I appreciate those pics, the rifle and the background. Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device. 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. Before deploying to South Vietnam, Hathcock had won shooting championships, including matches at Camp Perry and the Wimbledon Cup. The scope adjusts with turrets integral to the rear scope mount, and the tube of the scope floats inside adjustment pins. The stock is in very fine condition. He did win the Wimbledon Cup with it after all. It was missing a bolt part and the National Guard had designated it for "decommissioning" (a.k.a destruction). 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. 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. What many people don't realize is that the Unertl scope back in the day doesn't have glass amplification. These rifles pop up every now and then, not often but they do show up. Carlos Hathcock, in Vietnam (left) and receiving the Silver Star (right). You are correct in that stainless cannot be blued as it is. NRA photo. The Winchester Model 70 is a bolt-action, sporting rifle that can be used for hunting or shooting. Excellent. In 1966, Hathcock started his deployment in the Vietnam War as a military policeman and later became a sniper after Captain Edward James Land pushed the Marines into raising snipers in every platoon. This rifle came to us as a standard sporter rifle, with a Douglas barrel blank. The subject rifles are not considered suitable for general service use for the following reasons: (a) Not sufficiently sturdy;(b) Parts are not interchangeable with M1903 and M1 parts; (c) Replacement parts will be difficult to procure; (d) Not fitted with sling swivels. [24][25][26][27][self-published source], After this mission, Hathcock returned to the United States in 1967. The rifle has no Marine or U.S. property marks on any component. sniper kill. These relatively few Model 70 rifles soon became favored for their lighter weight, refined handling, and superior accuracy compared to the Springfield rifle. [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. The Unertl telescopic sight is in excellent condition. The Army's most accomplished Vietnam War sniper, Sgt. 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. While recovering, Hathcock received the Purple Heart. "[20] Hathcock said in a book written about his career as a sniper: "I like shooting, and I love hunting. 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. Carlos N. Hathcock II, who won the Wimbledon. Land told Hathcock to "put another round in her." Hathcock fired again and her body convulsed. 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. Carlos Hathcock . Because the M25 is a big, heavy rifle, I wanted to keep scope size and weight to a minimum while still being able to maximize the .308 round. These rifles are not considered suitable for use as sniper rifles. It was long thought that Hathcock, armed with his Winchester Model 70 .30-06 caliber rifle equipped with an 8-power Unertl scope, was the deadliest sniper in Marine Corps history, but that. 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. This one is mine. The precision and reliability of the model 70's controlled-round-feed action meant a cartridge could be slowly and quietly chambered with a single hand - something which was more difficult with a push-feed action. Lacking a suitable precision rifle for issue, the Corps quickly scoured its stateside arms rooms and soon a small quantity of Model 70 target rifles were in the field in South Vietnam, taking the fight to the enemy. His previous skill as a marksman had won him a variety of matches and trophies at places like Camp Perry in Ohio. If I was you, I might look up this guy on ebay and write him and see if he has anymore of these barrels. These rifles were subsequently used for recreation and target shooting. These Marines were aware of the impact Hathcock's death would have and took it upon themselves to make themselves targets in order to confuse the counter-snipers. Scope not included. Carlos Hathcock accepting the Wimbledon Cup after winning the NRA National Matches. The rifle would of course have to be chambered in the 458 x 1.5 Barnes cartridge. Many of these were subsequently rebuilt between circa 1956 and 1963, primarily at the Marine Corps Match Rebuild Shop in Albany, Ga. Thats perfect! May also want to read this American Rifleman article: Thank you! [5], The PAVN placed a bounty of US $30,000 on Hathcock's life for killing so many of its soldiers. They are a little tedious to adjust but have very clear glass and a very fine cross hair recticle. The checkered panels are sharp; wear is limited to scattered visible sling hardware marks near the buttplate and upper sling swivel. [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. [23][22] He missed the Marine Corps, however, and returned to Vietnam in 1969, where he took command of a platoon of snipers.[10]. In the background is radio operator Jerry Dunomes. The legendary Carlos Norman Hatchock II learned to shoot with this gun. FOLLO .more .more 2.6K Dislike Share Indian Gunner 26.3K subscribers. The Model 70 Standard Rifles were fitted with Winchester medium-heavy target barrels in modified stocks and the Unertl telescopic sights. Gunnery Sgt. Hathcock remains a legend in the U.S. Marine Corps. Leatherwood is etched glass. Hathcock was one of several individuals to utilize the M2 Browning machine gun in the sniping role. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock II joined the Corps in 1959 at age 17. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.. Winchester requested the Marines evaluate the rifles generally for suitability of use in combat, and specifically for use as sniper rifles. 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. Thanks! He lived in a rural area with his grandmother as his parents had separated. 