Apparently the USMC didn't have much in the way of Precision Rifles when they arrived in Vietnam.
A4's and M1D's were available but due to their optics, they were more of a designated Marksman option.
Apparently an off the shelf 3-9 x 40 was used on their pre-64 Winchester Model 70's. Follow up with the 8x Unertl was done later.
I have attempted a Tribute to this first series of 1965 Rifles using a 1949 produced, pre-64 Model 70 rifle.
In addition to having a decent "look" to the time period of these " In-Country " rifles, I knew they would likely look well used, and possibly a bit tired after a while. The rifle was originally 30/06 but is now .308 with a nice snug chamber.
In addition to getting the look, I still wanted good performance with a wood stocked rifle, and Optics that looked a bit older but were very capable as well as being within a reasonable budget, and something I already had.
The barrel is a 24” Douglas SS 1-10 with a .900 muzzle
The Scope is a Burris 3-12 x 56....Larger than the original used in '65 but not a bad look for now until something else comes along.
In the meantime, I should be able to print the rifle well without a ton of $$ in the optics.
The '49 rifle itself was in very good condition, just hunted with over the years. ( not going to hold that against it! )
The stock varnish was pretty flakey, so rather than stripping it, I mixed up some of my beeswax rub, with a slight bit of colour and it has resulted in a look of a Vintage stock that has a nice patina and feel.
The coating on the stainless barrel is a spray finish rather than baked on as I just didn't want the rifle to look too modern or perfect.
The swivels are 1 1/4" for a 1907 pattern sling or similar.
I have attached a great article about the Early USMC Sniper experience in Vietnam.
For now, I am happy to be part way there with the "look" and are hoping to get the rifle to some shoots at Borden this season.
Perhaps we can have some fun matching up with the C3's and early Remington's? Cheers Paul
https://usmcweaponry.com/winchester-model-70/
A4's and M1D's were available but due to their optics, they were more of a designated Marksman option.
Apparently an off the shelf 3-9 x 40 was used on their pre-64 Winchester Model 70's. Follow up with the 8x Unertl was done later.
I have attempted a Tribute to this first series of 1965 Rifles using a 1949 produced, pre-64 Model 70 rifle.
In addition to having a decent "look" to the time period of these " In-Country " rifles, I knew they would likely look well used, and possibly a bit tired after a while. The rifle was originally 30/06 but is now .308 with a nice snug chamber.
In addition to getting the look, I still wanted good performance with a wood stocked rifle, and Optics that looked a bit older but were very capable as well as being within a reasonable budget, and something I already had.
The barrel is a 24” Douglas SS 1-10 with a .900 muzzle
The Scope is a Burris 3-12 x 56....Larger than the original used in '65 but not a bad look for now until something else comes along.
In the meantime, I should be able to print the rifle well without a ton of $$ in the optics.
The '49 rifle itself was in very good condition, just hunted with over the years. ( not going to hold that against it! )
The stock varnish was pretty flakey, so rather than stripping it, I mixed up some of my beeswax rub, with a slight bit of colour and it has resulted in a look of a Vintage stock that has a nice patina and feel.
The coating on the stainless barrel is a spray finish rather than baked on as I just didn't want the rifle to look too modern or perfect.
The swivels are 1 1/4" for a 1907 pattern sling or similar.
I have attached a great article about the Early USMC Sniper experience in Vietnam.
For now, I am happy to be part way there with the "look" and are hoping to get the rifle to some shoots at Borden this season.
Perhaps we can have some fun matching up with the C3's and early Remington's? Cheers Paul
https://usmcweaponry.com/winchester-model-70/
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