Winchester Model 71 Deluxe Like 1886 24″ .348 WCF Lever Rifle, MFD 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: LSB260406DH022
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 26026
Year of Manufacture: 1948 C&R
Caliber: .348 Winchester
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a two thirds length tubular magazine.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base integral to the front of the barrel and slotted for a hood (none present). The rear sight has been removed and the dovetail plugged. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. There is a Lyman receiver peep sight installed on this rifle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, and rubber Noshoc recoil pad. There is a sling plate inlet to the belly and a sling mount integral to the bottom of the forend cap. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to recoil pad. There is evidence of light refinish work. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. The forend is slightly loose. There are repaired cracks down both sides of the forend. There are a couple larger dings on the belly of the buttstock. Overall this stock is in Fair 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 light fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its original finish. A large amount of the finish is wearing to silver patina. There is thinned bluing throughout. There is handling wear most notably on the receiver. The screw heads are very lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Fair to Good condition with a strong bore but signs of heavy use.
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: The Winchester Model 71 is one of Winchester’s premier big-game lever-action rifles, developed from the strong Model 1886 action and chambered for the powerful .348 Winchester cartridge. This 1948 C&R-eligible example has a desirable deluxe-style configuration with checkered walnut stocks, capped pistol grip, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, 24” barrel, and two-thirds length tubular magazine. The rear barrel sight has been removed and the dovetail plugged, while a Lyman receiver peep sight is installed, giving the rifle a practical and period-appropriate sighting setup for field use.
This rifle retains about 60% of its original blued finish, with much of the balance worn to silver patina. There is thinned bluing throughout, with handling wear most evident on the receiver, consistent with a rifle that has seen significant field use. The screw heads are very lightly tooled but serviceable, and the markings remain clear. The bore is a notable strength, remaining bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and only light fouling; in this writer’s opinion, it rates 9/10. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, the hammer holds at half-cock, and the lever lock-up is tight, though the rifle has not been test fired.
The checkered walnut stock set shows evidence of light refinish work and rates Fair overall, with scratches, compression dents, larger dings on the belly of the buttstock, a slightly loose forend, and repaired cracks running down both sides of the forend. The rifle is fitted with a rubber Noshoc recoil pad, a sling plate inlet to the belly, and an integral sling mount on the forend cap, all adding to its practical hunting character. Overall, this is a Fair to Good condition 1948 Winchester Model 71 in .348 WCF, offering strong mechanics, a tight action, an excellent bore, and desirable deluxe-style features, with the primary deductions coming from finish wear, stock repairs, and signs of long-term field use. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF