NOTE: This rifle is a recent acquisition by our shop. We are studying the rifle and are working to fully document its provenance at this time - the rifle is not yet offered for sale. If you are interested in this rifle, please CONTACT US to discuss when it may be offered for sale.
This is an original Van Orden sniper rifle made by Winchester and accurized to US Marine Corps specs by Evaluators Ltd of Quantico Virginia. It is completely original, shows no signs of use and presents in NRA perfect condition.
The rifle serial number is 220619 which Evaluators Ltd records show was delivered to Robert E Gates at an address on Fort Bragg, NC. This was not a military issue rifle. Although it was delivered to a Fort Bragg address, Evaluator Ltd records show this rifle among only 90 Van Orden rifles delivered to private individuals.
The rifle includes the following features:
- 1952 target action
- Winchester marksman stock with pitch and LOP modified to Van Orden specs by Evaluators Ltd.
- 24" stainless barrel chambered in .30-06 and dated to 1950
- Lyman 48 WH receiver sight with 60 point slide
- Lyman 77 front sight
- Unertl front and rear scope blocks
Several aspects of this rifle are notable and are under study. These include:
- The rifle is in what Van Orden called the "special target" configuration. Rather than an uncheckered lightweight stock similar to the standard rifle stock, the special target Van Orden had a marksman weight stock with slight modifications compared to the factory target stock.
- The stainless barrel is not typical of a Van Orden rifle, nor is it a cataloged option from Winchester. It was, however, available by special order from Winchester.
- We also continue to research details about Robert E Gates - the man who ordered this rifle from Evaluators Ltd.
Although this rifle is not yet offered for sale. If you are interested in this rifle, have information which may help us, or have questions we might be able to address, please feel free to CONTACT US.
NOTE: This item can only be shipped directly to you if you are an FFL or C&R license holder. If this is not the case, the item must be shipped to an FFL holder near you who can complete the transfer. If needed, we are happy to assist you in locating an FFL holder near you who can assist in this way.
This item is only available for shipment to US addresses.