Winchester Model 71 Deluxe Like 1886 .348 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1938 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1877.06
LSB#: 220118NO006
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71 Deluxe
Serial Number: 16016
Year of Manufacture: 1938
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 “16016”. The grip cap is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING / ARMS CO.”.
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.
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. There is a split on the left side of the buttstock near the belly. There are some scattered light nicks, scratches, and compressions. Some of the more notable of these imperfections is a compressions towards the front of the forearm on the right and a dark scratch at the rear on the left. There are no chips. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate shows little nicks and scratches along the edges, light erosion at the heel, and the checkering is sharp. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-Plus condition and would rate higher if not for the split on the left side of the buttstock.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its current metal finish. There is light thinning on all leading edges. The lower tang shows spots of finish loss filled by light oxidation. There are several scattered light nicks and scratches evenly dispersed throughout the metal. The forearm cap shows a light mottled patina. There receiver shows some faint oxidation on the sides and leading edges of the receiver. The lever and hammer show light-moderate operational wear. The loading gate assembly shows thinning and scattered nicks. 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: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 71 Deluxe rifle made in 1938, rather 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 condition with about 87% 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 great 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!