Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 Post-War .348 WCF Lever Rifle, MFD 1957 C&R
Sold For: $1677
LSB#: 201215FH02
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 46773
Year of Manufacture: 1957
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 “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL 71 – 348 WIN.-“. 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 bottom of the receiver at the front is marked “46773”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The bead has some light damage. There is a dovetail at the rear of the barrel, currently with a blank installed. The left of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Lyman 66MA receiver sight installed (the Lyman 66 sight replaced the earlier 56 as a factory option from Winchester in the 1956 catalog), adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, fluted straight comb, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined checkering. The plate has slightly rough machining under the finish on the edge at the heel and the toe sits slightly proud to the wood. The wood otherwise sits generally proud to the metal. It is possible that the buttplate has been replaced. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: The barrel finish appears original, but we suspect that the receiver has been refinished based on the serial marking being under the finish. Based on comparison with other Models 71, the receiver finish is consistent with that of the Winchester factory in both color and quality, and we believe that this rifle was returned to Winchester at some point.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There are a few scattered light marks, most notable are scratches on the sides of the magazine tube at the front. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The lever lock-up is tight. 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: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 71 rifle made in 1957. 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 is a beautiful example of the model from late in production. Other observed examples of this model were serialized after finish, leaving the edges of the serial markings raised and bright. The receiver of this rifle has finish which is consistent with Winchester, except for being applied after the serial number was struck. This leads us to believe that it may have made its way back to Winchester, at some point. The stocks show wear consistent with light use in the field. 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 the Winchester collectors and this nice example retains a great bore and strong mechanics. It would make for a nice shooter or addition to a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!