For Sale Van Orden Pre-64 Model 70 30-06 Sniper Rifle

[Garciamarquez1918]

This is literally the best of both worlds, a true New Haven-made Pre-64 Model 70 that's basically brand new. Heavy target barrel increases accuracy and reduces felt recoil. I'm only the second owner of SN 159509. My grandfather bought it in 1952 and hunted with it extensively until about 1970, including twice in East Africa. I got it when he died.

It is a documented Van Orden sniper rifle, listed in the Evaluator's Ltd documents, published in Chandler & Chandler's 'Death From Afar Volume 1.'
(For more info about Van Orden sniper rifles, read this article: The Legendary US Marine Corps Model 70 Sniper Rifle)

Granddad looked at rifles as tools to be used and this rifle was well-used. That's why I sent it to Pre64.com for restoration. Which means you get an essentially brand new vintage Model 70. Not made in South Carolina. Not made in Portugal. Not made in the 90's. Made in 1952 in New Haven. The absolute real deal, only like new.

Three issues from a pure collector's standpoint: bolt is not original but is from the era. Original butt plate is long gone. Recoil pad is a reproduction. Small gouge in the fore end shown in pictures. Bore is not pristine but not excessively worn.

I'm selling to get some room in the safe and raise some funds for a new rifle purchase.

$3,900 plus shipping to your FFL. Venmo, PayPal, 3% ...wire or Zelle nothing additional. 3 day approval. I will ship it in a heavy Boyt plastic case and include this with the sale. I am also happy to include vintage B&L scope and mounts if you want them, as well as some notes my grandfather made about his time with the rifle.

 

[Ray B]

What documentation comes with the rifle regarding its origins?

 

[Garciamarquez1918]

What documentation comes with the rifle regarding its origins?

Hi Ray thanks for your interest! The serial number of the rifle is included in the known range of serisakl numbers for Van Orden rifles. As far as my grandad's purchase and ownership what I've said is based on typre-written notes from about 1970 which were passed down to me. Happy to include these with the rifle if they are of interest. As for the work done by Pre64.com I have emails and receipts. Hope this helps!

 

[ActionBob]

Wow, no children, nieces or nephews to pass that too?

 

[Garciamarquez1918]

Wow, no children, nieces or nephews to pass that too?

Well Bib I klove that you said "Nieces." My grandmother was the best shot in the family. But no sadly not a lot of interest in the next generation. But if it doesn't sell well maybe it has another Africa trip in its future,

 

[noafrica4me]

I don't see this lasting long.
Great rifle.

 

[Bill_D]

pre64win.com does outstanding work, they build me my first custom rifle.

 

[Garciamarquez1918]

pre64win.com does outstanding work, they build me my first custom rifle.

I was honestly stunned when I got the rifle back. I would have been happy if it had been half as nice. Of course I'm gonna say that, but still...

 

[Garciamarquez1918]

Here's kind of a cool image of my Granddad in Kenya, 1970, with the rifle. You can confirm it's that rifle by the flat sight on the barrel.

 

[BGHNTR416]

And with Robin Hurt! So cool

 

[Garciamarquez1918]

I had people ask about the top of the rifle and the scope mounts it had on it. So here it is:

 

[steve white]

Here's kind of a cool image of my Granddad in Kenya, 1970, with the rifle. You can confirm it's that rifle by the flat sight on the barrel.

A very young Robin Hurt!

 

[steve white]

Is there a special purpose to the flat front sight?

 

[dchum]

Don’t sell this

 

[Garciamarquez1918]

Is there a special purpose to the flat front sight?

It's some sort of target shooting deal? I'm unclear how it works.

 

[Kynoch2015]

Very nice. Was the stock cut to accommodate the pad? Great pic! Thanks.

 

[Garciamarquez1918]

Very nice. Was the stock cut to accommodate the pad? Great pic! Thanks.

Yes it had a pretty ratty Pachmayer pad on it. Replaced that with the replica Winchester pad.

 

[Bullthrower338]

Is there a special purpose to the flat front sight?

Typically to mount a front target sight. Usually these rifles were set up to have bases for a unertl optic, looking similar to the front sight base but one on the receiver and the other where the rear sight would be on the barrel boss. Granted some were fixed with a leatherwood optic and occasionally a B&L optic from my understanding

 

[Garciamarquez1918]

Typically to mount a front target sight. Usually these rifles were set up to have bases for a unertl optic, looking similar to the front sight base but one on the receiver and the other where the rear sight would be on the barrel boss. Granted some were fixed with a leatherwood optic and occasionally a B&L optic from my understanding

This rifle actually had a B&L scope on it.

 

[dgr416]

Awesome rifle never seen one heard of it through my Friend Al Alvenger who hunted with his friend Roy Chandler in Delta Junction Ak .Its a little known part of history thats awesome .