Winchester Model 71 Deluxe Like 1886 24″ .348 WCF Lever Rifle, MFD 1952 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,000.00
LSB#: LSB251203TH002
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 39109
Year of Manufacture: 1952 / 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 hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight Lyman sight installed. The receiver sight has been lightly bent.
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 checkered steel buttplate. There is a sling plate inlet to the belly and a sling mount dovetailed to the bottom of the forend cap. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks have had finish added.There are spots where finish has gotten onto the metal. There are scratches, handling marks, and compression dents throughout. There is thinned finish on both sides of the buttstock. Overall, the stocks are in about Good 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 minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scratches, handling marks, and a few corrosion stains scattered throughout. There is thinning bluing on the leading edges. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about 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 stands as the final and most refined evolution of the large-frame lever actions descended from the legendary Model 1886. Introduced to modernize a proven design for smokeless powder pressures, the Model 71 combined classic Winchester craftsmanship with enhanced strength and smoothness. Manufactured in 1952, this Deluxe-style example reflects the model’s mature production period, when fit, finish, and handling were at their peak. With its 24 inch barrel and substantial frame, the Model 71 projects a purposeful, authoritative presence that distinguishes it from smaller lever rifles of the era.
Chambered in .348 Winchester, the rifle is paired with a cartridge developed specifically for the Model 71, offering heavy bullet performance and deep penetration well suited to large North American game. The two-thirds length magazine and long barrel contribute to balanced handling while preserving the cartridge’s ballistic efficiency. The sighting arrangement consists of a hooded front blade, a fine-adjustable U-notch rear sight, and a receiver-mounted Lyman sight, reflecting a setup intended for deliberate, accurate shooting. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, showing only minor fouling and earning a strong 9 out of 10 rating.
Overall condition is Very Good, with approximately 90 percent of the original blued finish remaining. The metal surfaces show scattered scratches, handling marks, light corrosion staining, and thinning at the leading edges consistent with careful field use. The checkered walnut stocks show added finish with some overrun onto the metal, thinned areas on the buttstock, and general handling wear, placing them in Good condition overall. Markings remain clear, screw heads are serviceable, and the action functions correctly with tight lever lock-up and proper half-cock operation. Taken as a whole, this Winchester Model 71 represents a powerful, classic American lever rifle that embodies the final chapter of Winchester’s big-bore lever-action tradition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
