Winchester Model 71 Deluxe — 2nd Year Prod .348 WCF Lever Action Rifle – 1936
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 71 Deluxe
Serial Number: 2427
Year of Manufacture: 1936
Caliber: .348 Winchester Center Fire
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The barrel is marked “Winchester / Proof Steel / Model 71 / Winchester / Trade Mark / 348 W.C.F.”. The Winchester proof mark is on top of the barrel and the frame. The underside of the frame is stamped “2427”. The left side of the rear sight is marked “100” and the right side if marked “U.S.A. Pat. Pending”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, on a ramp and under a hood and the rear sight is an interesting peep sight mounted to the bolt. The rear barrel dovetail is filled with a blank.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are original finish, pistol grip and checkered wood. There is age darkening at areas of high contact. The checkering has worn a bit, primarily at the wrist. There are a few scattered marks and dings, please see the photographs. There are two or three small chips to the finish on the right side of the stock. The wood is very well preserved for a field used 1936 rifle. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the checkered steel plate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning on the lower tang and lever from use. The loading gate has a thinned and mottled finish. The barrel has a few marks and patches of thinning from rack storage. There are a very few patches of freckled erosion, especially on the frame flats. This erosion is definitely over the finish and there is no doubt that the finish on this beautiful rifle is original. The screw heads are slightly marked, but sharp. The markings are crisp and even raised, especially the serial number. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is practically the pistol gripped version of the Model 1886 – a proven action capable of firing large caliber smokeless rounds. The gun is strong (it needs to be to handle the .348 WCF). It is beautiful, comfortable to hold and aim, reasonably light weight and rapid firing, a DELUXE and a 2nd year Production Pre-64 Winchester. Chances are you already know what you are looking at, but if not, this is one of the best hunting rifles you could buy, that will take down just about any trophy in North America. The collectability of this rifle probably surpasses its usefulness, but for either purpose, you’d be hard pressed to do any better.
Sold For: $2,424
