintage bolt-action M1903A1/Unertl sniper rifle was employed. His previous skill as a marksman had won him a variety of matches and trophies at places like Camp Perry in Ohio. When I first saw the pic I assumed it was a short action. My Navy Long Range Rifle (that I used at the Interservice Championship Long Range Match to win the 720 pictured above) started life as a Model 721 .300 H&H. It was built up by Crane in .300 Win Mag. Wiley Clapp in 1965. I was quickly brought back to reality when shooting this system. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock II joined the Corps in 1959 at age 17. Enjoy the photos and let us know if there's a special model 70 project we can take on for you! After returning to active duty, Hathcock helped establish the Marine Corps Scout Sniper School at the Marine base in Quantico, Virginia. Hathcock was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on May 20, 1942. He also used on occasion a Remington M40, basically a Remington ADL Varmint 308 rifle that was produced specially for the USMC in 1965 or so. The Model 70, which was primarily based on the Model 54, is still regarded as one of the best cars ever made. You will find the sale page with further details if you click here. On May 20th, 1959, at 17 years of age, Carlos N. Hathcock II fulfilled his childhood dream by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He set up on a hill close to the treeline, 700 yards from where his target would be. Not only were we pleased to help supply them with the correct part, but we were more pleased to see this aging model 70 remain in active service, rather than face an inglorious ending as scrap metal.

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