Winchester Model 71 .348 W.C.F. . 24” Lever Action Rifle C&R 1950
SOLD FOR: $1,800.75
LSB#: WY240911RL079
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 30232
Year of Manufacture: 1950
Caliber: .348 Winchester Center Fire
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with tubular magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked -“MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN.U.S.of AMERICA/ WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”-, “-MODEL 71-“, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-” and “-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 “30232”.
Barrel Length: 24” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped, base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable “V”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The receiver is mounted with an unnamed fully adjustable aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a semi-pistol grip, fluted comb, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, and rubber buttpad. There is a sling mount screwed to the belly near the toe and another integral to the nosecap with Winchester quick-detach sling swivels and an attached brown leather sling. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition for a C&R.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In the opinion of the writer this bore rates 9/10 for a C&R.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish has operational and handling wear. There is moderate thinning and finish loss throughout the receiver. There are scratches and nicks throughout the barrel and mag tube. The leading edges show finish loss. Overall this rifle rates in Very Good Condition for a C&R
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever lock-up is tight and the trigger is crisp. 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 with the installed peep sight and sling.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 71 made in 1950. The Model 71 was a continuation of the 1886 design, with a pistol grip, shorter magazine tube and round barrel. This rifle is chambered in .348 Win, 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. The Model 71 is also a Hollywood star, and features in the film “Winchester ‘73”, where the “Wizard of Winchesters” Herb Parsons used it to trick shoot for Jimmy Stewart. 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. Grab up the lever action that was the choice of Herb Parsons and countless others throughout the years and add it to your collection today!-C.M.
