Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 24″ .348 WCF Lever Rifle, MFD 1951 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,780.90

LSB#: LSB260602CL030

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 71  

Serial Number: 35490

Year of Manufacture: 1951 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 beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, hooded ramped base. The rear sight is a spring leaf U notch with elevator dovetailed to the barrel. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a peep sight. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, semi pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are a few spots of chipped finish. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Good to Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original 

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is light fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scratches and some light corrosion stains throughout. There is light operational wear. 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. 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 a powerful sporting lever-action rifle developed from the proven Model 1886 action and chambered exclusively in .348 Winchester. This 1951 example features a 24″ barrel, two-thirds length tubular magazine, hooded ramp front sight, traditional barrel-mounted rear sight, and smooth walnut furniture with a semi-pistol grip and checkered steel buttplate. Its substantial action, classic pre-64 construction, and hard-hitting chambering make it a highly regarded North American big-game rifle.

Introduced in 1935, the Model 71 represented Winchester’s modernization of the Model 1886 platform for the smokeless-powder era. The .348 Winchester cartridge was developed specifically for the rifle and offered excellent performance on elk, moose, bear, and other large game. Known for its smooth lever action, strong lockup, and excellent handling, the Model 71 earned a reputation as one of Winchester’s finest big-bore sporting rifles and remains highly desirable among collectors and hunters.

This rifle retains about 90% of its original finish, with scattered scratches, light corrosion staining, and normal handling and operational wear. The walnut stocks remain in Good to Very Good condition with scratches, compression dents, and a few small finish chips but no cracks. The bright bore has sharp rifling and rates 9.5/10 with only light fouling, while the action functions correctly, the half-cock safety engages, and the lever locks up tightly. Overall, this is a Very Good Winchester Model 71 with an excellent bore, desirable .348 WCF chambering, and strong collector and sporting appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF