Lt. Col. Lones W. Wigger’s Legacy

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As I reported at the time, retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and one of the greatest competitive rifle shooters in history, Lones W. Wigger, Jr., passed away in 2017 at his home in Colorado.

Wigger, born in Great Falls, Montana in 1937, was three-time All-American with the Montana State University rifle program and from there entered the Army, serving with the storied Army Marksmanship Unit for 20 years. Besides taking a break to run the 23rd Infantry Division’s sniper school in Vietnam, he was on the U.S. Olympic shooting team five times between 1964 and 1980, winning two golds and a silver.

As noted by USA Shooting in early 2017 when they announced an endowment and legacy project in Wigger’s honor, he was also a “24-time World Champion, 33-time world-record holder, and 91-time National Champion” and the organization recently renamed their headquarters the Lones Wigger Legacy Hall & Shooting Center.

Speaking of the endowment and legacy, many of his rifles and other firearms are for sale in auctions to benifit shooting sports.

Check this out via USA Shooting:

Firearms belonging to Olympic shooting legend Lones Wigger will be auctioned on GunBroker.com March 6-20, to benefit Youth shooting programs. The family of Lones Wigger has generously donated over 30 firearms and shooting memorabilia belonging to Lones, with proceeds directed to the Lones Wigger Youth Program Endowment with MidwayUSA Foundation. A certificate of authenticity signed by Deena Wigger-McDorman, Lones’ daughter, and Matt Suggs, CEO, USA Shooting, is included with each auction item.

Remington Model 720 .30-06, U.S. Navy presentation

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924377199

 

Remington Model 720 .30-06 Secretary of the Navy presentation trophy rifle. One of approximately 1,000 rifles made circa 1942 and subsequently acquired by the U.S. Navy to be used as presentation rifles, serial 41794 was awarded to the High Navy Rifle Marksman at the National Matches in 1973. Features include a 22-inch barrel, banded front sight topped by a brass-beaded blade, dovetailed rear sight, walnut stock with double-bordered checkering, steel butt plate and a leather sling.
MARKINGS: Crossed cannon and inspector mark “FJA” appears on the left butt and is tack sharp. The bolt serial matches that of the receiver. The floorplate is engraved “SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TROPHY HIGH NAVY RIFLE MARKSMAN NATIONAL MATCHES 1973”. This marking is filled in white and is both bright and sharp. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.0 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.5 inches.
CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Metal finish is a superb rust blue showing at approximately 98 percent. Wood finish is approximately 95 percent.
INCLUSION: A towel from the Tokyo 1964 Olympics is included.

Remington 720 .30-06, U.S. Marine shooting trophy

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924377712

Remington Model 720 .30-06 Secretary of the Navy presentation trophy rifle. One of approximately 1,000 rifles made circa 1942 and subsequently acquired by the U.S. Navy to be used as presentation rifles, serial 41629 was awarded to the High Marine Shooter at the 1981 National Rifle Championship. Features include a 22-inch barrel, banded front sight topped by a brass-beaded blade, dovetailed rear sight, walnut stock with double-bordered checkering, steel butt plate and a leather sling.
MARKINGS: Crossed cannon and inspector mark “FJA” appears on the left butt and is tack sharp. The bolt serial matches that of the receiver. The floorplate is engraved “SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TROPHY HIGH MARINE SHOOTER 1981 NATIONAL RIFLE CHAMPIONSHIP”. This marking is filled in white and is both bright and sharp.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.0 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.5 inches. CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Metal finish is a superb rust blue showing at approximately 97 percent. Wood finish is approximately 95 percent.
INCLUSIONS: A red/white/blue “USA” cap and Wigger’s inventory card are present.

Mauser 66S 7mm Rem. Magnum, presentation rifle

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924379031

Mauser Model 66S 7mm Remington Magnum. Serial SG43770 was presented to the 1981 300 Meter Rifle Champion and is also marked “WGI Phoenix Arizona”. The 26-inch barrel is topped by a hooded front sight with brass blade and a track-mounted Williams adjustable rear sight. Given the bolt design, the front (objective) of a scope would also secure to this track via a special mount (not included) while the rear mount would conventionally attach to the drilled/tapped front ring of the action. Additional features include set triggers and an integral magazine. The walnut stock is dressed up with an oil finish, skip-line checkering, rosewood forend tip, rosewood grip cap (with inlay), sling loops and a soft Monte Carlo comb with Bavarian cheek rest.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.2 pounds and the length-of-pull is 15.25 inched from the forward (conventional) trigger.
CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Metal and wood finishes are approximately 98 percent.
INCLUSION: A USA Olympic Team cap is included.

Remington 700 7mm-08 Rem., presentation rifle

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924379320

Remington Model 700 BDL 7mm-08 Remington. Almost certainly made in the Remington Custom Shop (given the exceptional wood quality and the inlaid plaque), serial B6319488 has a 24-inch tapering heavy barrel (.835 muzzle diameter) and scope blocks. Additional features include a jeweled bolt body, skip-line checkering and a Monte Carlo comb with cheek rest. The plaque was never engraved.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.8 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.3 inches.
CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Metal and stock finishes are each approximately 98 percent.
INCLUSION: A “Shoot the Moon” shooting vest with Wigger’s name and Eley patch is included. 

Mauser 98 8mm, Oberndorf, Vietnamese writing

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924379851

Mauser Model 98 8mm. Made in Oberndorf (code byf), serial number 14086 (appears on receiver and stock, small parts differ) was originally a German rifle then likely used by the French Foreign Legion and later taken by the Vietnamese forces. Gifted to Lones Wigger at the conclusion of his second tour in Vietnam. The barrel is 24 inches long. Waffenamt “135” appears on the receiver and barrel, as do other Nazi markings across the metal parts. What appears to be Vietnamese writing appears (in paint – “Choung Thien”) on the right side of the stock and the numeral “5” is likewise marked on the right butt. CONDITION: The bore exhibits a moderate uniform roughness and is at best casually shootable. Mechanics operate properly (dry). Metal and wood finishes stand at approximately 40 percent for a military rifle.
INCLUSION: A U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit cap is packaged with this rifle.

Winchester Model 52 .22 LR, modified, cased

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924324723

Winchester Model 52 .22 LR. Made in 1937, serial 44325C is fitted with a 27.5-inch K. Kenyon barrel (.90-inch muzzle diameter, recessed crown) wearing scope blocks. The single shot action has been modified (safety removed, bolt knob reprofiled, aperture sight mount added). The stock has been wonderfully altered to suit with a reshaped grip, added roll-over comb and an adjustable butt plate.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 12.4 pounds and the length-of-pull is 12.9 inches.
CONDITION: Not surprisingly, the bore has minor softening of the rifling but remains viable and does not appear roughed. The unfinished barrel has a light, general freckling and roughness over its surface. The action is mechanically sound and retains approximately 40 percent of the original finish. Wood shows spectacular character with purpose-driven shaping, added roll-over comb and an adjustable butt plate. Impressions are countless and a crack extends some two inches from the toe.  
INCLUSIONS: A vintage wood travel case with outer label (tape) showing matching serial number, dispenser, Firm Grip, Sportsman’s Team Challenge score sheet and a score book (not specific to this rifle) is included. Additional accessories include a shooting coat with “Lones Wigger” embroidered on left front, U.S.A. cap with pins from Mexico, Columbia and a silhouette pig, Wigger’s U.S. Shooting Team National Team Director name badge and a U.S. Shooting Team pin-on patch.

Anschutz .222 Rem., 1965, Team jacket

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924376910

Anschutz .222 Remington. Made in 1965, serial 516411 wears a 23.5-inch stepped barrel. Features include a dovetailed receiver (also tapped), detachable magazine and a large (winter) trigger guard. The stock has a flat-bottom forearm, thick grip, dynamic Monte Carlo comb/cheek rest and a wood butt plate. Rings (1-inch high) are included.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.0 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.5 inches.
CONDITION: The bore shows moderate roughness and wear, but appears to be viable for casual shooting or varminting. Metal finish is approximately 80 percent. Wood is approximately 85 percent.
INCLUSION: A Goretex US Shooting Team jacket embroidered with Wigger’s name and “National Director” title is included. 

Remington 700 7mm Express, Leupold 6.5-20x

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924380894

Remington Model 700 BDL 7mm Express (.280 Remington). Serial A6696602 wears a 22-inch barrel. Features include a polished blue finish and jeweled bolt body. The BDL stock has an ebony forend tip, skip-line checkering, Monte Carlo comb, cheek rest, polymer grip cap and a polymer butt plate. OPTIC: A Leupold Vari-X III 6.5-20x scope with target knobs and dot reticle remains in very good condition with clear optics and good lens coatings.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.8 pounds with optic and sling. Length-of-pull is 13.5 inches.
CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Trigger pull is crisp. Metal finish is approximately 80 percent. Wood is approximately 75 percent, with a goodly number of impressions and scratches.

Husqvarna .30-06, engraved, scoped

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924380322

Husqvarna .30-06. Serial 501800 wears a 24-inch plain barrel sans provision for sights. Features include polished blue finish, push-feed action, “AR-15-type” extractor, two-position side safety, jeweled bolt body and engraved alloy floorplate and guard (inside-the-bow release). The walnut stock is accented with bordered checkering panels, rosewood forend tip and grip cap, Monte Carlo comb and a scalloped cheek rest. OPTIC: A Weaver Marksman 3-9x scope with steel tube and straight crosswire reticle. It remains clear. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.2 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.85 inches.

CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Metal finish is at least 98 percent. Wood is approximately 95 percent with scattered impressions and light scratches. No box or papers.

Winchester 75 .22 LR, cased, great inclusions

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924325163

Winchester Model 75 .22 LR. Made in 1938, serial number 1116 is a first-year production rifle with a 26-inch barrel topped by a block-mounted hooded aperture front sight. Features include a Lyman rear aperture sight and an adjustable forend rail (for sling loop position). The safety lever has been removed. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 7.8 pounds and the length-of-pull is 12.25 inches.
CONDITION: The bore remains surprisingly strong with only suggestions of micro-scratching (likely from cleaning rods). Trigger pull is sharp. The barrel has three extra holes and is missing the forward band. The rear bridge is drilled/tapped (two holes) and the rear sight mount is missing a base attachment screw. Overall metal finish is approximately 40 percent. Wood is approximately 70 percent. 
INCLUSIONS: A vintage wood travel case with a 1959 letter to Montana State College Varsity Rifle Team Captain Lones Wigger from the NRA addressing a rules question, an unrelated NRA High Power Rifle Rules pamphlet and a USA hat with seven shooting and competition pins are included. Finally, this grouping is highlighted by Wigger’s personalized Olympic Team leather jacket.  

