I decided to see how a 1960's Winchester Sniper Clone might look like after obtaining a 1961 Model 70, and thinking about a Vietnam Tribute.
I have had an original 3-9 Redfield AR-Tel Sniper Scope for quite a while, and thats what got the gears turning.
This AR-Tel 3-9 was made in 1967 and originally they were used on XM-21's etc. ( M-14 Snipers ) and this one was updated to a Mildot reticle likely some time in the '80's, many years before I got it.
The ranging drum was left on as a quick power adjuster as it no longer interacts with the M-21 Elevation Cam Mount, as it was set up for bolt action after the M-21 service .
I have used 2 piece Redfield bases and rings for now as I already had them.
The Winchester Rifle itself was a nice honest Model 70 with a sporter barrel showing normal wear from hunting and carrying on the receiver and stock over the years.
I had access to one of the 26" Shilen DCRA style Enfield 1/12" Match barrels from back in the day that was brand new, in the white.
The Enfield threaded section was removed and the rear of the barrel re-threaded for the Winchester specs to be nice and snug, then a new chamber cut in .308 Match.
Checking with experienced shooters using these barrels has confirmed they like 168 BTHP Match rounds, so that is where I will start this spring.
My armourer is a real pro with this type of project and didn't disappoint.
I wasn't trying to be too rigid as if an M-24 or M-40 "pattern" would have been followed critically for one of those "spec" type rifles to be reproduced.
It was more important in my mind to create something that looked like it could have been one of the available Winchesters rigged with an effective Scope and rushed over to get in the hands of someone who really needed it in the mid to late '60's.
In order to prevent this new tube from looking weird, I washed the barrel with a thin finish that came pretty close to what you might describe as thinning and mottled Parkerizing.
Not at all pretty, but appropriate for what you would expect with the level of use on the receiver, Bolt and Stock of this donor rifle, plus the Region this rifle would have been expected to operate in.
The trigger on this rifle is freaking awesome....like a very thin sheet of glass snapping! The Lawyers sure wouldn't like it, and it's a tribute to the folks at Winchester.
I am looking forward to getting the rifle out to Borden in the Spring and having some fun. This Old Dog Winchester might be capable of some new tricks!
Cheers Paul
Added a nice 1907 Sling....
I have had an original 3-9 Redfield AR-Tel Sniper Scope for quite a while, and thats what got the gears turning.
This AR-Tel 3-9 was made in 1967 and originally they were used on XM-21's etc. ( M-14 Snipers ) and this one was updated to a Mildot reticle likely some time in the '80's, many years before I got it.
The ranging drum was left on as a quick power adjuster as it no longer interacts with the M-21 Elevation Cam Mount, as it was set up for bolt action after the M-21 service .
I have used 2 piece Redfield bases and rings for now as I already had them.
The Winchester Rifle itself was a nice honest Model 70 with a sporter barrel showing normal wear from hunting and carrying on the receiver and stock over the years.
I had access to one of the 26" Shilen DCRA style Enfield 1/12" Match barrels from back in the day that was brand new, in the white.
The Enfield threaded section was removed and the rear of the barrel re-threaded for the Winchester specs to be nice and snug, then a new chamber cut in .308 Match.
Checking with experienced shooters using these barrels has confirmed they like 168 BTHP Match rounds, so that is where I will start this spring.
My armourer is a real pro with this type of project and didn't disappoint.
I wasn't trying to be too rigid as if an M-24 or M-40 "pattern" would have been followed critically for one of those "spec" type rifles to be reproduced.
It was more important in my mind to create something that looked like it could have been one of the available Winchesters rigged with an effective Scope and rushed over to get in the hands of someone who really needed it in the mid to late '60's.
In order to prevent this new tube from looking weird, I washed the barrel with a thin finish that came pretty close to what you might describe as thinning and mottled Parkerizing.
Not at all pretty, but appropriate for what you would expect with the level of use on the receiver, Bolt and Stock of this donor rifle, plus the Region this rifle would have been expected to operate in.
The trigger on this rifle is freaking awesome....like a very thin sheet of glass snapping! The Lawyers sure wouldn't like it, and it's a tribute to the folks at Winchester.
I am looking forward to getting the rifle out to Borden in the Spring and having some fun. This Old Dog Winchester might be capable of some new tricks!
Cheers Paul
Added a nice 1907 Sling....
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