Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 Post-War .348 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,426.00
LSB# LSB251016KS090
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 41669
Year of Manufacture: 1953
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 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 bottom of the receiver at the front is marked “41669”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a Winchester adjustable with elevator. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for receiver sight (none installed). The left side of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for a scope base (non factory),
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with pistol grip, fluted straight comb, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, and checkered steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are light handling marks, scratches, and compression dents scattered throughout. There is minor oil darkening around the receiver. The plate has generally sharp checkering with wear, finish loss, and spotted corrosion at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in 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. There is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 9% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks, scratches, a few spots of corrosion scattered throughout with the most notable being on the lever. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. 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 Winchester Model 71 dates to 1953 and represents the late production expression of Winchester’s strongest and most refined traditional sporting lever action. Introduced in 1935 as the modernized successor to the Model 1886, the Model 71 was purpose built to handle higher pressure cartridges and sustained big game use while maintaining classic Winchester fit and finish. By the early 1950s, the Model 71 had firmly established itself as a premier choice for hunters operating in demanding terrain where power, reliability, and rugged construction were paramount.
Chambered in .348 Winchester, the rifle reflects one of Winchester’s most powerful proprietary sporting cartridges, developed exclusively for the Model 71. The .348 WCF earned a reputation for deep penetration and decisive terminal performance on elk, moose, and bear, particularly in the timbered regions of the West and Alaska. This example retains its 24 inch barrel, and the bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, showing some stubborn fouling and rating a strong 9 out of 10. Factory Winchester Proof Steel markings and WP proofs remain clear, and the rifle is equipped with a Marbles style rear sight, while the receiver shows non factory drilling and tapping for a scope base, reflecting common period hunting modifications.
Condition is described as very good overall, with the metal showing the noted degree of finish wear along with scattered handling marks, scratches, and limited corrosion, most visible on the lever. The markings remain crisp and legible, and the screw heads are sharp. The smooth walnut stocks retain their correct pistol grip configuration with semi beavertail forend and steel cap, showing light handling wear, minor oil darkening at the receiver, and expected buttplate wear at the heel and toe. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a proper half cock safety, presenting this rifle as a solid, late production Model 71 that clearly reflects both its powerful sporting role and decades of responsible field use. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF
