Rare, original, Remington Model 700 sniper rifle with Redfield 3-9x telescopic sight manufactured in 1966 as part of the original U.S.M.C contract for 700 rifles to replace the M1C, M1D and Winchester Model 70 rifles used by Marine snipers in Vietnam. The Model 700 sniper rifles were slightly modified Remington Model 700 sporting rifles specially assembled by the Remington "Custom Shop". These rifles were fitted with a tapered 24 inch heavy barrel, clip-slotted receiver, black anodized aluminum trigger guard, floorplate and checkered buttplate and oil-finished walnut sporting stock with cheek rest. The rifles had the early "tombstone" safety. The bolts were serial numbered to the rifles and had a black oxide finish. The barrel and receiver had a gray parkerized finish. The rifles were fitted with a blued Redfield Junior one-piece bridge base, blued Redfield one-inch rings and a Redfield 3-9x variable power "Accu-Range" telescopic sight with range-finding reticle that utilized two stadia reference wires and a range scale. The U.S.M.C. Redfield scopes had a distinctive green anodized finish. The Redfield scopes and bases fitted by Remington and electro-etched with the rifle serial number. This rifle has all the distinctive Model 700 U.S.M.C. sniper features. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped "U.S." above the serial number "221276". This serial number is in the identified range of serial numbers for Marine Model 700 sniper rifles listed on pages 116-118 of "DEATH FROM AFAR, VOL. 1," by Chandler & Chandler. The left side of the scope base is electro-etched with the serial number "221587". The telescopic sight is not serial numbered. Most of the surviving USMC Model 700 sniper rifles have mis-matched or un-numbered bases and telescopic sights. The underside of the bolt is electro-penciled with the serial number "221276". The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped with the standard "REMINGTON/MODEL 700" factory markings found on all Model 700 sniper rifle receivers. The barrel has the standard markings found on Model 700 sniper rifle barrels; these markings consist of the Remington date code "U D N" (September 1966) followed by the inspection number "41" on the bottom of the barrel and a triangle magnaflux test stamp, oval "R.E.P" (Remington English Proof) and a heart-shaped "gallery stamp" that indicates function and accuracy testing on the top centerline of the barrel. The scope is fitted with Redfield black plastic lens covers. The Remington Model 700 sniper rifle was the standard weapon of Marine snipers in Vietnam from 1967 onward and was utilized by the top Marine sniper Charles B. Mawhinney, credited with 103 confirmed kills in 1968-69. The Model 700 sniper rifles remained in service following the Vietnam War; most of these rifles were subsequently modified to the M40A1 configuration. Very few Remington Model 700 sniper rifles were ever released from U.S.M.C. stocks. Surviving examples in the original 1966 configuration, like this rifle, are among the rarest of all U.S. martial arms.