Winchester Model 71 Deluxe Like 1886 24″ .348 WCF Lever Rifle, MFD 1958 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,750.00
LSB#: LSB260130RL020
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 47118
Year of Manufacture: 1958
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 and slotted for a hood (none present). The rear sight is a spring leaf semi buckhorn with elevator dovetailed into the barrel. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight (none present). The left side of the receiver has been drilled and tapped for a scope base (none present).
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 integral to the bottom of the forend cap. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is weathered finish loss throughout. The forend has shrunk and gapped by the receiver but is not loose. There is iron staining by the buttplate. There is some wood recession at the forend cap and at the upper tang. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Fair to 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 very light pitting in a few spots. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original finish. There are light scratches and corrosion freckles throughout. There is thinning bluing near the muzzle and leading edges. The loading gate base shows bluing loss. There is operational and handling wear. There is toolmarking on the rear sight and barrel from adjusting. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Fair to 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 represents the final evolution of John Browning’s powerful 1886 action, refined and modernized for 20th century sporting use while retaining the strength that made the original design legendary. Introduced in 1935 and produced in relatively limited numbers, the Model 71 was purpose-built around the .348 Winchester cartridge, a hard-hitting round developed specifically for this rifle and well regarded for its effectiveness on large North American game. By 1958, this Deluxe example reflects the closing years of production, offering the combination of robust construction, smooth lever operation, and refined sporting features that distinguished the Model 71 from earlier heavy-frame Winchesters.
This rifle displays the character of a well-used sporting arm, with approximately 90% of its original blue finish remaining and visible thinning at the muzzle, loading gate, and leading edges. Light scratches, corrosion freckling, and signs of handling are present throughout, along with tool marks at the rear sight consistent with adjustment over time. The Deluxe walnut stock set shows wear commensurate with field use, including compression dents, finish loss, iron staining at the buttplate, and some wood recession at key contact points such as the forend cap and upper tang. The checkering remains visible, and despite shrinkage and minor gaps, the stock is free of cracks and maintains its structural integrity, preserving the distinctive Deluxe configuration with capped pistol grip and semi-beavertail forend.
Mechanically, the rifle remains solid, with correct function, tight lever lockup, and a properly operating half-cock safety. The 24-inch barrel retains a bright bore with sharp rifling, showing only light pitting and fouling, consistent with a moderate level of use. The sighting arrangement remains traditional, with a semi-buckhorn rear and beaded front blade, while the receiver’s factory and additional drilled and tapped provisions allow for period-correct sight or scope options. This Model 71 stands as a representative example of Winchester’s last great big-bore lever action, combining the legacy of the 1886 action with the distinctive performance of the .348 Winchester cartridge. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF