Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 Post-War .348 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,775.00
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 26846
Year of Manufacture: 1948
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 “26846”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a slotted, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The hood has been removed. The rear sight is a folding invertible u/u notch sight, fine adjustable for elevation, dovetailed to the barrel. The receiver has been drilled and tapped for a receiver sight (none installed). The receiver has been drilled and tapped for a side mount scope, the holes have been plugged.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with pistol grip, fluted straight comb, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, and checkered steel buttplate. There are nicks, scratches, compressions, and finish loss intermittently throughout the stock, but concentrated around the rear of the buttstock. 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 generally sharp checkering with wear, finish loss, and spotted corrosion at the heel and toe. There is a drilled out hole in the belly behind the sling stud, offset slightly to the right. Overall, the stocks are in Very 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 some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows general operation wear, scattered oxidation, and thinning on the leading edges. There is finish loss on the bottom of the receiver and muzzle, as well as around the chamber ring. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good 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: None.
Our Assessment: This post-war Winchester Model 71 represents the final evolution of John Browning’s legendary Model 1886 action, refined and strengthened for one of the most powerful lever-action sporting cartridges ever commercially adopted. Introduced in 1935 and produced in relatively limited numbers through the late 1950s, the Model 71 was purpose-built for heavy North American game and serious woods hunting. This 1948 example reflects the mature post-war production period, combining Winchester’s traditional New Haven craftsmanship with the robust handling qualities that made the Model 71 a favorite among guides, Alaskan hunters, and outdoorsmen who demanded absolute reliability.
Chambered in .348 Winchester, the rifle is paired with a 24 inch barrel and two-thirds length tubular magazine, a configuration that balances weight, recoil control, and ballistic performance. Introduced specifically for the Model 71, the .348 WCF was designed to deliver deep penetration and decisive energy on elk, moose, and bear, while still cycling smoothly through a lever-action platform. The bright bore with sharp rifling supports this rifle’s continued viability, and the original iron sight arrangement remains intact, with receiver sight and scope mounting provisions thoughtfully plugged rather than removed, preserving both function and appearance.
Overall, this rifle presents as a well-preserved, honest example retaining approximately 65 percent of its original blued finish, with wear patterns consistent with careful field use rather than neglect. The walnut stocks remain structurally sound and visually appealing, showing only expected handling marks and no cracks, while the metal surfaces display thinning and edge wear appropriate to age. Mechanically sound and clearly marked, this Model 71 stands as a quintessential big-game lever rifle from Winchester Repeating Arms’ golden era, offering both historical significance and enduring mechanical excellence. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