Anschutz square action .22 LR, cased, extras

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924325855


Anschutz “Square Action” .22 LR. Serial number 290312 sports a 27-inch barrel (30 inches including tuning dial and 37 inches with drilled/tapped extension). The receiver has a full-length dovetail, the bolt handle is fitted with a large knob and the trigger breaks at approximately two ounces. The stock is shaped with a flat-bottomed beavertail, high comb and an adjustable butt plate. The safety has been removed. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 11.4 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.5 inches.
CONDITION: The bore is in good condition (rifling appears sharp but a note found with the rifle suggests the barrel needs to be replaced). Metal finish is approximately 95 percent. The stock approximately 70 percent with a significant repair at the wrist and some chipping at the trigger.  
INCLUSIONS: A red/white/blue U.S. Shooting double rifle case with keys and a padded carrying strap, U.S. Army Shooting Team cap with shooting pins and a U.S. Shooting jacket embroidered “Wigger” complete the lot.

Browning 1885 .22-250, 28-inch octagon

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924380550

Browning Model 1885 .22-250 Remington. Serial number 01273NZ247 features a 28-inch tapered octagon barrel (.660 muzzle diameter) and a polished blue finish. The walnut stock has double-bordered checkering fields and wears a gloss finish. Appointments include a Schnabel, straight grip, sling swivels (detachable) and a Browning-marked recoil pad.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.4 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.5 inches.
CONDITION: Likely unfired since factory proof, the bore is pristine. Metal finish is all but 100 percent, with trace suggestions of handling. Wood is 99 percent, a few checkering diamonds in the left grip field showing lifted or discolored finish. No box or papers. 

Anschutz .22 LR, Penrod barrel, shooting vest

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924637080

Anschutz .22 LR. Serial 190241 wears a 25-inch J.M. Penrod  # 7 Match barrel (.905 muzzle diameter) with a tuning collar. Features include a dovetailed action, backswept bolt with large knob, forend accessory rail, adjustable comb and adjustable butt plate.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 10.6 pounds and length-of-pull is approximately 13.0 inches. The safety has been removed.
CONDITION: The bore appears strong and bright. Barrel finish is approximatey 90 percent. Action finish is approximately 60 percent. The stock is much-modified and shows at about 30 percent. 
INCLUSION: A black Storm shooting vest with leather accents, Eley markings and Wigger’s name embroidered above upper left pocket is included.

Wichita .243 Winchester, Chanlynn barrel

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924374015


Wichita single shot .243 Winchester. Serial number 150 has a 25-inch barrel (marked “MAC 243”) with a recessed crown. Features include a fluted bolt body, checkered (two panels) and hollowed bolt knob, and a light weight high-comb stock showing both pillar and glass bedding. A recoil pad is attached and a .5-inch spacer is included. No safety is present. MARKINGS: “150” appears on both barrel and receiver under the stock. The barrel is also marked “2616” near the serial.  
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.2 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.0 inches.
CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Barrel finish is approximately 95 percent. Action finish is approximately 85 percent. The stock has a repaired crack running down the pistol grip and the comb has been built up with several layers of adhesive cloth.
INCLUSION: A superb heavy leather and nylon adjustable shooting vest made by Chris Winstead of Hardscrabble Mountain with an “Eley” patch and “Wigger” on the back is present.

Remington 700 .223 Rem., 26-inch heavy

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924381125

Remington Model 700 .223 Remington. Serial E6809210 has a tapering 26-inch heavy barrel (.830 muzzle diameter) and jeweled bolt body. The safety has been removed and trigger tuned. OPTIC: A Bushnell Scope Chief 10x with adjustable objective and “straight crosswire” reticle is present. It remains clear, although the outer lens coatings are rubbed and worn.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 10.8 pounds with optic. Length-of-pull is 13.5 inches.
CONDITION: The bore is strong and viable with no sign of roughness. Metal finish is approximately 75 percent. The laminated stock is somewhat ill-fitting, the barreled action riding high due to the thickness of added action bedding. Condition is otherwise approximately 80 percent owing to impressions and scratches. 

Winchester 52E .22 LR, NRA cover gun, cased

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924326260

Winchester Model 52E custom .22 LR. Serial E123255 has been fitted with a 28-inch Douglas stainless steel barrel (1.140-inch muzzle diameter, recessed crown). The action has been fitted with an aperture base and the safety has been removed. The aftermarket stock is a broad laminate with forend accessory rail and adjustable comb (can be raised approximately .25-inch, spacers are absent). OPTIC: A Unertl 24x scope (serial 19961) with adjustable objective and dot reticle is mounted on barrel blocks. DIMENSIONS: Inclusive weight is 13.6 pounds and length-of-pull is 13.5 inches.
CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Barrel finish is approximately 70 percent, with a light general tarnish. Action finish is approximately 50 percent finish and drilling/tapping. Stock shows a repaired crack at the wrist. Optic is clear, although there is evidence of internal debris and a ding at the edge of the ocular shade. d
INCLUSIONS: A red/white/blue U.S. Shooting double rifle case with keys and a 1988 U.S.A. Olympic Team jacket round out the package.
HISTORY: Per the Wigger estate, this rifle was gifted to Lones Wigger by his good friend Herb Hollister and is the same rifle pictured with Hollister on the cover of the October, 1983 issue of American Rifleman.

