Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 Post-War .348 WCF Lever Rifle & Box, 1954 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2975
LSB#: 210202JK01
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 38260
Year of Manufacture: 1954
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 “38260”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. There is a dovetail at the rear of the barrel, currently filled with a blank. The left of the receiver has two drilled and tapped holes with a Lyman 56 receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation. The Lyman 56 was the factory option receiver sight for the Model 71 until 1956.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, fluted straight comb, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a nick on the edge at the toe and a few other minor marks, otherwise having strong finish and sharp checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.
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 98% of its metal finish. There is a nick on the left receiver flat at the top-front. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent 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: This rifle comes in a two-piece cardboard Winchester box with serial matching label which indicates the gun came equipped with the installed peep sight and a manual. The box has scattered storage wear, a puncture on the bottom of the tray portion, fraying and tears at edges and corners, in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 71 rifle made in 1957. 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 is a beautiful example of the model from late in production. It appears to have spent well more of its life in its box than out, likely handled a few times and shot little, if at all. 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 example is not only in Excellent condition, it comes with its original box. It would make a great addition to even an advanced collection. Please see our photos and good luck!