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Vietnam M70 thread

eodcam

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 4, 2011
424
1
48
Panama City
Is there a Vietnam era Model 70 thread on the Hide? I can find some old links when googling, but can't find it from the search function...Should it be started under Bolt Action or Vintage?
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

"The One Round War" has a fair number of pics of M70 in Vietnam alongside M1C/M1D in use by the USMC. Seems the M70's were found to have a longer effective range. Most pics sem to be dated '65-'67.

Didn't Hathcock use an M70?
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BasraBoy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"The One Round War" has a fair number of pics of M70 in Vietnam alongside M1C/M1D in use by the USMC. Seems the M70's were found to have a longer effective range. Most pics sem to be dated '65-'67.

Didn't Hathcock use an M70?</div></div>

Hathcock used an M70 for most of his time in Viet Nam. Even though he was very instrumental in bringing the M40 on board as the main sniper rifle.

FWIW, Winchester offered to build precision M70 rifles in both WWII and Korea but were turned down. As many of you know, a lot of M70's were used during those conflicts as well as in Viet Nam. They were "appropriated" from the Recreation Services by precision shooting minded people. One very notable individual doing that during the Viet Nam war was Jim Land.

BTW, Andy, how ya doing?
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

So they were actually "issued". I had heard that the M70's in Vietnam were civilian target rifles. Not technically issued as Sniper Rifles, but used none the less because of their accuracy and the proficiency with which they were deployed. That's just what I've heard.
... And yes, I had also heard that Gunny Hathcock used an M70. In 30-06 I believe?
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

I've been told the story of how the Win 70 came into inventory was that the military was testing the 03 and M1 to see which was btter suitd to be used as a sniper rifle. The M70 was sourced from a local sports shop to be used as a control comparison only. The end report concluded "Get the M70."

Unsure if its true or not but makes for a good story.
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

From what I understand is they go back to WWII and Korea, however the Marine leadership at the time didn't beleive they needed a new sniper rifle, because they had the 1903 and the M1. When Nam got moving they came to realize they did, and the decided to use the M70 because the Rifle team shooters started up the training program and they shot the M70. They mounted the scopes off the 1941 snipers and did their thing. Meanwhile, the requirements for a new sniper rifle was being developed and the M40 came about and phased out the 70.
My buddy's has one of the old rifle team M70s. Its a trophy rifle he hand picked from the Marine Shooting teams arms room at Quantico. It's marked, well electro penciled U.S. PROPERTY On the front receiver ring. Its pretty B.A.
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They mounted the scopes off the 1941 snipers and did their thing. Meanwhile, the requirements for a new sniper rifle was being developed and the M40 came about and phased out the 70.
My buddy's has one of the old rifle team M70s. Its a trophy rifle he hand picked from the Marine Shooting teams arms room at Quantico. It's marked, well electro penciled U.S. PROPERTY On the front receiver ring. Its pretty B.A. </div></div>

Again, referring to Senich...there are pics of the USMC using both the Unertl x8 and also the Japanese "Marine" marked x3-x9 scopeansome just described as a "commercial" hunting scope.

You're mate is a lucky bloke! Sounds like a fantastic rifle for the colection.

Sand - PM inbound
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

Well, Here's Mine. My USMC Unertl is on its way! This is a 1957 Target.

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Re: Vietnam M70 thread

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, Here's Mine. My USMC Unertl is on its way! This is a 1957 Target.

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</div></div> That is sweet edocam ! I had 2 and sold one to WI50 here on the hide, I have the one I kept in a sporter stock and call her Carlos, Its my fair weather bean patch white tail hammer. I shoot 165 gr SST"s and BT's and 168 gr MK's and combined tech BT's . she is an easy sub MOA gun and has shot 1/2 inch on blue bird dead calm days that I was 'on' ... one of those never ever sell guns.... very best
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

Finally got a chance to shoot My 70 this weekend. Went out to Quantico and shot from the 600 yard line. It took a bit to get on paper, when I finally did, The M70 with a 12x Lyman is one hell of a combination!
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

Well... Here is mine... Winchester M70 (.308)


-Its a (5) digit Winchester M70 in 308.
-Serial # dates it to 1941 ish..
-Obviously the was NOT developed till 1950... So it was rebarreled around then.
-It wears the 25 1/4 HEAVY barrel *ONLY mark is the stamped .308 marking in small numbers near reciever.
-Factory drilled FRONT/REAR for sights
-Has the sights pictured as well as REDFIELD Olympics (3 Sets)
-Factory clip slotted under the attachment at the rear
-Base was added by me.....
-Stock obviously NOT original but is 4 way adjustable Tubb.
-Blind Mag Fed.
-FINISH IS 99% and was redone BUT is EXTREMELY NEW looking.



Thanks,
Matt (LEO SOUTH GA.)

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Re: Vietnam M70 thread

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Finally got a chance to shoot My 70 this weekend. Went out to Quantico and shot from the 600 yard line. It took a bit to get on paper, when I finally did, The M70 with a 12x Lyman is one hell of a combination! </div></div>

Sorry that it took all those shots to get you on Will,but it damn well shoots sweet(when I remember to put the scope back in battery!LOL!!