Winchester 94 Musket .30-30, 1971 NRA Centennial

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924380087

Winchester Model 94 NRA Centennial Musket .30-30. Made in 1971 in celebration of the National Rifle Association’s 100th year, serial NRA43248 has a 26-inch round barrel with blade front sight, tip-back elevator rear sight, polished blue finish, long forestock with cap and banded sling loop, and a straight-grip butt with flat comb and shotgun plate.
APPOINTMENTS: Barrel right is marked “NRA Centennial Musket”, the receiver has special markings and the right butt is inlaid with a commemorative medallion.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 7.0 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.25 inches.
CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Metal and wood finishes are approximately 98 percent with faint indications of handling. No box or papers. 

Accuracy International .243 Win., early CWC

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924376224

Accuracy International CWC/PM .243 Winchester. Made in 1984 and recorded on the first page of the company production books as “Proto to Wig USA”, serial 0022C was originally barreled as a .308 Winchester. The action is marked “CWC” (Caig, Walls & Cooper). The rifle itself was ordered by long-time friend and fellow Olympic Gold Medalist Malcom Cooper then presented to Lones Wigger. In the current .243 Winchester configuration it has a 22-inch (23 inches including extension) floating “Gamco SWB” barrel with 1/7.5 twist. The action has an integral dovetail receiver, detachable magazine (follower marked .308) and a backswept bolt handle with large knob. The stock has an accessory rail, stippled texturing, adjustable comb and an adjustable butt plate.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 12.4 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.0 inches.
CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Metal finish is approximately 80 percent. Wood is approximately 75 percent.
INCLUSION: A light weight shooting vest with the Olympic rings and “Lones Wigger” embroidered on the pocket is present.

Anschutz .22 LR factory presentation rifle

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924326778

Anschutz .22 LR. Jointly presented to Lones Wigger by Anschutz and Savage in recognition of his gold and silver medal performances at the 1964 Olympic Games, serial number 3060595 is a much-used favorite with custom work by Gunsmithing Inc. in Colorado Springs. Features include a 25.5-inch Wayne Smith barrel (marked “Smith”) with tapered crown, dovetailed receiver and a dramatically altered stock with adjustable comp and butt plate. The safety has been removed.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 10.6 pounds. Length-of-pull is 13.75 inches.
CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Barrel finish is approximately 90 percent. Action finish is approximately 85 percent. The stock shows significant wear and heavy modification to suit. 
INCLUSIONS: A red/white/blue U.S. Shooting double rifle case (also used by 1988 Olympic Team Member Deena Wigger, whose name appears on exterior) and Lones Wigger’s personalized 1988 Olympic Team shooting coat complete the package.

Wichita .300 Win. Magnum, 28-inch Aldrich, Canjar

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924374606

Wichita .300 Winchester Magnum. Serial number A-8 is a custom long-range rifle wearing a 28-inch heavy barrel with recessed crown. Features include mounting blocks, checkered bolt knob and Canjar trigger. The safety has been removed. The stock has an adjustable comb, adjustable butt plate and accessory rail. The action is glassed. MARKINGS: “17 March 1986”, “H-360 MOA” (believed to be Marvin O. Aldrich, U.S Army Marksmanship Unit gunsmith and machinist), and the serial appear under the wood on the barrel. The serial also appears under the wood on the action.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 14.2 pounds and the length-of-pull is 13.75 inches.
CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. Trigger pull is exceptional and mechanics solid. Barrel finish is approximately 95 percent with minor rubbing. Action finish is approximately 90 percent small areas of light tarnish. The stock is approximately 75 percent overall, most of the loss attributed to a missing piece from the front of the cheek rest/comb.
INCLUSION: A U.S. Shooting Team vest with leather accents is included.

SKB A-300 shotguns, 12 & 20 gauge, extra 12 barrel

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924522191

Paired SKB A-300 12 gauge and 20 gauge semi-automatic shotguns. 12 GAUGE: Serial S7306276 has a 26-inch barrel with double-beaded vent rib and 2.75-inch chamber. This barrel appears to have been shortened to cylinder bore. Additional features include an etched receiver, crossbolt safety, sling loops and recoil pad. Weight is 7.2 pounds and the length-of-pull is 14.25 inches. The bore is bright and mechanics appear to operate properly. Metal finish is approximately 60 percent, with numerous rubs and scratches. Wood is approximately 40 percent owning to a host of impressions and scratches. The extra 12 gauge barrel is 28 inches with a fixed modified choke, vent rib and good bore. Metal finish of this barrel is approximately 65 percent. 20 GAUGE: Serial S8308207 has a 28-inch barrel with double-beaded vent rib, fixed modified choke and a 3-inch chamber. Additional features include an etched receiver, crossbolt safety and sling loops. Weight is 6.2 pounds and the length-of-pull is 14.0 inches. Metal finish is approximately 70 percent with a small area of freckling on the right side of the rib. Wood is approximately 60 percent overall.
INCLUSIONS: The original factory specification cards and one manual are present, as is a 1988 USA Olympic Team shirt.

