Winchester Model 71 Deluxe Like 1886 24″ .348 Win Lever Rifle, MFD 1936 C&R
SOLD FOR: $5,025
LSB#: 201010SD15
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71 Deluxe
Serial Number: 6407
Year of Manufacture: 1936
Caliber: .348 Winchester
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a two thirds length tubular magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked -“WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”-, “-MODEL 71-“, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-” and “-348 W.C.F.-“. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the receiver at the front are each marked with an ovalled “WP” proof. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN, CONN.-“. The bottom of the receiver at the front is marked “6407”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped, base fixed to the front of the barrel. There is a dovetail at the rear of the barrel currently filled with a blank. The top of the bolt is cut for a Winchester 98-A peep sight which is installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, fluted comb, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, and checkered steel shotgun-style buttplate. There is a sling mount screwed to the belly near the toe and another dovetailed to the nosecap, each with a QD sling swivel installed. This rifle has the longer tang and shorter comb of early production models. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some very minor losses at the rear edge of the buttstock and a short, thin crack at the small heel extension of the buttplate. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has finish remaining inside the checkering with the smooth edges and points of the checkering showing finish wear and some discoloration from oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling which should come out with a patient cleaning.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation, most notable on the loading gate assembly and nosecap. The most notable finish wear is on the loading gate assembly. There are a few scattered light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The lever lock-up is tight and the trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed peep sight and sling swivels.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 71 Deluxe rifle made in 1936, quite early in production. The Model 71 was a continuation of the 1886 design, with a pistol grip, shorter magazine tube and round barrel, produced in only two variants, 24″ and 20″. This rifle is chambered in .348 WCF, the only cartridge the 71 was ever chambered for besides experimental models, and which was actually developed just for this model. The cartridge is great for North American big game hunting in brush where shorter shots are taken and with modern projectiles such as Hornady’s Lever-evolution can now perform well at longer ranges, as well. This rifle is in Very Good-Fine condition with about 94% of its original metal finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. All of the Winchester rifles made before 1964 are prized by shooters and collectors alike, but the Model 71 was produced for 22 years, a relatively short production life for a Winchester, with fewer than 50,000 rifles made altogether. A model 71 in any condition will likely bring a lot of interest from both hunters and the Winchester collectors, this early Deluxe example will be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!