.30-06 Van Orden Sniper Rifle - 1955

 This is a documented US PROPERTY Van Orden sniper rifle. It is listed by serial number in the Evaluator's Ltd documents published in Chandler & Chandler's Death From Afar Volume 1, which show the rifle was delivered to the US Army Rifle Team on June 19, 1955.

This rifle shows its military heritage. It is complete and 100% functional but shows heavy use and has several armorer repairs which add to the interesting history this rifle must have experienced. The stock is in the Van Orden sniper configuration with low comb and no checkering panels. It has not been shortened or otherwise modified and has no cracks or chips, but has many handling marks and the original linseed oil finish has developed a deep almost black patina from years of being rubbed down with gun oil and linseed oil.  

The barreled action is in the correct configuration for a sniper rifle including a receiver slotted for a stripper clip and the medium-heavy target barrel. The extractor and breech bolt shroud are from different rifles, both wearing a parkerized finish - no doubt from a US Army armorer making due to keep the rifle functional with whatever could be found. We have not corrected these items, as they only add to the history of this rifle. One of the holes in the rear receiver bridge has been re-drilled and is now slightly egg-shaped, this is shown clearly in the photos. There are a couple of micro-cracks in the receiver rails near the rear bridge and also appear to be the result of a field repair - likely a barrel changed done without proper tools. These cracks do not extend into the structure of the receiver and do not affect the strength or usability of the rifle. The bottom metal has light scratches and freckling with notable bluing loss. There are light scratches in the receiver and barrel metal, but no significant gouges or deep scratches. The bolt is serial number matched to the rifle, including the last 3 digits of the serial number scribed into the top of the bolt handle - no doubt another armorer addition to the character of this special rifle.

The bore is in excellent condition. There is only a slight amount of wear in the throat and light pitting near the muzzle. Borescope verified.

Some Van Orden rifles saw combat duty during the Korean and Vietnam wars. It is not possible to know if this rifle was ever in-theater with an Army sniper, but the extent of wear and field repairs would indicate use far beyond a rack rifle with a rifle team.

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.