Hope to see you for the "modified" this Sun.Be glad to help with the 8,9,1000 comeups.

Remind me to tell you the story of when I tried to procure one when I was in.

Steve
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

Hi All, Ive been a long time reader on this excellent forum, I enjoy the interesting rifles and content - so keep it up fella's.

I've got intentions to build a reproduction usmc M70 in .30-06, and am a fairway through my researching & setting spec's for the project. Anyone else interested in the Mod70/Unertl combination, should look into Peter Senich's "The One-Round War"& Martin Pegler's "Out of Nowhere", they are both terrific sources of info. Elsewhere precious little seem's to have been recorded.

I Can't afford to be as fussy in the criteria I put upon components (i.e correct s/n range etc) due to their scarecity out here in Australia. I've not yet got a suitable action, these pre-64's are extortionately dear out here, let alone pre-war, let alone correct s/n range examples. So I'm going to be realistic & settle for just a "pre-64". I'd true it up if required, tune trigger,Generally accurize etc if its "clip slotted" all well & good, if not nor will I lose any sleep.
I wont "electropencil" it, or stamp any cartouches that don't belong. I'd fit a fresh barrel, ideally douglas manufacture (but could be local alternative) profiled to winchester "medium-heavy" spec.
There is an ebay seller in the US (silverhill) that does repro stocks & accesories (butplate, swivel rails), so once I know which variant of the pre-64 to inlett it for I'll probably get them to profile a M70 "target/marksman" stock out of a nice tastefully figured peice of timber (less the checkering). I would then give it the full glass bedding/floating treatment.

What I aim to acheive is something that ~ closely ~ approximates the original and in the end will shoot 3/4 moa or better, so probably not unlike Mike Lau's TBA rifles. I'm not adverse to using new parts other than the action which must be the real deal.
The Telescope would likely be one of the leatherwood repro's, which may or may not seem like a "cop out", at some point in the future if the real thing presents itself I can easily rectify the situation, changing it out for an original. anyone know much about the leatherwood copies? (I have seen the other thread but theres not much info in it)
I intend to do much of the fitting, machining, bedding, finishing work myself, should the action, repro mounts, stock etc require it? Does anyone know if there is a Ceracoate type finish that can closely approximate the blue/black shade & lustre of the winchester metalwork from that era, rather than blueing?

I'd be very interested to see or read of anyone else's repro USMC m70 project's that they may have on the go (cattle buyers, eodcam,etc).

If I'm happy with how this turns out, I'd love to build a period correct "fullbore" rifle (i think you call it "palma" over there) based on the 28" barrelled Mod70 pre-64 bullrifle (however in .308, per the rulebook).
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

Hi Brianlara400,
The Winchester Model 70 will ruin you! I started out as a Remington M40 guy, but since I bought my 70, I want another 70 this time the National match, then follow it up with the bull gun.
I have a target in a marksman stock, I was going to build it into a sniper but after talking to a few of the guys that are collectors/historians and one who was using them in Nam. My rifle doesn't have the provenance to justify putting on the unertl, so I opted to spec it as an USMC target rifle and mounted a Lyman 12 power super target spot. I do have an USMC Unertl that I'll be listing next week.
smile.gif

Now about the Leatherwood, I personally do not have one. I have a buddy who has one and hates it (on a 1903) my other friend hasn't shot with his yet (M70).
I think it would have to be the mounts. How well they adjust and hold. If one could find a set of mounts, Lyman, unertl, etc... The tube would probably be fine. Now how much money would one want to invest in the Chinese scope vs buying a vintage scope is up to them. I've been following the market on the Lyman's and Unertls, any of the CMP legal scopes are going over 1000.00 USD. With the turn out at perry they will just keep going up, the demand will probably increase the cost of the leatherwood until a quality alternative shows up.
The m70 is a beautiful rifle, the bluing Winchester did is awesome. Reminds me of the deep bluing in a colt python. I don't know if any ceracoat can match it.
Good luck with the build, you'll have a blast. 90% of the fun is finding parts!



 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

EodCam - No illusions there, the M70 certainly will ruin me
smile.gif
and I'm cutting out the middleman and going straight for the winchester (remingtons really dont hold that much appeal for me).
The quality of the tube/optic but lack of precision & finish of the mounts seems to be the consensus of what I'm hearing regarding the leatherwood copy. However provided the mounts are worthing of resurrection, i'd be prepared to do the work required to get them functioning properly (re-machining etc),
also. My bits and peices model 70 project rifle, when it happens certainly wouldnt have the provenance either, but just out of curiousity how much would you be looking to get for it?

Your rifle in the pic looks terrific with the Lyman, I hope you enjoy it (and @ some point please do bit of an accuracy appraisal,& review).
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

You all know there where originally three types of Model 70 target rifles.

The original National Match had the marksman stock, target scope blocks but the barrel was the standard sporter contour barrel and sporter rifle sights fitted to them.

The target rifle had the marksman stock and a heavier straight tapered contoured barrel and was available in a multiple calibers. From calibers like .220 swift, to .30-06 etc....and if I recall most of the barrels where 24" or 26" finish length.