Nikko EVB712 12 ga., extra barrels, Browning case

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/924522702


Nikko Model EVB712 12 gauge O/U with two barrel sets. Serial 68621 has 30-inch barrels with fixed chokes (M/F), vent rib with single bead, 2.75-inch chambers and ejectors. Additional features include a mechanical tang safety with barrel selector and single mechanical trigger. DIMENSIONS: Weight is 8.0 pounds and the length-of-pull is 14.2 inches. CONDITION: Bores are strong and bright. Barrels are full on face. Opening lever rests right of center. Forend latch is very tight. Metal and wood finishes are approximately 85 percent. BARREL SET 2: From a Winchester Model 101 and fitted properly (full on face), this set is 26 inches with fixed chokes (SK/SK). Bores are good, metal finish is approximately 85 percent with small spots of thinning and wood is approximately 70 percent. CASE: A Browning two-barrel takedown case used by Mr. Wigger for this shotgun and so marked (very good condition inside and out, with key) is included, as are two original Nikko cards and superb long sleeve shirt from the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games. 

More here. 

Beretta Ammo? RUAG goes Italian

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Swiss-based RUAG International this week has concluded an agreement on the sale of its Ammotec business unit to the  Beretta Holding group. In the deal, Beretta will take over all 2,700 employees at all production and sales sites and has specifically committed to maintaining the Thun site with around 400 jobs for at least five years.

Besides RUAG Swiss-branded ammo, which includes some seriously high-end rifle loads for sniper/countersniper applications, the company includes the popular GECO label and other iconic European brands like Norma, Rheinisch-Westfälischen Sprengstoff-Fabriken (RWS), and Dynamit Nobel.

Beretta Holding not only runs the Italian namesake firm– the oldest gunmaker in the world– but also owns Benelli and Franchi in the same neck of the woods; Tikka, Sako, and Valmet in Finland; and optics firms Steiner and Burris among no less than 32 brands.

Glorified Birdcages and a Few Sandbags vs ATGMs

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Russia’s two-week-long war with Ukraine has resulted in a lot of cracked-up tanks and armored vehicles due to the simple fact that the most plentiful thing the defending team has in the locker is modern anti-tank systems.

Besides planeloads of Javelins (377 launchers and 1,200 missiles prior to the war) and M141 BDMs (100+) from the U.S. and 3,600 NLAWs from the UK, Sweden has sent late-model AT4s, Canada has sent older M2 versions of classic Swedish Carl Gustav, some 6,000 Panzerfaust 3s have come from Germany and other NATO countries, France has sent both the old school Milan and the newer APILAS systems, while numerous countries have sent more than 8,000 66mm M72s of various marks. 

For reference as to how fast donated arms are seeing combat, Danish-delivered M72 ECs have already been seen in action and they were just promised on the invasion’s D+2.

Then of course Ukraine had lots of their own indigenous Skif (a rough TOW equivalent) and Corsair systems, warehouses of RPGs of every stripe, and even circa 1960s Soviet-era 100mm T-12 anti-tank guns. In short, just about every anti-armor system ever made since WWII.
 
This means Ukraine is the scariest environment possible for any perceived bag guy on wheels or tracks as small squad-sized Panzerknacker style teams are lurking around and taking potshots at isolated Russian vehicles from behind cover. 
 
For reference, check out this reported loadout for just two Ukrainian ATGM guys, equipped with at least four different systems in addition to their personal weapons.  
 

NLAW, RPV-16, RPG-22, RPG-7. The Russians have forgotten Tank 101, learned at Kursk, that states infantry and tankers have to work together to keep sneaky little guys with Panzerfausts and Pak guns from ruining your day

 
The Russian answer, to up-armor their T72s, T80s, and T90s– besides ERA blocks already installed– are standoff armor cages, particularly on their roof as many of the better ATGMs are top-attack models. This is often augmented with sandbags, salvaged building material, mattresses, and logs. 
 
 
Even the trucks are sporting it. 
 
Like the American M3s and M4s operating in Northwest Europe in late 1944, who added everything from extra track to railroad steel to their hulls in an effort to survive against Pak88s and Tigers, it would seem these “cope cages” are more of a talisman than an effective answer to the threat. 
 
 
It has become a meme. 
 
 
Oryx, who has been tracking and logging every vehicle lost so far as confirmed through social media imagery, says the 1000th Russian loss of the conflict is, appropriately enough, a T72 with a cope cage. 

Last All-Gun Cruiser Could Get Hail Mary Save

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The beautiful De Zeven Provinciën-class light cruiser Hr.Ms. De Ruyter (C 801), who went on to serve the Peruvian Navy as BAP Almirante Grau (CLM-81) until she was retired in 2017, was to be saved as a floating museum, perhaps at the Naval Museum in Callao but lack of funding and interest has derailed that.