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. The rifles associated with American Snipers in Vietnam are. 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. If you decide that you wanted an original Unertl, they are out there and available. The U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1C is sufficiently accurate for use by snipers in the Marine Corps.Despite this rebuff, the Marine Corps report went on to state that [the] Model 70 Winchester is the most accurate American made, Caliber .30 on the market.During this same period, the U.S. Army also considered procurement of a modified Model 70 for sniping use as reflected in a memo from the chief of ordnance dated Oct. 30, 1951, which states in part: Any further consideration of the Model 70 by the Army was rejected. First rate article outlining the service of the Model 70. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy drew a clear line in the sand in his inaugural address. Very nice rifle. It may not display this or other websites correctly. These two Garand sniper rifles were the mainstay of the U.S. militarys sniper rifle inventory until the early 1960s when the United States became increasingly involved in the conflict in Southeast Asia.The Springfield M1903A1 rifle fitted with an 8X Unertl scope was the only bolt-action sniping rifle to see any substantive use in the hands of U.S. Marines during the Korean War. I've read that the only way to do it is to first plate the barrel with a metal that will accept bluing. They were running about $800 for a nice one with rings a few years ago. In 1966, the Marines determined that the M1C and M1D Garand sniper rifles lacked the accuracy required for operations in Vietnam and modified the available Model 70 target rifles and standard rifles to sniper configuration by fitting them with the 8x Unertl "USMC-SNIPER" telescopic sights mounted on the Springfield M1903A1 sniper rifles during WWII and the Korean Conflict. Typically enemy soldiers were paid anywhere from $8 to $2,000 for taking down an American sniper. These two historic Winchester Model 70 rifles bearing serial numbers "1" and "2" are now being offered for sale by Sportsman's Legacy. In addition to sniper rifles, model 70s were used extensively in marksmanship training and in match team shooting. Accurate in every detail, enjoyed reading this. I was out yesterday trying to test a few loads at 400 yards but the wind quickly picked up to about 30 gusting 40mph and it was quickly becoming a waste of powder. Enjoy the photos and let us know if there's a special model 70 project we can take on for you! Support Veteran Journalism , Editors note: Carlos Hathcock Born this day, May 20, 1942. In two tours in the 1960s, he wandered through the big bad bush in the Republic of South Vietnam, and with a rifle made by Winchester, a heart made by God and a discipline made by the Marine Corps, he stalked and killed 93 of his countrys enemies.. In 1967, Hathcock set the record for the longest sniper kill. Agree sandwarrior there was a thread on old old hide many moons ago regarding this. This is an excellent example of a Winchester Model 70 rifle in Vietnam Marine sniper configuration with scarce and very desirable WWII Unertl "U.S.MC.-SNIPER" telescopic sight and correct anodized aluminum target mounts. 2023 The SOFREP Media Group. 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. There also isn't any internal adjustments to zero. You can pick up a replica of the Unertl Scope online for an MSRP of around $550.00. You must log in or register to reply here. The action has some design similarities to Mauser designs and it is a development of the earlier Winchester Model 54, itself based on a Mauser 98-type action. The rifle retains the original style sporter stock with checkered pistol grip and forearm and steel checkered buttplate. Born on May 20, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Hathcock took to the sport of shooting at a very young age. The price is set at USD$1,750,000.00. His heroic actions were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. The scope has a fine crosshair reticle and is fitted with screw-on steel lens covers. Unless you plan to go humping through the boonies, the fragile nature of the old optic is not much of an issue. A marksman model 70 still in active use with the PA National Guard. "[41][42] A sniper range named for Hathcock is at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This one is in 308 and came from the AMU. It had a standard weight barrel as well as a clip guide milled into the receiver bridge so 5-round stripper clips could quickly and easily charge the magazine. Weaponry. FollowingWWII, popularity of the model 70 with Marine Corps snipers grew, eventually drawing the attention of other snipers from other branches of the military as well. That is without having to go with the points on a special reticle. The rifle excelled in USMC sniper trials and target competitions, making it the preferred rifle of most USMC snipers. Throughout its life, the Model 70 has been offered in . Calvin Lloyd, wrote a 72-page report titled Equipment for the American Sniper, which discussed the various types of rifles and telescopic sights available at the time. And, yes, I am extremely fortunate to have the most wonderful private range at my disposal. Hathcock is the subject of a number of books including: Hathcock generally used the standard sniper rifle: the Winchester Model 70 chambered for .30-06 Springfield cartridges, with the standard 8-power Unertl scope. This year, H&R announced an expansion of its AR-15 lineup, bringing additional "retro" models to the market, including a 9 mm Luger-chambered Colt SMG clone, an M16A2-styled rifle and the carbine-size 723. Douglas still produces the same barrel they supplied to the Marines in the early 1940s, which makes easy work of getting one key aspect of this build exactlyright. The machine work, barrel channel and bedding were completed in our shop. A 1951 U.S. Marine Corps report on the subject categorically rejected the procurement of any new Model 70 sniper rifles: There is no Marine Corps requirement for a special rifle for use by snipers in the Marine Corps. Carlos Hathcock was born on May 20, 1942, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Answer (1 of 3): If my reading comprehension is still intact; going by memory I seem to recall reading that Marine sniper Carlos Hathcock ( I.E. [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. It would be hard to find a better example of this classic Marine sniper rifle from the Vietnam War. FOLLO .more .more 2.6K Dislike Share Indian Gunner 26.3K subscribers. On this occasion he used a .50 caliber Browning M2 machine gun, to which he attached his scope with a bracket he designed himself. On 10 July 1969, Carlos Hathcock and Ron McAbee were providing security for convoys along Western Route 4. Only thing I would add is I forgo the 6X as I dont think its precise. Model 70 sniper rifles were used by US Marine snipers continuously from WWII, through the Vietnam War. *Lighting a path to truth* Former Navy JAG Worldwide U.S. Military Defense. But on several occasions, he turned to the M2 .50-caliber machine gun for longer . I just passed down my Win 70 .30-'06 Featherweight to the next generation. A list of modern browsers is below; simply click an icon to go to the browsers download page. He grew up in Wynne, Arkansas, living with his grandmother for the first 12 years of his life after his parents separated. Nicknamed The White Feather for the small plume he wore on his boonie cap, Hathcocks incredible marksmanship skills soon struck fear in the hearts of the enemy, so much so that the Viet Cong reportedly placed a bounty of $30,000 on his head. The most well known Marine sniper of the Vietnam war has become a modern legend. These are some beautiful projects. After ensuring his escape route was in place, he took his shot. Composite stock of course. The WWII U.S.M.C. Which honestly looking at the barrels, I think he was probably likely telling the truth. This rifle is the same as the Model 70 sniper rifle used by famed Marine sniper Carlos Hathcock near Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, in 1966. I hope you don't mind but I was able to move my eyes beyond and it looks like you are fortunate to enjoy some beautiful shooting area if perhaps a bit cold. 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. They are fragile and the external rings may or may not offer as fine adjustments for windage and elevation. Item Number: R30701. Introduced in 1936 as an improvement on the Model 54, the Model 70 soon set the standard for commercial bolt-action rifles. The author says Carlos used a Model 70 Winchester with a long tube Unertl scope. Carlos Hathcock with his Winchester Model 70 rifle. The Model 70 was largely based on the Model 54, and is today still highly regarded by shooters and is often called "The. During his second combat tour in South Vietnam Hathcock braved a wall of flaming fuel to save seven fellow Marines from a burning AMTRAC, suffering severe burns himself during the rescue. When the need arose for more Model 70s the rifles procured by Brig. 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.". During the Vietnam War, Marine Corps Veteran Carlos Hathcock had 93 confirmed kills of North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong personnel. Hathcock died on February 22, 1999, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, aged 56, from complications resulting from multiple sclerosis. My Hathcock tribute. He and other Marines who were riding on top of the vehicle were sprayed with flaming gasoline caused by the explosion. 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 . But I never did enjoy killing anybody. Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. 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. AFAIK, Crane only made two of these on the 721 action. A handful of the original USMC model 70 riflessurvive to this day, and 76 years later hold enormous collector interest. Due to the extreme injuries he suffered in Vietnam, he was in nearly constant pain, but continued to dedicate himself to teaching snipers. These later rifles were delivered to the US military already modified to be sniper rifles, including a heavy barrel and accurized stock. The reward was never collected. Regardless, the fact that there were a number of Model 1903 Marine Corps match rifles, along with spare parts, already on-hand resulted in the idea of a standardized Model 70 sniping rifle being doomed from the start.Despite the Marine Corps firm rejection of the Model 70, some of these rifles did, in fact, serve overseas in combat, albeit on an unofficial basis. Although never adopted for combat use by the U.S. military, some Model 70 rifles were used as sniping rifles during World War II, Korea and Vietnam.Soon after Pearl Harbor, two members of the U.S. Marine Corps Equipment Board, Capt. The barrel, receiver, bolt handle, cocking piece trigger guard, and buttplate have the Winchester charcoal blue finish. Gunnery Sgt. If one was to follow the change of power procedures described above, it gives an incredible latitude to the scopes use. Carlos Hathcock was born on May 20, 1942, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The late Marine sniper set the record in 1967 with a M-2 .50 caliber Browning machine gun.. These marines were unwilling to leave their preferred rifle at home and carry the approved, but less accurate Springfield M1903 into battle. So if you are looking to own the first two Model 70's ever made then these are of interest to . Editors note: Carlos Hathcock Born this day, May 20, 1942. . Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. [43] In 2002, this record was broken by Canadian snipers (Rob Furlong and Arron Perry) from the third battalion of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry during the War in Afghanistan. RecPak is a meal replacement for the outdoors that saves you weight, space and time in the most challenging environments, just add water. 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. An unknown number of additional Model 70s were eventually purchased for military use - both standard rifles and the marksman style target rifles. A Lyman micrometer sight base is mounted on the left side of the receiver. You can Cerakote the stainless barrela good artist can pretty much replicate any finish. In 1936, Winchester introduced the Model 70 bolt-action rifle to the American market. These later rifles only added to the popularity of the model 70 among US snipers. In one of his more renowned stories, Carlos Hathcock killed an enemy sniper through the enemy's own rifle scope. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! Hathcock passed away in 1999 at the age of 57. 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". Carlos Hathcock holds the Marine Corps record for the longest confirmed sniper kill shot. 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. Stretching it past 500 and reaching out to 1000, put all of us in a humbling state of mind. 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. But I guess I was wrong. Sniper historian Peter R. Senich reported: [A]ccording to firsthand accounts, a fair number of unauthorized telescope-equipped personal and Marine Corps property Model 70s brought the reality of war to Japanese combat personnel during the early stages of World War II in the South Pacific. The U.S. Army also procured a limited number of Model 70 rifles during World War II, but little is known about their subsequent utilization, and it appears they saw virtually no actual use.The end of World War II essentially spelled the end of the bolt-action as a front-line U.S. military service rifle, but its inherent accuracy was too important an attribute to totally abandon, and bolt guns enjoyed a new lease on life as sniping rifles. The Unertl Scope used during that time didnt have the glass clarification that we have become so accustomed to. Hathcock generally used the standard sniper rifle: the Winchester Model 70 .30-06 caliber rifle with the standard 8-power Unertl scope. It was the Marines who pressed the Winchester Model 70 into service as a sniper rifle in Vietnam. Thanks. The report concluded that the best rifle/scope combination for use by U.S. Marine snipers was the Winchester Model 70 topped with an 8X target scope made by the Unertl Co. He only used the .50 M2 on less than a dozen shots. Van Orden would go on to author a report recommending adoption of the Model 70 for sniper use. The value of these rifles mean that even if we did own one, we'd probably be reluctant to shoot it. 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. The stock is nicely figured American walnut with checkered forearm and pistol grip and has the Winchester semi-gloss varnish finish. He was the only child of Carlos and Agnes Hathcock. I did all the other work. Carlos Norman Hathcock II (20 May 1942 - 23 February 1999) was a United States Marine Corps sniper with a service record of 93 confirmed kills. The following year Hathcock deployed to South Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division, where he was soon assigned sniper duties. All of the markings are crisp. The Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock Award is presented annually by the National Defense Industrial Association "to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions in operational employment and tactics of small arms weapons systems which have impacted the readiness and capabilities of the U.S. military or law enforcement. A one of a kind rifle! Probably overthinking this but I like to use the "stops" at each end of the power range in this application. I told a gunny, 'Bring [him] back here.' STOCK: Walnut FINISH: Blued barrel and action, oil-finished stock LENGTH OF PULL: 13.8 in. The rifle most associated with Carlos Hathcock is the Winchester model 70 sniper rifle with an 8X-power Unertl scope. The only problem was the fact that this scope reticle did not have something that all snipers use with modern-day sniper scopes, Mil Dots. "The only difficulty I had with Carlos was that he'd stay out there too long. Hathcock pulled seven Marines from the flame-engulfed vehicle, suffering severe burns (some third-degree) to his face, arms, and legs, before someone pulled him away and placed him in water because he was unaware of how badly he had been burnt. That is the pic. 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. The Model 70 was originally manufactured by the . 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 . Chief Warrant Officer Carlos Norman Hathcock II (May 20, 1942 February 22, 1999) was a United States Marine Corps (USMC) sniper with a service record of 93 confirmed kills. 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. [30] Hathcock and the seven marines he pulled from the vehicle were evacuated by helicopter to hospital ship USSRepose, then to a naval hospital in Tokyo, and ultimately to the burn center at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. They were intended primarily as match rifles and were not procured for use as sniper rifles. Adelbert F. Waldron III stacked up 113 enemies using the XM21 system. Estimated Price: $ 15,000 - $ 25,000 Price Realized: Details Outstanding, Rare and Well Documented Winchester Model 70 U.S.M.C. Scope used by Carlos Hathcock. The Model 70. "It was the hunt, not the killing. A sniper from the 1st Cavalry Division is shown in March 1951 with an M1D Garand, complete with an M81 or M82 riflescope in a Griffin & Howe mount.
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