The target rifle that is commonly referred to as the bull gun had a 28" finish length barrel and if I recall correctly only available in .300 H&H Mag.

The original guns the USMC purchased had the sporter barrels (national match rifles). These where at some point in time rebarreled with a heavier straight taper target type barrel made by Douglas.

Set your gun up properly and it will be a great shooting gun.

I'm taking a early '50s target rifle that is in .30-06 (barrel is pitted in the bore) and some hack shortened the buttstock like a 1/2" and fitted a recoil pad but other than that it's nice. Got a new barrel made for it but has to be installed as of yet. Still going to be .30-06, the gun already wears a Unertl scope and will reglass bed it. Last but not least will take off the recoil pad and repair the stock and refit an original steel butt plate.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

Frank,

The National Match is Next on the list! I should be able to post some pics of my Unertl tonight and when it sells I'm buying the NM.

Does anyone have any info on the "Marine" Japan made 3x9 scope mentioned in Senichs books?


Loving the info on everyones builds! Just remember 8-9 September there's going to be a Enhanced Vintage Sniper Match at Quantico, VA where we can Shoot M70 vs M40! oh don't forget the M21 fans they are invited too!
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eodcam</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here's my target with the Lyman.

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Awesome rifle even have the vintage ammo to go with it. Cant wait to start mine.
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

Wow, Your very lucky - both are terrific rifles.

From the serial numbers how old do you think they are? i.e they both have the later safety levers.

Whats make is the rear aperture on the M70 Target?

Are both the target & national match, .30-06?
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

Thanks BL4, I'd guess 1955-56, my other target is a 1957. It's a Lyman, I have a set of Lyman's for the national match coming in the mail with the Unertl that was on the rifle.
They are both 30-06. Now I'm looking for a bull gun in '06.
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

Thanks Cattle! I found mine on gunsamerica. There's one on gunbroker, but someone installed a recoil pad and on guns international, there's another. The one I picked up was listed for a bit along with the target. I'm setting the target up just like my other target, with a 12x Lyman. I want to do a rifle like yours in the sporter stock, but I think I need to find a bull gun first.
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

We have all done it , Passed up or sold guns that we regret later, my biggest regret was a late 50's bull gun in 300 win mag that was almost factory mint. as I later really started researching and collecting mod 70's I found out that the Bull gin in 300 win mag was one of just a hand full to leave Winchester factory!99.5 % of the bull guns were 30-06 or 300 H&H, I passed because I felt 2000 was to high...... 12 years ago...
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

G'day everyone,
I'm about to start a project whereby I build one of these USMC model 70/ unertl cominations and was wondering if someone might help me out:
I've found a bloke with a pattern for the Winchester "Marksman" stock (appears to be a Type 1# 1936-37), but before we wales into a nice piece of walnut with his duplicator, We would both like to confirm a few measurements/dimensions with someone who has the "genuine article".

*I'm chasing a measurement for the depth of the forend (perhaps measured in a few spots, and @ what distance from the forend tip) from the underside of foreend to the the top of the stock (happens to be about bore centre height)

*And Also a woodwork depth for the action area where it steps down (measured @ about the middle of the floor plate) again to the top of the stock.

See example
m701.jpg


Any info would be most appreciated
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

Sir,
I have the stock to get the #s from but I think you need a different stock. Most of the rifles had the standard sporter stock with the heavy barrel. A few were as you are contemplating, but most were not. Good luck with your project.
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

Hi rth1800,
thanks for your concern mate - I do appreciate your looking out for me.
I was aware that a good deal of those in publisised use in RVN were in the sporter stock configuration (w/ the barrel channel enlarged). However to be fair a number of other model 70's featured in their tacit use's throughout RVN and the previous two conflicts (WWII & ROK) were Target model's, "Bull gun's", Supergrade's, Sporters's & Featherweights's etc.
i.e the famous Bull gun of William Brophy's used to great affect in Korea.

i.e the standard sporters requisitioned from special services, which even with sporter weight barrel were meant to perform perfectly adequately for the marksman role. According to Sgt Donovan & Peter Senich, Hathcock is meant to have used for a time one of these factory sporters.

I had made the decision to base the project around the Target model, with the marksman stock & "medium/heavy" barrel profile because I figured it offered good utility as a varmint rifle and for the odd range visit it might have in palma/fullbore (despite being .30-06) config.
If you did happen to have a spare moment where you might lift a few measurments, I'd certainly appreciate it & again thanks for looking out for me.
 
Re: Vietnam M70 thread

I'm hoping someone here can answer this for me. I bought this stock from Numrich many years ago. It was listed as a 70 target and I was going to use it for a pre '64 HP build. It looks like some of the other stocks with the exception of the pistol grip cap to me. What do you think?

Adding more questions, This has a "repair" piece of wood on the bottom of the forend where I think a short rail would have been. If yours has a rail, how long is it? The bottom of the stock has the holes drilled already for a sling swivel. The length of the entire barrel channel also looks like it's either been bedded or epoxied. Is that normal?


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