CHUCK MAWHINNEY: THE SECRET SHARPSHOOTING GOAT IN THE USMC


By bblouin
Chuck Mawhinney poses with a replica of the M40 sniper rifle he used during the Vietnam War.

Basically, if Chuck Mawhinney sees you on the battlefield, you’re at the complete mercy of his decision to let you live. The Marine’s greatest rifleman was almost a pilot and even had a wild streak. However, that same mentality would change his career forever. All things considered, it looks like it ended up working out pretty well for both man and country. Suggested read: Military Technology: 5 Exciting Developments to Watch in 2024

Chuck Mawhinney's Sharp Shooting Journey

If Chuck Mawhinney hadn't received his draft notice at the age of 18 in 1967, he might have pursued a career as a Naval Aviator instead of joining the Marines. But sometimes, life takes us where we need to be instead of where we want to go. As it would happen, a Marine Recruiter provided an option to delay his entry until after deer season, which influenced Mawhinney to ultimately join the Marine Corps. Growing up in Lakeview, Oregon during the 1960s, Mawhinney gained a reputation as a bit of an adrenaline junkie. His hobbies involved fast cars, motorcycles, and partying with local girls. To advance his hobby of hunting, Mawhinney would even earn his pilot's license to hunt rabbits and deer from the air. However, to no surprise, his behavior often led to encounters with the authorities. The Marine Corps presented him with an opportunity to change his path.

Chuck Mawhinney Was the Ultimate Marksman

After agreeing to a four-year term, Chuck Mawhinney had the opportunity to fly with the Marines. The persistence was there, but so too were past behaviors. The man that would go on to be the greatest marksman in the Marine Corps would end up missing a test to become a Naval Aviator and blew his chance. Instead, he underwent training as a Scout Sniper at Camp Pendleton and was deployed to Vietnam in April 1968 as a Rifleman with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. Although he had received Sniper training, Mawhinney initially served as a Grunt in Vietnam. His firsthand experiences on missions in the jungle provided him with a unique perspective on the lives of the Infantrymen he would later protect. Mawhinney's transition into being a Sniper occurred when he became a Spotter for another Sniper after three months. Serving in the 5th Marine Regiment HQ Scout Sniper Platoon for 16 months in South Vietnam, he achieved notable recognition on Valentine's Day 1969. During an encounter with a North Vietnamese platoon crossing a stream, he took down all 16 enemies with headshots. Like many renowned snipers, Mawhinney viewed his actions as a means of protecting his fellow Marines and preventing casualties. Following his service in Vietnam, he became an Instructor at Camp Pendleton. But unbeknownst to his closest friends, Mawhinney was a legendary figure in the Vietnam War, decorated with several honors. Mawhinney worked with the U.S. Forest Service after retiring from the military in his hometown of Lakeview until the 1990s. Now, his story is once again gaining notoriety thanks to a new Chuck Mawhinney book.

The Sniper: The Untold Story of the Marine Corps' Greatest Marksman of All Time

In the book The Sniper: The Untold Story of the Marine Corps' Greatest Marksman of All Time, author Jim Lindsay shares the remarkable story of his close friend Charles Benjamin Chuck Mawhinney and how he became the deadliest sniper in history for the Marines. After stumbling upon a story about his friend Chuck Mawhinney on the History Channel, author Jim Lindsay was astonished to discover his extraordinary war record. Intrigued by the motivations behind Chuck's Marine Corps service and his exceptional career, Lindsay embarked on writing a book. With Mawhinney's collaboration, The Sniper: The Untold Story of the Marine Corps' Greatest Marksman of All Time delves into Chuck's remarkable battlefield achievements. Mawhinney’s exceptional record initially came to light following the publication of Joseph Ward's book Dear Mom: A Sniper's Vietnam in 1991. It initially credited him with 101 confirmed kills. This revelation was controversial as Carlos Hathcock had the record with 93 kills. Further investigations later confirmed that Mawhinney's actual count stood at 103 confirmed kills, along with an additional 216 probable kills. Related read: Choosing the Best Gun Safe for Veterans

What Was the Caliber of Chuck Mawhinney Sniper Rifle?

It was the M40 rifle that was the Chuck Mawhinney rifle that made him a marksman like no other. Mawhinney found himself using the bolt-action sniper rifle after its introduction in 1966. After the M40 rifle was the A1, A3, and A5 models in subsequent years. Made from a Remington Model 700 rifle, each M40 is modified by USMC Armorers at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Upgrades and repairs are done as A1 rifles transition to A3 and A5 versions. The M40A5 features a detachable magazine and a threaded barrel for suppressor or muzzle device usage. The original M40 had a one-piece wooden stock. The A1 and A3 models adopted fiberglass stocks by McMillan, along with new scopes. The Marine Corps intends to replace the M40 with the Mk 13 Mod 7 rifle. Regardless, no matter which rifle is in the hands of Chuck Mawhinney, it’s not a good idea to be on the end of his sights. On February 12, 2024, the legendary sharpshooter passed away. Chuck Mawhinney made an everlasting impact on the Marines, our country, and the world at large. May he rest in peace. Read next: The USS Arizona Memorial Honors Pearl Harbor Heroes


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