The Peruvians now have the vessel up for sale with the asking price starting at about $1.07 million. 

Of course, that figure is to scrap the ship but concerns about asbestos, chemicals dating back to the 1930s, and lead paint probably make that a non-starter as it would likely cost more to safely dispose of all the bad stuff than her value in recycled materials. This leaves the prospect that she may just be scuttled at sea or, possibly, sent to Alang where such things don’t matter as much.

However, there is a slight possibility the ship could go back “home” with some Dutch groups reportedly making a move to acquire and preserve the old girl. 

Of course, see “concerns about asbestos, chemicals dating back to the 1930s, and lead paint ” as well as “lack of funding and interest” to see how that will likely turn out.

Either way, it is a shame.

BAP Almirante Grau of the Peruvian Navy, was decommissioned on Sep 26, 2017

It’s That Time of Year Again! ICEEX 2022 Is Here

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ICEEX 2022 has begun in the Arctic Ocean on Friday, 4 March after the building of Ice Camp Queenfish and the arrival of two U.S. Navy fast-attack submarines, the aging (awarded in 1982!) Cold Warrior that is the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) and the much more modern Virginia-class attack submarine USS Illinois (SSN 786).

Welcome to the Order of the Blue Nose!

BEAUFORT SEA, Arctic Circle (March 5, 2022) – Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) surfaces in the Beaufort Sea, kicking off Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2022. ICEX 2022 is a three-week exercise that allows the Navy to assess its operational readiness in the Arctic, increase experience in the region, advance understanding of the Arctic environment, and continue to develop relationships with other services, allies, and partner organizations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mike Demello/Released)

BEAUFORT SEA, Arctic Circle – Virginia-class attack submarine USS Illinois (SSN 786) surfaces in the Beaufort Sea March 5, 2022, kicking off Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2022. ICEX 2022 is a three-week exercise that allows the Navy to assess its operational readiness in the Arctic, increase experience in the region, advance understanding of the Arctic environment, and continue to develop relationships with other services, allies, and partner organizations. (U.S. Navy photo 220305-N-ON977-1158 by Mike Demello/Released)

More here.

Ghosts of the Java Sea, 30 Years Ago

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March 1992: Here we see the Dutch anti-air frigate Hr.Ms. Tromp (F 801), left, steaming next to the Jacob van Heemskerck-class ASW frigate Hr.Ms. Witte de With (F 813) with an SH-14AB Sea Lynx helicopter aloft between them. Trailing is the Kortenaer-class ASW frigate Hr.Ms. Van Kinsbergen (F 809) and a replenishment ship that looks to be Hr.Ms. Poolster (A835). Importantly, the photo-ex was taken right around the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Java Sea.

Fotoafdrukken Koninklijke Marine photo Via NIMH (ON 2158_018605)

Further, if you have keen eyes, you will notice the Marineluchtvaartdienst Lynx has an ode to The Pink Panther on its nose, the cartoons a tradition for the service’s Lynx

Of note, Tromp carries the name of a Dutch cruiser/destroyer leader that only missed being sunk at the Feb. 28, 1942, Battle of the Java Sea while Witte de With carries the monicker of a Dutch destroyer that survived that clash only to be damaged by Japanese planes on 1 March 1942 at Surabaya and scuttled as the Dutch left Java. Meanwhile, Van Kinsbergen, named for a Dutch naval hero, was a name also carried by a sloop during WWII that, like Tromp and Witte de With, sailed with the Free Dutch forces– capturing 12 German steamers in the West Indies in the early part of the conflict.

Three of the four of the above-shown vessels were evidently so well-maintained in service to the Royal Netherlands Navy that after full careers with the Dutch they sailed for Greece (Van Kinsbergen as Navarinon), Chile (Witte de With as Capitán Prat), and Pakistan (Poolster as Moawin).

Warship Wednesday, Mar. 9, 2022: The Chart Maker

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Here at LSOZI, we take off every Wednesday for a look at the old steam/diesel navies of the 1833-1954 period and will profile a different ship each week. These ships have a life, a tale all their own, which sometimes takes them to the strangest places. – Christopher Eger

Warship Wednesday, Mar. 9, 2022: The Chart Maker

National Archives Photo 19-N-34392

Here we see the white-hulled seagull that was the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey’s vessel Pathfinder being converted to a naval vessel, at the Lake Washington Shipyard, Houghton, Washington, on 9 March 1942, 80 years ago today. Note the barge alongside, full of wood paneling torn from the vessel to make it more battle-ready. While this is not a traditional “warship,” it was said that, “The road to Tokyo was paved with Pathfinder’s charts,” which I think deserves some recognition.

Carrying on the name of the Lewis Nixon-designed clipper-bowed yacht that was taken into Naval service for the Spanish-American War then went on to serve the USC&GS for forty years, mapping most of the Philippines for the first time, the above Pathfinder was purpose-built for her survey work.

Laid down at Lake Washington in peacetime– February 1941– she was 229-feet overall, with a DeLaval steam turbine fed by twin Babcock and Wilcox header-type boilers. Just 2,175-tons, this 2,000shp engineering suite allowed the vessel to touch a paint-peeling 14.7 knots on her builder’s trials.

