Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 Post-War .348 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1949 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,542.00

LSB#: WY241023DN008

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 71  

Serial Number: 28595

Year of Manufacture: 1949

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 “28595”.

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 dovetail has been filled.  The left side of the receiver is mounted with an adjustable aperture sight.

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 a few scattered compression marks. 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. Overall, the stocks are in Fine 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 9/10.

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. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear.  There is oxidation intermittently throughout the receiver. 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 is a Winchester Model 71 rifle made in 1949. The Model 71 was a continuation of the 1886 design, with a pistol grip, shorter magazine tube and round barrel, produced in only two variants, 24? and 20?. This rifle is chambered in .348 WCF, 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. 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. A model 71 in any condition will likely bring a lot of interest from the Winchester collectors and given this one’s strong bore and mechanics, this rifle will be sure to please! – L.S.