2 original USMC Winchester M70's

[USMCSGT0331]

Although they aren't in sniper configuration, I figure you guys might like to see these. They are as shipped to the Marine Corps in 1942 and were never converted into sniper rifles. Wish I knew more about their history, there's a chance they could have been fielded in Vietnam (since the Corps pretty much shipped everything overseas, to include BSS guns). One of the rifles has 5 brass pins pressed into the stock, maybe to prevent warping in humid environments? Hopefully more information about these and other M70's will come to light in the future.

 

[sandwarrior]

How'd you come across the second one, USMCSGT0331? I remember you showing us 50586 before, but not 46374.

Also, what kind of sight(?) is that in the second pic up from the bottom?

These are awesome rifles!

 

[Dan M]

The brass pins are actually stock repair screws...they are threaded and screwed into the stock and then cut off flush. Very common armorer repair method before adequate adhesives were developed.

Very nice pair of Winchesters!

 

[USMCSGT0331]

How'd you come across the second one, USMCSGT0331? I remember you showing us 50586 before, but not 46374.

Also, what kind of sight(?) is that in the second pic up from the bottom?

I bought both of them together about 4 years ago. They came from a unit in Montana that had auctioned them off during a USMC Ball over a decade ago. The previous owner bought both of them for stupid cheap, something like $600 per. Apparently they had been sitting in the back of the armory for decades and the battalion commander wanted them out of there. I was also told that one of the rifles had a scope on it, but the armorer removed it before the auction (no idea what scope model it was).

They came from the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, Company B out of Billings, MT. I think the unit was stationed in Billings from 1991 to about 2006. I'm not sure where the rifles were before this time frame or how they ended up in Montana. Maybe they were requested as BSS rifles when the unit arrived in Billings? Maybe they came from another recon unit? Does anyone know if the 4th Recon Battalion was activated and deployed to Vietnam?

The front sights look different in the picture because 50586 has a front sight hood installed, whereas 46374 doesn't have one (will find a replacement hood in the future).

 

[sirhrmechanic]

[No message]

 

[sandwarrior]

I know nothing about the rifles. But, I remember running into some Marines in early '91 while in Billings. It's the only Marine unit I knew of in Montana. I lived in Lewistown from '90-'92 and Helena area from '92-'98. It seemed they had been there a while. Funny thing was it was still winter and even though they all had high and tights, they seemed good with the sub-zero temps.

Interesting issue with what the rifles were intended to be. I would imagine you'll keep them as they are. Buying something cheap out of an arms room is almost unheard of in the regular Army. In the NG there is a lot more lattitude..as long as it's not a certain type weapon.

 

[Leland22]

.....Also, what kind of sight(?) is that in the second pic up from the bottom?

I believe that is a camera on rail,if we are looking at the same thing??

 

[sirhrmechanic]

If kraigWY takes a look at this, he might have something add. He worked with a few of this type unit in the Northwest... Montana being close enough to probably be in his AO.

That is, indeed, a camera, Sand. Photo of the rifle being photographed.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[sandwarrior]

If kraigWY takes a look at this, he might have something add. He worked with a few of this type unit in the Northwest... Montana being close enough to probably be in his AO.

That is, indeed, a camera, Sand. Photo of the rifle being photographed.

Cheers,

Sirhr

D'OH !! I was wondering how he got that frame to split. Because I don't pack my readers with me like I should I couldn't see what it was. I enlarge it and see now, sho'nuff it's a camera.