Pathfinder being converted to a naval vessel, at the Lake Washington Shipyard, Houghton, Washington, on 9 March 1942, showing white being replaced with grey. 19-N-34393

Same day as the above. Note her relatively fine stern lines and empty survey boat davits. 19-N-34391

Acquired by the Navy after Pearl Harbor, she was converted and commissioned 31 August 1942, as the haze-grey USS Pathfinder (AGS-1). She picked up a pair of 3-inch guns forward, another pair of 20mm cannons aft, depth charge racks, and two old Colt M1895 “potato digger” machine guns. 

With her warpaint on and teeth put in! USS Pathfinder (AGS-1) off the Puget Sound Navy Yard, 31 August 1942. 19-N-34396

Same day as the above, showing her stern depth charge racks and 20mm Oerlikons. 19-N-34395

Following a short shakedown, she arrived at Funa Futi in the Ellice Islands (today’s Tuvalu) on the day after Christmas 1942.

As noted by DANFS:

For nearly two years Pathfinder operated along the dangerous New Guinea-New Britain-Solomon Islands are as allied land-air-sea forces fought to break the Japanese grip on the area. An isolated reef, an uncharted harbor, a lonely stretch of enemy hold coastline-each presented a different problem. At Bougainville, Treasury Island, Green Island, Emirau, and Guam, advance Pathfinder parties were sent ashore under the noses of the Japanese to work in close cooperation with Allied amphibious elements in laying out harbor charts or surveying inland channels.

She survived no less than 50 bombing raids while in the Solomons in 1943, including at least one in which her gunners bagged enemy aircraft.

On 7 April, while off Guadalcanal, she was attacked by 18 Japanese fighters and dive bombers coming in high and fast. Responding with 11 rounds from her two 3″/50s, 597 rounds from her 20mm Oerlikon, and 202 from her ancient Colt .30-06s, she downed two planes in two minutes. Her only damage was some 7.7-caliber holes in her survey launch.

From her April 1943 War Diary, in the National Archives.

Following charting efforts around New Guinea, Pathfinder was sent back home to California at the end of September 1944 for a three-month refit in which she would pick up even more guns.

Her late-war look. Bow-on shot of USS Pathfinder (AGS-1) off San Francisco, California, 9 December 1944 after her late-war stint at Mare Island. #: 19-N-79507

The same day, stern shot. Note the depth charge racks. 19-N-79508

The same day, 19-N-79505

Same day. Note her twin 40mm singles over her stern, replacing two 20mm Oerlikon. 19-N-79506

Pathfinder was part of the push to liberate the Philippines, assisting with the landings in Casiguran Bay, Luzon in March 1945, where she withstood other air attacks.

Her luck ran out on 6 May 1945 while in “Suicide Slot” off Okinawa. A Japanese kamikaze plane crash-dived into the survey ship’s after gun platform killing one man, starting fires, and setting off ready ammunition. Emergency parties quickly brought the flames under control.

The action resulted in two Silver Stars.

Licking her wounds, Pathfinder remained off Okinawa and by August 1945 was at General Quarters 170 times in four months. She ended her war in a series of surveys among Japan’s home islands posy VJ-Day to assist the Allied occupation.

USC&GSS Pathfinder leading a line of four coast survey ships, circa 1945-46. The next ship astern is unidentified, but third, in a row is the survey ship Hydrographer. Description: Courtesy of Ted Stone, 1977.NH 82197-A

Her 1942-45 Pacific journey, via her War Diary

Epilogue

Arriving at Seattle on Christmas Eve 1945, Pathfinder decommissioned on 31 January 1946 and was transferred to the Commerce Department, being struck from the Navy List on 13 November 1946.

She received two battle stars (Solomons and Okinawa Gunto) for her World War II service. For more information on that period, her war diaries and history are digitized in the National Archives. 

USC&GSS Pathfinder (OSS-30), her guns hung up and her original white scheme reapplied, continued her survey work, only without as much threat from kamikazes, mines, and enemy submarines– although she still had her gun tubs well into the late 1950s!

Pathfinder at anchor, Photographer: Rear Admiral Harley D. Nygren, May 1958 Skowl Arm, Alaska. Note her empty gun tubs aft. (NOAA photo)

Pathfinder in Seattle ca. 1961. Her old WWII gun tubs have finally been removed. (NOAA photo)

Retired from NOAA service in 1971, the year after the new organization absorbed the USC&GS, Pathfinder was sold for scrapping to General Auto Wrecking Company, Ballard, WA. in 1972.

Currently, the US Navy still maintains a survey ship honoring the old name, the USNS Pathfinder (TAGS-60), a 4,762-ton ship that has been in commission since 1994.

