Early Winchester Model 71 Deluxe Like 1886 .348 WCF Lever Rifle, 1936 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2575
LSB#: 210105JM007
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71 Deluxe
Serial Number: 5707
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 “5707”.
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. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. 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. This rifle has the longer tang and shorter comb of early production models. The forend has a small nick on the bottom toward the front. There is adhesive showing around the edges of the grip cap, indicating it has been glued in place. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a few checkers with blunted points, but shows little to no finish wear and the checkering is well defined. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition as refinished and chekering re-cut.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition as refinished.
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.
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 absolutely Excellent condition as refinished with about 98% of its current 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 the Winchester collectors and this early Deluxe example is in extraordinary condition with a bright bore and strong mechanics. It will make a great addition to even advanced Winchester collections. Please see our photos and good luck!