Winchester Model 71 Deluxe Like 1886 24″ .348 WCF Lever Rifle, MFD 1954 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,000.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS162
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 44056
Year of Manufacture: 1954
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, ramped base integral to the front of the barrel. The rear sight has been removed and the dovetail plugged. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight, Redfield receiver sight installed.
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 Pachmayr recoil pad. There is a sling plate inlet to the belly and a sling mount dovetailed to the bottom of the forend cap. There are light handling marks, scratches, and compression dents throughout. There has been some softening and tacking of the varnish over time.The LOP measures 13 1/4? 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. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks. There are a couple spots of very minor corrosion. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good to Fine 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: This Winchester Model 71 Deluxe dates to 1954 and represents the final, most refined chapter of Winchester’s large frame lever action lineage that traces directly back to the Model 1886. The Model 71 was introduced as Winchester’s premier heavy duty sporting lever rifle, and the Deluxe configuration elevated it further with checkered walnut stocks, upgraded furniture, and sling accommodations intended for serious big game hunting. By the mid 1950s, these rifles reflected the peak of Winchester’s pre 1964 craftsmanship, combining strength, balance, and elegant sporting aesthetics.
Chambered in .348 Winchester, this rifle embodies one of the most powerful proprietary cartridges ever offered in a traditional lever action. Designed exclusively for the Model 71, the .348 WCF earned its reputation on elk, moose, and bear, particularly in the dense timber and rugged terrain of the American West and Alaska. The 24 inch barrel provides excellent handling and velocity, and the bore remains bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, showing only light fouling and rating a strong 9 out of 10. The rear barrel sight has been removed and the dovetail plugged, while a Redfield receiver sight is installed, reflecting a common period upgrade for improved precision in the field.
Overall condition is exceptionally strong for a C&R example, with approximately 95 percent of the original blued finish remaining. The metal surfaces show only light handling marks and a few very minor corrosion spots, while the markings remain crisp and well defined. The checkered walnut stocks retain their correct Deluxe configuration with capped pistol grip, semi beavertail forend with steel cap, and sling provisions, showing light wear and some softening of the varnish from age but no structural issues. The Pachmayr recoil pad is a later addition that enhances shootability without detracting from the rifle’s imposing presence. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with tight lever lock up and a proper half cock safety, presenting this rifle as an outstanding late production example of Winchester’s most powerful traditional sporting lever action. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!! MF