Specs:

Displacement 2,175 t.
Length 229′ 4″
Beam 39′
Draft 16′
Speed 14.7 kts (trial)
Propulsion: one DeLaval steam turbine, two Babcock and Wilcox header-type boilers, 310psi 625°, double DeLaval Main Reduction Gears 2000shp
Complement: (Navy 1942) 13 Officers, 145 Enlisted
Armament (1944)
2 x 3″/50 dual-purpose gun mounts
4 x 1 40mm gun mounts
two depth charge tracks
two depth charge projectors

If you liked this column, please consider joining the International Naval Research Organization (INRO), Publishers of Warship International

They are possibly one of the best sources of naval study, images, and fellowship you can find. http://www.warship.org/membership.htm

The International Naval Research Organization is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the encouragement of the study of naval vessels and their histories, principally in the era of iron and steel warships (about 1860 to date). Its purpose is to provide information and a means of contact for those interested in warships.

With more than 50 years of scholarship, Warship International, the written tome of the INRO has published hundreds of articles, most of which are unique in their sweep and subject.

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I’m a member, so should you be!

Chow Hound, Berlin Bound

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Here we see the Pluto nose art-carrying B-17G-15-BO Flying Fortress (SN 42-31367) “Chow Hound“ of “The Ragged Irregulars” of the 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy), 322nd Bomb Squadron, on the way to deliver some Easter Greetings to Berlin on 8 March 1944.

Chow Hound was marked Missing in Action 8 August 1944- exactly five months later– over Caen after flak hit in the fuselage and blew the aircraft in half. The debris crashed near the village of Gelnannes, south of Alençon, France.

Her last crew, with all nine killed in action:

Jack Thompson, Pilot
Co-pilot: Dave Nelson
Navigator: Charles F Bacigalupa (POW)
Bombardier: Chas Sherrill
Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Henry Kortebein (Korthbein?)
Radio Operator: Blake Treece
Ball turret gunner: Warren Godsey
Waist gunner: Dick Collins
Tail gunner: Gerald Gillies.

42-31367 “Chow-hound” Crew

Ukraine War Naval Update

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Besides your typical maritime harassment seen in the area in the past few years– GPS jamming, AIS spoofing, communications jamming, electronic interference, and cyber-attacks– Lloyds and NATO warn shipping that “collateral damage or direct hits on Civilian Shipping in the North-Western Black Sea area are considered VERY HIGH.”

This includes mines, which the 2,100 dwt Estonian-owned, Panama-flagged cargo ship MV Helt may have sunk by last week off Odessa.

Word is that the Russians may have forced the vessel to act as a lane-clearer in the aspect that “any ship can sweep for mines…once.”

When it comes to missiles or rockets, it appears at least three neutral party merchant vessels have taken hits in the area since the war started.

  • Millennial Spirit (IMO 7392610), a 2,200-ton Moldavian-flagged chemical tanker, was attacked on 25 February and burned for two days.
  • Namura Queen (IMO 9841299), a Japanese-owned Panama flagged 85,065-dwt kamsarmax, was hit on 25 February.
  • Yasa Jupiter (IMO 9848132), a Turkish-owned Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier, with 11 Filipino crew, was hit on 24 February but was able to make it to port in Turkey.

In other naval news from the Black Sea, it has been confirmed that the Ukrainian Navy scuttled their flagship and only frigate, the Krivak III-class Hetman Sahaidachny (U-130).

The lightly armed 3,500-ton OPV had been in a maintenance availability at Mykolaiv and was ordered wrecked to prevent her from falling into Russian hands.

The Ukraine Navy ship Slovyanks (P190)— formerly the 110-foot Island-class USCGC Cushing— is allegedly sunk, with the parents of several of her crewmembers posting pleas for information. According to a Russian report (so hold your breath) the Mayor of the city of Yuzhne, Volodymyr Novatsky, said the patrol boat was sunk on 3 March by an anti-ship missile of Russian naval aviation. 

110 foot Islands Slavyansk and Starobilsk in better times. They are the former Bollinger-built Islands, ex-USCGC Cushing (WPB-1321) and ex-USCGC Drummond (WPB-1323).

The Ukrainians have managed to get one lick in, though.

On Monday night, Ukrainian Naval Infantry units reportedly hit the 1,800-ton Russian corvette, RFS Vasily Bykov off Odessa with a shore-based anti-ship missile (some chatter is that it was a GRAD rocket or even an ATGM instead). Heavily damaged and forced to retreat, it reinforces how dangerous it is to work in the littoral, even when you have control of the sea. 

Russian corvette, RFS Vasily Bykov, has reportedly been heavily damaged by shore-based fires near Odessa this week. 

In one report, Ukrainian small boats okie-doked the Russian Project 22160 patrol boat to chase them towards a camouflaged firing position, where he (Russian vessels are always “he”) was shelled and hit with at least one lucky shot. Dawn showed the vessel on fire offshore.

Happy IWD! Meet Helen Harrison

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International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the “social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.”

With that, I give you Canadian Second Officer Helen Marcelle Harrison of the Air Transport Auxiliary in November 1943 with a Spitfire IX.

Helen was a pioneering Canadian female civil aviation instructor and the first Canadian Air Transport Auxiliary ferry pilot during WWII.

After the war, she worked as a demonstration pilot for Percival Aircraft Company, flying a single-engine airplane across Canada in 1946. In 1968, she was awarded the B.C. Aviation Council’s Air Safety Trophy, after logging 14,000 hours as pilot-in-command of numerous aircraft types, without injury to passenger or crew.

Inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame in 1974, she passed in 1995, aged 85, when she got her final set of wings.

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