Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 long tang .348 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1936
SOLD FOR: $1,450.00
LSB# LSB251016KS109
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 5631
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 “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 “5631”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a textured,hooded, ramped base integral to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is removed and dovetail plugged. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight (none installed). There is a Winchester 98-A bolt mounted peep sight installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with pistol grip, fluted straight comb, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, and a non-factory recoil pad installed. There are scattered handling marks, scratches, and compression dents throughout. The forend has shrunk somewhat and is loose. The stocks have had finish added at some point. There are scattered sanding marks. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition due to the alteration.
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 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are scattered handling marks, scratches, and light corrosion staining. The receiver has worn to a gray patina. The lever has some corrosion staining. The peep sight has some corrosion staining. The screw heads are tool marked but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in 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 1936, placing it among the earliest production examples of Winchester’s final and most powerful traditional sporting lever action. Introduced in 1935 as the evolutionary successor to the legendary Model 1886, the Model 71 was purpose built to handle higher pressure cartridges and heavy hunting use while retaining classic Winchester lines. Early rifles like this reflect the transition from prewar craftsmanship into a more modern big game sporting rifle, still deeply rooted in John M. Browning’s original large frame lever action design.
Chambered in .348 Winchester, the Model 71 was engineered around this proprietary cartridge and became synonymous with serious North American big game hunting. The .348 WCF offered deep penetration and decisive terminal performance on elk, moose, and bear, particularly in the timber and mountainous regions of the West and Alaska. This example retains its 24 inch barrel, and the bore remains bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, showing some fouling and rating 8.5 out of 10. The presence of a Winchester 98-A bolt mounted peep sight is a period correct sporting addition that reflects common field upgrades made by hunters seeking improved sight acquisition.
Overall condition reflects honest use and later stock modification. Approximately 75 percent of the original metal finish remains, with the receiver now worn to a gray patina and scattered corrosion staining visible on the lever and mounted peep sight. The walnut stocks show evidence of refinishing, added finish, and sanding, along with a non factory recoil pad and some forend shrinkage resulting in looseness, all of which place the stock set in good condition as altered. Markings remain clear and legible, and the action functions correctly with a proper half cock safety. This rifle stands as a well used but mechanically sound early Model 71 that clearly reflects its era, its intended purpose, and the realities of hard field service. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF
