Mr. FRAZIER. On the C-250 rifle.
When we received the rifle C-250, we examined the mount and found that
two of the holes had been enlarged, and that screws had been placed
through them and threaded into the receiver of the C-250 rifle.
The third hole in the mount had not been used.
We also found that an identical scope to the one on the Commission's
rifle 139 was present on the C-250 rifle.
Mr. EISENBERG. Were the screws used in mounting the C-250 rifle--in
mounting the scope on the C-250 rifle--type of screws as those used in
mounting the scope on Exhibit 139?
Mr. FRAZIER. Yes, sir.
Mr. EISENBERG. And the holes were the same dimensions?
Mr. FRAZIER. Yes, they are. And the threads in the holes are the same.
Mr. EISENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I would like C-250 admitted into evidence
as Commission Exhibit 542.
The CHAIRMAN. It may be admitted.
(The article referred to was marked Commission Exhibit No. 542, and
received in evidence.)
The CHAIRMAN. At this time I will interrupt to say I must now leave
to attend a session of the Supreme Court, and I will return at the
conclusion of the session.
In the meantime, Mr. McCloy will preside at the Commission hearing,
and in the event he should be required to leave, Mr. McCloy, whatever
Commissioner is here will conduct the examination in his absence.
(At this point, Chairman Warren withdrew from the hearing room.)
Mr. EISENBERG. Have you examined the sling on Commission Exhibit 139?
Mr. FRAZIER. Yes, I did.
Mr. EISENBERG. Do you feel that this is--that this sling was originally
manufactured as a rifle sling?
Mr. FRAZIER. No, sir; it is not in any way similar to a normal sling
for a rifle. It appears to be a sling from some carrying case, camera
bag, musical-instrument strap, or something of that nature.
We have made attempts to identify it, with no success.
Mr. EISENBERG. Apart from the addition of this sling and mounting of
the telescopic sight, have any modifications been made in the C-139
rifle--in the Commission Exhibit 139 rifle?
Mr. FRAZIER. No, sir.
Mr. McCLOY. You would suggest, I gather, Mr. Frazier, that this is a
homemade sling?
Mr. FRAZIER. Yes, sir; it appears to have been cut to length by
inserting this strap, or this sling, on the rifle, and then trimming
off the excess ends of the two straps to fit.
Mr. McCLOY. How would that broad patch on the sling--how would that be
used, in your judgment, in firing the rifle? Would it be wrapped around
the base of your----
Mr. FRAZIER. I find it very difficult to use the rifle with a sling at
all. The sling is too short, actually, to do more than put your arm
through it.
Mr. McCLOY. You get quite a leverage with that?
Mr. FRAZIER. Yes, sir, you do, in one direction. But it is rather
awkward to wrap the forward hand into the sling in the normal fashion.